Question: “I’m a student and I saw a post for a very cheap Canon printer (Cartridge type) similar to the picture below. Since I’ve been saving up for this, is it a good buy? I want to make sure I’m buying something that is budget-friendly but will actually last for many years.”
Answer: Hi there! You did the right thing by researching first. In my 10 years in the printing industry, I’ve seen so many students regret buying the cheapest option because they didn’t look at the long-term costs.
To be honest, I cannot recommend that cartridge-type printer for a student. Here’s why:
The “Cheap Printer” Trap
The problem with basic Canon Pixma models is the operating cost. The printer itself is cheap, but the ink is a different story:
- Ink Price: A Black cartridge is around ₱485, while Color is around ₱985.
- Low Output: One set can only print about 400 pages. Isipin mo, that isn’t even one full ream of bond paper and your ink is already gone! You’ll end up spending more on ink than the printer itself within just a few months.
Why “CISS Conversion” isn’t the Answer
Some people try to save money by having their printers converted to CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) for about ₱1,000–₱1,500. However, sakit lang ito sa ulo for a student:
- Gravity Issues: If you don’t use the printer for a few days, the ink in the hose often retreats. You’ll have to manually “prime” it using a syringe or bring it back to a technician.
- Reliability: These printers weren’t designed for external tanks. Madalas mag-leak or cause fatal errors, which is the last thing you need during finals week!
My Top Recommendation: Original Ink Tank Systems
For a student, the smartest investment is a Factory Ink Tank System. These are printers built by the manufacturer to be refillable from the start.
Why is this the better choice?
- Massive Savings: One full tank can print between 6,000 to 7,000 pages. That’s about 12 to 14 reams of paper before you even need to buy a new bottle!
- Affordable Refills: A full set of original ink bottles only ranges from ₱700–₱1,200. You get way more pages for a much lower price per print.
- Fun Fact: Ink tank printers use specialized pressure-sealed tanks that prevent ink from drying out quickly, making them much more reliable for home use.
Best Budget-Friendly Models for Students:
- Canon PIXMA G1010: Best if you only need to print. It’s very durable and perfect for heavy document printing.
- Epson L121: The classic “student favorite.” It’s compact, reliable, and very easy to maintain.
- Canon PIXMA G2010 (Multifunction): If you have a bit more budget, get this one. It can Print, Scan, and Copy, which is sobrang laking tulong for research projects and IDs.
Final Verdict: Don’t be afraid to spend a little more upfront on an Ink Tank Printer. It will save you thousands of pesos and a lot of stress over your 4 or 5 years in school.
Disclaimer: This advice is based on my 10 years of personal experience in the printing industry. Results may vary depending on how you maintain your machine.