Generally speaking the toner is good until used...
It has a much longer shelf/open life than an open inkjet cart.

OTOH, it can (and does) pack down if not used "enough"...
My older model ML-1710 has a rod running through
the center of the toner (side to side) that "stirs" it and helps
distribute it inside the cartridge. