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Can't find printer ink? Blame the chip shortage
Computer chips are used in almost anything electronically powered, ranging from handheld devices to kitchen appliances and everything in between. But the global pandemic has caused a significant shortage, and the automotive industry has been hit especially hard.
The semiconductor industry had already been somewhat wobbly before the pandemic. But as working-from-home started to gain traction, more remote workers required better equipment. This created an initial run for tech and gadgets, and manufacturers couldn’t keep up.
The shortage has rippled around the globe, and it might be with us for a while. Read on to find out how the scarcity of semiconductors is affecting printer cartridges.
Here’s the backstory
Depending on the type of printer you have, the manufacturer might have put some anti-piracy steps in place. Printer ink is notoriously expensive.
In most cases, a physical printer is seen as a one-time purchase and is often sold at low costs. Ink cartridges are a significant expense and need to be replaced regularly. To prevent unauthorized or third-party (and more affordable) cartridges from being used, makers insert special chips so printers can detect authenticity.
If the chip isn’t present or gives off the wrong information, the printer will refuse to accept the cartridge. This will often lead to the printer not working, and you won’t be able to scan a document.
But the chip shortage has derailed those prevention methods, causing manufacturers like Canon to concede. Canon has been forced to sell cartridges without the authentication chips for certain models in some regions, creating a different headache for users.
The models that can accept chip-free cartridges are:
- imageRUNNER
- 1435i/1435iF
- 2625i/2630i/2645i
- C1325iF/1335iF
- C3025i, C3125i and C3226i
- imageRUNNER ADVANCE
- 4525i/4535i/4545i/4551i, II and III
- C250i/350i/C351iF
- C255i/C355i/C355iF/C256i/356i
- C256i/356i II and III
- C3320i/3325i/3330i
- C3520i/3525i/3530i, II and III
- C5535i/5540i/5550i/5560i, II and III
- DX 4725i/4735i/4745i/4751i
- DX 6000i, C257i/C357i
- C3720i/3725i/3730i
- DX C3822i/3826i/3830i/3835i
- DX C5735i/5740i/5750i/5760i
What you can do about it
Review: SideTrak Solo portable monitor
I remember long ago when having a single computer monitor for work was common. Thinking back, I’m not sure how I was ever productive in those days.
Having at least two monitors has become commonplace at the office. I actually prefer having at least three.
Another reason to RTO: Remote workers are turning to apps like The Breakfast to make new friends IRL, get a bite to eat and leave the house (paywall link). Turns out, WFH is pretty lonely. Share this with someone who does.
29% of remote workers are logging in from a vacation destination
And doing it without telling their bosses. If there’s no explicit rule against it at your company, it’s fair game to work from wherever you want. But calling in from Margaritaville? You may not be telling, but your new tan and conveniently blurred background are dead giveaways.
Looking for a change? Check this site to find cities that will pay you to move
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