> Just got a Brother printer-scanner-copier-fax combo, model is MFC-495CW, so 
if 
> anybody has comments or recommendations from experience, I am all ears. 
> 
> Here is my model: 
> 
> https://support.brother.com/g/b/spec.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=mfc495cw_all
> 
> I don't have a lot of money to spend (much less to waste) on printer 
> cartridges, for example. (A couple years ago I bought a 12-pack of HP 
> cartridges for my old HP 825c, but before I could actually use them, the ink 
> dried up! I don't want to go through that again.) 
> 
> I managed to download the drivers for Debian, the product manual, researched 
> everything I could think of, but now it comes to spending my last few bucks 
> (literally) on the second-most expensive substance* known in human history, 
> so I hesitate before using my debit card. 
> 
> [* laser toner refills are more expensive than refills for inkjet]
> 
> Brother, of course, "strongly recommends" not to use third-party, or 
> refillable cartridges, etc., but I don't have a warranty, anyway, as I got 
> this thing used. 
> 
> Has anybody else tried the third-party replacement cartridges or 
refillables? 
> 
> I'll have more questions about set-up, I'm sure, once I get my cartridges. 
> Everything seems to work fine, except for no ink. 
> 
> Bill 
> 
> 
> 
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
My experience with brother is they are well supported under linux and 
print/scan well. HOWEVER (insert shocking and dramatic music here), they go 
through inkjet cartridges like mad. 

A laser printer is always better because, whilst the cartridges are more 
expensive, they last longer and print more. I have an HP 1320N printer. I 
bought 2 ink cartridges 7 years ago. The first one lasted 5 years. The second 
one is on it's 2nd year. I print at least every other day. 

I also have a Brother mfc-j615w. Another network printer. It's great, HOWEVER 
(insert even more shocking and dramatic music here) the new ink carts only 
lasted a week. They sell them cheap in bulk but I would have to buy about 
about $100 worth to last a few months. 

I will never buy an inkjet (most inkjets I have were $1 purchased at yard 
sales or were given to me). I would rather save up and get a laser jet. 
Better overall investment.

I don't know if that helps but that is my experience. 

(Kate hops off her soapbox, bows, turns and disappears into the mysterious 
fog)