"Remaining ink is low": Who are they kidding?

[brian.austin]

From the dozens of laser printers I've supported in the past, I've found that the "low toner" warning generally comes on between 40 and 30% capacity remaining. Depending on use, this can last quite a while.

As someone else mentioned, the only thing it really does for me is cause me to check my spare inventory. Nothing gets changed until it runs OUT. Same with inkjets. No issues with "airlock" or whatever with dozens of those and thousands of pages.

Yes, the ink and toner market is a ripoff for the average consumer, with markups of hundreds of percent. It's not about what it COSTS but what the market will bear. When more people switch over to generics, refills or bulk systems, the market will adjust. Part of the issue there is that the printer companies keep changing the cartridge technology along the way.

I don't print enough to do this at home. I've got a cheap B&W laser printer for everyday stuff. Any photo printing gets done through Mpix or Sam's Club. Less hassle.

[Kozee]

Wow if I am seeing this right this is an older thread that continues. But nice to see all the responses.
If this info helps anyone.I have an epson R1800 and there is an update for "some" Epson printers to stop giving the low ink warning so soon. Since epson was sued and lost a class action law suit a couple of years ago for this very issue.

[Dennis Brown]

I also own an Epson R1800 printer and get "spot on" prints by adhering to the following rules:
1. Calibrate your monitor on a monthly basis;
2. Download the paper profile from the Epson website for the paper you are using;
3. If you are using Photoshop, select "Let Photoshop determine colors" rather than the printer;
4. In the Photoshop print dialog box make certain that the paper profile you downloaded from Epson is selected;
5. Make certain to turn the printer's own color management "off."

This whole process is detailed in Scott Kelby's, The Photoshop CS2 Book for digital Photographers (He may also have an updated version in his new book focusing on Photoshop CS3).
This may sound radical: If Epson does not have a profile for the paper you are using, do one of the following:
1. Switch to a paper for which there is a profile (I did this and switched from no name paper to Ilford Smooth Pearl Paper;
2. Have a custom profile made for the paper you are using (This can be expensive).

Aloha from the Big Island