To create a print in a laser printer, a cartridge is used - a replaceable unit, the main function of which is to store a toner supply - the very powder from which the image is formed on a sheet of paper. The average original cartridge for a laser printer is designed to print two to three thousand prints and costs approximately $ 50 - $ 100.
If the toner runs out in the cartridge, then the user, depending on the printer model, notices this either due to a deterioration in the quality of prints or from the signals of the printer, which recommends, and sometimes even strictly requires, replacing the used cartridge.
So, your printer has run out of cartridge, and you do not have a spare cartridge. If the end of the toner supply in the cartridge has become noticeable in the vertical light stripes on the prints, then you can remove the cartridge from the printer, tap it gently with your finger, and then gently shake it in the horizontal longitudinal direction. The remaining toner will be evenly distributed over the bunker, and you can make dozens more prints on the cartridge.
When the toner supply in the cartridge is completely exhausted, or the printer has stopped working and requires replacing the used cartridge, you will either have to purchase a new cartridge or refill an existing one, if, of course, the latter is possible: there are laser printers, to which is impossible.
Suppose you decide to buy a new cartridge, but you have never done it before. Before purchasing, be sure to find out your printer model. The model name can usually be found on the front or top plane of the printer, and sometimes on the control panel or on the surface of the folding paper tray - in the latter case, lift the tray and read the model name. Unfortunately, a common mistake made by users is to search for the model name on the back of the case near the connector for the power cable. It does not always help to refer to the operating instructions that came with the printer at the time of sale — they sometimes indicate the name of a series of devices, rather than a specific model.
So, you read the model name on the case of your printer and know exactly what it is called. Write this name on paper. Now remove the cartridge from the printer and try to read its model (type) on it. Typically, the cartridge model is written on its body in the largest font, and the name of the cartridge model, with rare exceptions, does not at all resemble the name of the printer from which it was extracted. In some cases, the exact name of the cartridge type cannot be found on its case, and then you will have to buy a cartridge, guided only by the model of the printer. If you still manage to find out the type of cartridge, write it down next to the printer model.
It will be very good if, before contacting the cartridge supplier, you type in the yandex.ru or google.ru search bar the model of your printer and the word "cartridge" with a space. This will be especially useful if you do not know the type of cartridge for your printer. From the search results, you will determine which cartridge matches your printer. Sometimes a search can give conflicting results; in this case, give preference to the option that is most often mentioned in the search results. Read the search results only in Russian, as, for example, the British site may contain information that is incorrect for you about the type of cartridge for the printer: in the UK, most likely, completely different cartridges are used for your printer, and you cannot buy them in Russia.
Now you need to decide which cartridge you will purchase - original or compatible. The original cartridge was made by the printer manufacturer, and the compatible cartridge by anyone, but not the manufacturer. The cost of a compatible cartridge is usually several times lower, and the likelihood of malfunctions during its operation is also higher: these are low-quality prints, crackling, paper jams, and even complete inoperability. In addition, if you plan to subsequently refill the cartridge, it is better not to purchase a compatible one.
If cartridges of both regular and high-capacity are available for your printer, it will be useful to decide before contacting the supplier which one is more suitable for you. To make a decision, use a simple rule: if you plan to refill the cartridge later, then the high-capacity cartridge is not for you. And if you are a principled opponent of refueling and use the printer quite intensively, then it would be advisable to purchase a large-capacity cartridge.
And now, when you all know about your future cartridge, find out the approximate price for it from the suppliers of your city. This additionally guarantees you the purchase of exactly the cartridge that you need, as well as avoiding unnecessary costs. Type in the phrase "(type of your cartridge) buy in (your city)" in the yandex or google search bar or visit computer store sites. Focus only on well-known or familiar retail stores or online stores.
Have a good shopping!