The Dell 5350dn is a 50 pound monochrome laser printer that reportedly prints at up to a Memjet-like 50 pages per minute. It comes with 128 MB of built-in memory, with the option to add another 512 MB, and if you buy all the available paper trays, the printer can hold up to 4,300 sheets.

Printer Specifications: Dell 5350dn Laser Printer
	At a Glance: Monochrome Laser Printer best for medium to large offices. MSRP: $1,519 Recommended Paper: 8.5”x11” Laser Paper Toner Cartridges: Dell 5350dn Black Toner
	Notable Features:		Reported print speed of up to 50 ppm, 128 MB standard memory (plus up to 512 MB optional memory), up to 4,300 sheet input capacity, auto-duplexing, Ethernet
	Max Printing Speed:		up to 50 pages/min (B/W)
	Resolution:		600×600 dpi (printer default), 1200×1200 dpi (maximum)
	Cartridge Yield:		7,000 pages (C605T, G310T), 21,000 pages (J237T, K327T), 30,000 pages (F33VD, JN4WK)
	Paper Capacity:		550 sheets (standard tray), 100 sheets (multipurpose tray), 4,300 sheets (maximum, w/ all options)
	Cost Per Page (OEM):		2 cents per page (C605T), 2.9 cents per page (G310T), 1.4 cents per page (J237T), 2 cents per page (K327T), 1.4 cents per page (F33VD), 1 cent per page (JN4WK)
	Cost Per Page (Compatible):		N/A
	Connectivity:		Ethernet, USB, memory expansion slot, 1 available internal solution port
	Compatibility:		Mac, Windows, Linux, Unix
	Max Media Size:		N/A
	Dimensions:		16.8”x16.7”x20.1”
	Weight:		50.7 lbs.

For centuries, mankind has debated whether there’s such a thing as reincarnation. But while we may never know the answer when it comes to living beings, we do know that more and more empty printer ink cartridges are being cleaned, inspected, refilled, and reincarnated as remanufactured ink cartridges. These recycled cartridges help reduce solid waste, and they’re more affordable than they were when they were new. But it’s not the big printer and ink OEMs like HP, Canon, Epson and Lexmark that make and sell remanufactured cartridges – it’s independent companies that undercut the high-priced OEM ink and toner cartridges. That’s why it’s newsworthy that a notable OEM like Dell has partnered with green branding and marketing firm NextLife to offer NextLife remanufactured ink cartridges. According to NextLife, these cartridges “have a 30% lower carbon footprint than newly manufactured cartridges” with a “higher percentage of recycled content than competitors: 43% – 62% is reclaimed materials.” In addition, NextLife ink cartridge packaging features “50% post-consumer waste and is 100% recyclable.”

What’s interesting to me is that Dell is selling remanufactured ink cartridges for HP, Canon, Epson and Lexmark printers, but not for Dell printers. It makes sense because the economic outlook is good for remanufactured cartridges, eco-friendliness is in vogue, and Dell is undercutting its competitors without undercutting its own OEM ink cartridges. That said, after a quick glance at some of the NextLife cartridges on the Dell website, the prices don’t seem much lower than their OEM counterparts, and they’re notably higher than remanufactured cartridges from other third party companies. One example is the Lexmark 16 Black Ink Cartridge (10N0016). The OEM version goes for $32.99, while the NextLife version costs $29.99. But if you want to go green and save green, you can get the same basic remanufactured ink cartridge for a lot less from a more established vendor. NextLife claims that its remanufactured cartridges have a higher page yield than the competition, although the reliability of cartridge yield numbers is open to debate.

Personally, I’m interested in seeing how HP, Canon, Epson and Lexmark respond to Dell’s new product. HP has been especially vocal in questioning the reliability and print quality of third party remanufactured cartridges, although I suspect that it has more to do with the notably lower prices than any indisputable evidence. My guess is that the four OEMs won’t be as worried about NextLife cartridges because they won’t pose as much of a threat in terms of price. It seems that NextLife will rely more on its green branding, as well as a 21 day money back guarantee. But will the strategy work? In the end, it could all depend on whether NextLife ink can gain the trust of the public over cheaper alternatives without waking the sleeping OEMs.

