Where can I get cheap laser printer toner?

[NestEggChick]

It's the same old story: the "real" Samsung printer toner is $90 per cartridge and the "compatible" no-names are more like $30. Obviously I'd rather get the less expensive ones. But I know those knock-offs can damage printers so I'm wondering if any of you have experience with this and if so, which ones would you recommend using/avoiding? Thanks!

[ketchup]

I've tried a few and never had success.  Toner and batteries/chargers (laptops, cameras, etc.) are two things for which I will 100% avoid the knockoff brands.

One thing I will recommend though is if you have a printer that has drums that "age out" due to page count and need to be replaced, you can usually trick them into thinking they are new again with a cheap "chip" (<$10) and they'll be good for another full cycle or two.

[NestEggChick]

Thanks ketchup! We seem to be on the same page here and also on my Android phone thread :) I'm guessing there's no good knock-off toner, but I thought I'd ask. Thanks for the tip about the chip! This is a new printer (I'm just finishing off the toner that came with it!) so I shouldn't need that trick for a while, but I'm making a note for when I do :)

[ketchup]

Thanks ketchup! We seem to be on the same page here and also on my Android phone thread :) I'm guessing there's no good knock-off toner, but I thought I'd ask. Thanks for the tip about the chip! This is a new printer (I'm just finishing off the toner that came with it!) so I shouldn't need that trick for a while, but I'm making a note for when I do :)

The silver lining is at least that the "real" toner cartridge will last a lot longer than the "starter" one they give you with a new printer.  Sometimes those can be a real joke (<100 pages).  Cost per print tends to be very low on a laser printer, but when you do need toner it can sting.

I work in IT, and I can safely say that all printers (even the fancy ones) are evil though, so never forget that.  And they only break a week after you just stocked up on some consumable (like when I had a car's engine blow a few miles after gassing up...).

[Jellyfish]

The last time I used knock off toner it "killed" my printer. It never worked right again.  Ultimately had to buy a new printer, so from now on I will suck it up and buy the branded ink cartridges.  I occasionally have luck buying them in bulk on Amazon for cheaper than in the big box stores.

[sol]

My knock-off laser printer toner cartridges from amazon have been totally fine.  Read the reviews, get one that has a few thousand people recommending it.

[Bimmy]

When my toner says its low- I take out the toner cartridge and shake it. This somehow extends its life. I assume the sensor can't "see" all the toner (until I shake it).

When I need to buy- its a generic from Amazon. No problems here with their generics.

[CptCool]

I agree with sol - just get one that is well reviewed. I've never had a problem with the cheap refilled toner I buy for ~$15

[NestEggChick]

Thanks everyone! It's really interesting to see the range of experiences here.