[Karunamon]

I get where you're coming from, but this concept you take issue with goes by another name: "due diligence"

I'd even argue that selling a cheap ~$50 printer and then expecting to make it back on consumables is a legitimate business model. If you're the kind of person who prints once in a blue moon, it makes more sense than buying a ~$200 laser printer.

Printers are generally expensive and generally last a few years. They're not casual, off-the-cuff purchases. Much like a computer, they are a precision machine, but with many more moving parts. I really don't believe it's unreasonable to do a couple hours worth of research on something that'll be in your home or office, possibly doing Important Serious Business Things, for years.

[mjevans]

Actually if you print that infrequently you'd probably be better off with one of those 'office stores' as a print service.