I previously posted about a $50 (wireless!) laser printer I purchased (Brother 2170W).  I’ve been very happy with its printing, and it continues to please.  Today the printer initial toner cartridge ran out (we’ve been printing quite a bit to it).  The printer shines a laser through a little window on one side of the toner, which goes through the toner powder area, out another little window, and into a sensor.

In shaking the toner cartridge back and forth, it was obvious that it had more toner.  So even though the toner powder was below the laser line, there was still plenty in there for a few more pages.  So, taking an idea from a discussion group, I placed black electrical tape over the window.  I put the toner back into the machine, and it’s been printing like a champ ever since.

We’ll see how long it prints goes before the toner really starts to run out, but once again, I love the simplicity of the printer.  So far I’m quite a few pages into its extended life.  New toner: $50 vs. black electrical tape: $0.05!  Easy math for me.