[Tijdreiziger]

But the starter cartridges are probably only partially filled.

[theandrewbailey]

Does it really matter if you're only printing a dozen or so pages a year? They might dry out before going completely empty.

[nirimda]

But if you bought full cartridges they would be expired or clogged before you half-used them.

[MerelyMortal]

They are these days, but did printers always used to come with "starter cartridges"?