> This may not actually be the case, 'starter' cartridges often have significantly less toner than full-size.

But it definitely is the case. They still haven't exhausted the starter cartridge.

That they haven't gotten to the bottom of the starter cartridge doesn't mean it isn't cheaper to get cartridges than new printers.

If a new printer costs the same as a new cartridge but the cartridge contains twice the toner, then the new printer is twice as expensive. That's true even if they haven't gotten to the bottom of the starter yet. It just means they don't print much.

No one cares about how much ink they have, they care about being able to print what they need to. If the toner expires before you would use it, then it doesn't matter if you're left with a drop or a gallon.

Toner cartridges last for years and years - but even still, a new starter cartridge isn't going to have way way less toner, but enough to change the economics. Some brother FAQ pages say like 66%.

Toner is just a container with little balls of plastic.

Ink, sure, but this conversation was about laser.

> If a new printer costs the same as a new cartridge but the cartridge contains twice the toner, then the new printer is twice as expensive per page. That's true even if they haven't gotten to the bottom of the starter yet.

Who cares? Your bank account can't see your cost per page. It can only see the money you actually spend. Paying additional money for capacity you will never use doesn't save you any money.

Sure assuming you never get to the bottom of a cartridge, but as I mentioned, the difference is about 500 pages. We're talking about buying a new printer + 1000 pages for the same price as buying just 1500 pages. One yields massive quantities of e-waste. The other should be cheaper. If the OP is already at the point of replacing one of these set-ups, then don't they logically print enough to get to the bottom of either a starter cartridge or a full cartridge?! Sorry I'm having trouble following.

Always always research ink costs before buying the printer!

Last time I bought one, Brother was the only brand I would buy, it wasn't even close. I hope they are still as consumer friendly now, because they made me very happy.

I did this for awhile with HP printers. Because I didn't print often enough to use up the starter ink before it dried, it was cheaper to get the $30 printer with starter ink than to spend $20 more on replacement ink. Now I use print services and will be getting a laser printer eventually. And now I also understand the waste problem better.