Lexmark's printers are either laser printers, which use a powdered toner in a large cartridge, or inkjet printers, which use a water-based liquid ink in small inkjet cartridges. Of the two, toner cartridges cost more, but print more pages than the less-expensive inkjet cartridges. Both types come in color and black.

New printers sometimes come with a starter cartridge, which contains less ink or toner than regular cartridges. Lexmark printers also have software to automatically alert you of low ink or toner levels. Find the correct type of cartridge or cartridges you need and then purchase one of several kinds:

1. Genuine Lexmark toners and ink cartridges, also known as OEM cartridges

2. Cartridges compatible with Lexmark printers but made by another manufacturer

3. Lexmark ink and toner refill kits to refill your existing cartridges

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify the correct Lexmark laser cartridge for your printer

You have two options when you buy a new Lexmark ink or toner cartridge for most models of Lexmark printers: regular cartridges, or high yield cartridges which print more pages than regular ones. Lexmark color laser printers use 4 colors: black, cyan, magenta and yellow. Inkjet printers use the smaller inkjet cartridges, and color printers have a black cartridge and a color one.

I recommend: Use Lexmark International, Inc.'s Cartridge Finder to find the right cartridge for your printer. Select your printer model or the model of the cartridge, including OEM and remanufactured cartridges, at 4inkjets.com. You can purchase genuine Lexmark ink and toner from both of these sites.

Save money with a compatible Lexmark toner cartridge or ink cartridge

Lexmark recommends using only genuine Lexmark cartridges in their machines. However, makers of remanufactured cartridges guarantee their products and some claim their ink provides better quality than the Lexmark brand.

I recommend: Abcink.com promises low prices and free shipping for OEM and remanufactured ink and toners for Lexmark printers. Purchase OEM cartridges and other printer accessories at BlueDogInk.com, where you can get online assistance from a staff member.

Reduce costs for Lexmark toner cartridges and ink cartridges

When you buy a Lexmark toner refill kit, you may need to purchase a separate tool to make a hole in the cartridge. You can buy inkjet refill kits with the tools. Another way to save money is to buy in bulk when you need ink or toner.

I recommend: 123refills.net sells Lexmark toner, ink refills and bulk ink. Purchase remanufactured cartridges and refill kits with illustrated instructions at Inkjetcartridge.com, where you can order online or by toll-free telephone number.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Replace or refill Lexmark ink cartridges before they get completely empty; an empty ink cartridge can damage your printer.
• •  Store color ink cartridges upright, not sideways, or the colors mix together.