Sue,
I think (well at least sometimes) that the question you really need to
ask is how many sheets of paper are consumed in a month. As with any
printing device the number of pages per cartridge or ribbon depends on
the quality of print. Apple will tell you how many pages per cartridge
at which print quality. I assume the other companies will do the same.
Are you planning on getting color printers so that students can
print our graphics. If so, your cartridges will be used up a
great deal faster than if only used for text. I know - our second
grade students are printing out copies of the flags of South
American countries. Sometimes I feel that I am always changing the cartridge
on our Color Stylewriter pro in the library where this printing is done.
Initial outlay for a laser printer at our public school is prohibitive,
but I understand that in the long run this kind of printer is most cost
effective.
Rona King
Computer Coordinator
Audubon Montessori School
email: audumont@wave.tcs.tulane.edu