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Isn't it funny you can pick up a decent printer for about $50 these days, but replacing ink for it could easily set you back almost that amount?

Perhaps it's the old "razor and blade" analogy -- these companies practically give away the hardware because they know you must buy ink over the years.

Well, here's a couple of random tips to prevent your ink -- and wallet -- from running dry:

• If you're looking to print a couple of dozen photos, drop off your memory card at a photo mat (like we used to do with film), use one of those kiosks at the mall or email your photos to one of those services that prints them and sends them to your door. In most cases, it's only a few cents per image so don't print off bulk photos at home or else it will cost an arm and a leg.

• Similarly, try to practice "selective printing" -- really try to decide what you want in paper form and what you can live with just on your computer. If you look through your photo album, you'll probably realize you didn't need to print off every one. Be selective. Only pick the best of the best for your photo album or wallet. The rest you can email, upload to Facebook, save as wallpaper or do fun things like create jigsaw puzzles with them.

• Stick with brand name ink. While it will cost more than the no-name ink, it will last longer and your photos will last longer too. Plus, cheap ink has been known to dry directly on the printer heads which can cause performance problems.

• Replacement cartridges for ink are a good idea to keep on hand but make sure they're in a sealed container or "zip-lock" bag so no air can prematurely dry it up.

• If you're printing an article from a website, look for the "Print" button on the page as it will reduce the amount of graphics and banner advertising around the article itself.

• Finally, before you print a photo, document or from a website, select "Print Preview" from the File tab to see what it will look like when printed so that you can catch mistakes before wasting ink. You can also choose to print websites in grayscale only, if your color cartridge is running dry.

- Marc

Marc Saltzman is one of North America's most recognized tech journalists, bloggers and television personalities.

Specializing in consumer electronics, interactive entertainment and online trends, Marc currently contributes to more than 50 high-profile publications, including a syndicated column with Gannett ContentOne (85 newspapers), USA Today, CNN.com, Costco Connection, AARP - The Magazine, Yahoo!, MSN and his blog, Sync.

Marc, who is best-known for translating "geek speak into street speak," has also authored 14 books and hosts CNN's "Tech Time" and the "Gear Guide" video segment that airs before the film starts at Cineplex and IMAX movie theaters across Canada.