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

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

Refusing to come back to work

Open/download audio

Is return to office looming for remote workers? Amazon and Disney workers aren’t liking that idea one bit. Here are the details, in 60 seconds.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

The pandemic brought many unfortunate changes, but not everything was terrible. One significant change was the emergence of remote work. While many thought this was temporary, it appears the remote worker is here to stay. Tap or click for ways to manage remote workers.

Continue reading

FBI warning: Avoid these Microsoft and Google scams

Google and Microsoft are taking bold stances in the face of the coronavirus outbreak. Rather than upcharge customers forced to work from home, they’re actually offering their premium business services for free. This makes it easier for employees to operate remotely across the country.

Continue reading