As we noted over a year ago, HP has its Planet Partners Program where you can bring empty cartridges into your local retail store to get recycled, then buy replacement cartridges to take home. But for those looking to streamline the recycling and replacement process from the comfort of their computer, Dell has a new InkSave Program where you can sign up, specify your printer, and order multiple packs of cartridges that come with prepaid envelopes. When a cartridge runs out, you send it back in one of the envelopes to Dell, and the company mails you replacements for which you’re automatically billed.

Overall, it seems like the manufacturer and consumers mutually benefit from InkSave. Dell builds brand allegiance through a convenient automated system, and consumers save the time and gas required to make repeated trips to the store. In fact, PCMag.com compares InkSave to the successful Netflix model, and I think it’s an apt analogy.

All that said, I’d still advise businesses and individuals alike to comparison shop for ink and toner, especially in these economic conditions. Remember that the prices for InkSave are set by Dell, and that you may be able to save money and still go green when you buy or refill cartridges with third party companies and retailers. In any case, InkSave proves that the printing industry is paying more attention to consumers looking to have their cake and eat it too.

(Photo via Morguefile)

Eric Benderoff of the Chicago Tribune pulls no punches in his article entitled Dell’s Wasabi Printer loses on price and quality, immediately referring to the new model as a “knock-off” of the PoGo Photo Printer. Benderoff does concede that the WASABI comes in different colors, it works well with a digital camera, and it can hold 12 sheets of paper compared to the PoGo’s 10. However, images can be difficult to print from camera phones, and the Bluetooth connection isn’t always dependable. So while the WASABI may have the edge in style and paper capacity, Benderoff considers the Polaroid PoGo a better overall value.

Leonard Goh of Crave looks at the WASABI PZ310 on its own as opposed to comparing it to the PoGo, and he reports that it’s “light and compact” enough to easily fit into the pocket of your jeans. Goh also notes that the battery lasts for around 15 photos before it needs a recharge, which seems a bit too short to him. Image transfer speed via Bluetooth will depend on which camera phone you use, and print speed comes out to about 40 seconds per photo. Count Goh as someone with a deeper appreciation for the see-through case, as he notes that it “gives you an idea of how much paper is left in the gadget.”

So what can we conclude from these initial looks at the Dell WASABI PZ310? Generally speaking, it seems like a functional product that should do well with teens and young adults. However, the WASABI may have some trouble matching the performance and price of the Polaroid PoGo Photo Printer. As a result, the fate of Dell’s compelling upstart may ultimately depend on whether consumers value style over substance.

Just like the PoGo Photo Printer and the PoGo Digital Camera-Printer, the WASABI uses inkless ZINK printing technology to put images onto 2”x3” sticky back photo paper. As we’ve mentioned before, the ink actually resides in crystals embedded in the paper itself. Heat from the printer activates the crystals to bring out the colors and form the image.

The WASABI PZ310 measures 4.8”x2.9”x0.9” and weighs 8 ounces. In addition, Bluetooth and PictBridge USB connectivity give you the flexibility to print from your computer, camera phone, or digital camera. So based on the spec sheet and identical $149 initial MSRPs, there isn’t much that distinguishes the WASABI from the PoGo Photo Printer in terms of portability, value and functionality.

The real difference seems to lie in the aesthetics. While the PoGo printer looks like an unassuming little black box, the WASABI PZ310 features a sleek design with a transparent cover tinted in your choice of 3 colors. Look for convenience, performance and feel to ultimately determine which printer gets the edge when the experts test them.

Buy high-yield compatible toner for your Dell Color Laser 5110cn from LD Products and you get 2 key benefits:

• Low cost per page - Good shoppers know that buying in bulk saves you money. These high-yield cartridges last longer and cost less on a per page basis, saving you money today and in the long-run.
• Low Price - You can buy high-yield cartridges elsewhere, but you can’t beat our prices. For the same page yield, you can save up to 11% on high-yield Black toner and 39% on each high-yield Color toner cartridge compared to original Dell high-yield toner cartridges.

We also sell Refurbished standard-yield toner cartridges, which are basically original Dell OEM cartridges enhanced by a professional for optimal performance. It’s like having a band of mechanics come over to soup up your ride, only better.

Remember: laser toner often costs less than ink and we offer you everyday low prices on our high-quality products. So buy toner cartridges for your Dell Color Laser 5110cn and double-dip to your heart’s content.