Computers are very intelligent. Like pets, they try to tell us when they need something, but like our pets, trying to determine exactly what it is that they need, can sometimes be a guessing game. If your desktop gets a message from the printer saying “ink cartridge is low”, or “check ink” sounds clear cut enough, but then again what if you don’t know how? The user might wonder where do ink cartridges reside. How do I change it? Not to mention, “What kind of ink do I need”? These and more are all valid questions one would ask themselves when resolving computer software or hardware issues.

Trying to chosse printer ink can be a challenge. There are so many ink brands and printer variationst that the customer is often overwhelmed by all the options. Your also think about where to order from, “Should I order from an office supply store or online? The shelves and websites are over run with cartridges for ink jet printers and laser printers; ink for Canon’s and Epson’s, and Dell’s; black or colored ink; new or refilled ink cartridges-the list is endless. Until you are familiar with the cartridges you need, visiting a local office supply store (where there are clerks to help you with your selection) may be your best bet.

To find suitable ink cartridges you must first know your printer. Check out the user manual that came with the printer and jot down the make and model number. Read the directions in the manual on how to locate, remove and replace ink cartridges. Take the detached cartridge with you to an office supply store so they can help you. This will be helpful to the clerk because if you are unable to locate the correct cartridge on your own, furthermore, some stores take expended cartridges in exchange for a discount to your purchase price.

Once you have gathered the information needed, and have your old cartridge in hand, it is time to head to the office supply store. After you find the ink cartridges at the store, weigh your options and compare prices. It may not be cost effective to buy the single cartridge that you need. Often times, stores offer great discounts on multi-pack cartridges. What’s greater is two color ink cartridge packages often come with free black cartridges, free paper, and even buy-one-get-one-free specials. Some stores offer rebates, credit cards, or vip member cards that ultimately reduce the cost associated with doing your own printing. These specials will help you in the long run because there is nothing worse than running out of ink when you really need it.

When you return with your purchase, review the directions in your user’s manual before installing the new cartridge. Once you have installed the cartridges a few time, you can waive using the manual again. Be sure to complete any rebate forms from the receipt as well as make sure the ink cartridges work well with your printer.

A UK company, PrintDreams, is currently preparing the release of a new product called the PrintBrush. The handheld printer is said to be the smallest printing device in the world and can print full size formats (A4 or letter size). It’s about the size of a modern mobile phone and weighs in at roughly 12 ounces. The device uses Bluetooth technology to receive documents from a variety of mobile devices. Then, you simply move your hand above the media and the PrintBrush gets to work, accounting for inconsistencies in your hand movement in the process.

According to their website, the PrintBrush will rival normal printers and other mobile printers for a variety of reasons. For example, the device will be able to print onto any media it can reach, meaning items like notebooks and other papers which couldn’t typically be fed through a normal printer. Additionally, PrintDreams claims their product runs silently, allowing for discrete use, and uses no messy cables. No word on printer ink yet, though.

The printer will be an ideal product for people on the go. Students could potentially use the PrintBrush to print documents and notes in between classes (or even in class).  And the printer has lots of business applications. Imagine editing and printing a contract out for a client in the middle of a restaurant, or being able to print out notes for an important meeting in the cab on the way to work.

Some preliminary product specifications, according to the manufacturer:

• Resolution: 600dpi monochrome

• Print technology: inkjet and RMPT™ Full

• Max. speed: 250mm/sec

• Volume: Approx. 200cc

• Weight: Approx. 250gm

• Interfaces: USB 2.0, Bluetooth, IRda

• Power supply: rechargable Li-Ion battery

PrintDreams says the PrintBrush will launch at the end of this year, or possible early next year. The preliminary retail price will be roughly $199 USD. Take look here.

· I am trying to print in color but it only prints in one color. What can I do to fix this?

Oftentimes, when a printer printer sits without being used for a long time, it can cause the cartridge nozzle to dry up. Which can cause the cartridge not to print or to skew colors. The best way to solve this problem is by Soaking the cartridge. *ONLY for remanufactured ink cartridges

· How much printer ink is in a remanufactured cartridge compared to a name cartridge?

Many companies’ compatible and remanufactured cartridges are weighed out to match the specifications of a genuine cartridge. Make sure your vendors weigh the cartridges to ensure that the remanufactured and compatible cartridges match the weight of a genuine cartridge.

· If I buy remanufactured ink cartridges, how long can I keep them without opening them?

Most products have a shelf life of about one year. Once you are ready to use the cartridge, if you notice that the prints are faded or streaked it might not necessarily mean the cartridge cannot be used. The problem could be a clogged nozzle. The best way to solve this problem is by soaking the cartridge.

· What is a printer driver and why do I need one?

A printer driver is software that acts as a translator so that the printer can understand data and instructions from your computer. The driver describes the text, image, etc. to be printed and translates it into the printer language of the printer. You need a printer driver to print.

You can use the driver to change printer settings such as color and the paper size.

You should update your printer driver on a regular basis because having the latest printer drivers installed will greatly improve your printer’s performance.

· How can I setup my printer on a network?

When adding a printer the Add Printer Wizard will ask you to select a printer, select Connect to This Printer and enter the name of the network printer. If you don’t know the name, select Browse for a Printer to search through a list of shared printers.

If the network printer uses an Internet address, select Connect to a printer on the Internet and enter the address in the URL box. The Add Printer Wizard will guide you through the installation process.

· How do I update my printer driver?

The majority of printer manufacturers provide current drivers on their websites for free.

Updating Instructions:

1. Click on Start and scroll to Settings or Control Panel (depending on your version of Windows)
2. Select Printers folder
3. Right-click the printer whose driver you wish to update.
4. Scroll down to Properties and then click the Details or Advanced tab. Click on New Driver.
5. If a warning box pops up, click Yes.
6. Click Have Disk, and click Browse to get to the folder containing your updated drivers.
7. Follow the on-screen directions to install. (It’s best to reboot your computer when your installation is finished).