answer:Using generic brand names will reduce the life of the printer, you might find that you will have to replace the printer within a year if you do not use Printer Brand cartridges. Perhaps it might be better to print in “draft” mode for general information that is not shared by others, otherwise, get a cheaper printer that doesn’t have so many options. I’ve got a combo HP printer/scanner and a secondary HP printer. The second printer is an early model and the cost of the cartridge is half that of the combo model. I use the scan mode for photos and documents then select the secondary printer, to print. The combo model still needs the cartridges inserted to operate but they don’t need to be full.