Are there printers that use just one b/w ink cartridge and one color cartridge at the same time?

I want to buy a non-expensive inkjet printer and I keep hearing of printers with 4 cartridges, etc. Where I used to work, the printer only had two cartridges, one b/w and one color. I forgot the name of that printer. Wouldn’t this kind of printer be a better option (less ink to buy)? Or am I wrong? Please suggest any that you like. Thanks.

First, a printer with 3 colors on one cartridge would be more expensive. If you ran out of one color, you’d have to replace all three. Separate colors is a much better option which is why almost all new printers have this feature.

Now if you’re looking for a printer which is 1) inexpensive 2) reliable 3) backed by a good warranty and 4) uses inexpensive ink, look at the Epson NX200 scanner/copier/printer currently available at Officemax for $40, down from $80 – no rebate needed. I just picked one up for my dad and another for my sister.

http://officemax.shoplocal.com/officemax/Default.aspx?action=browsepagedetail&storeid=2420265&rapid=686932&listingid=-2089889110&pretailerid=-99861

I have been recommending and using Epson for many years for the 4 reasons I mentioned.

The best warranty in the industry. For a year, Epson will express-ship a replacement and pick up the old one.

I get cartridges for my Epsons from http://ccs-digital.com for under $3 each which hold 50% more ink than standard cartridges.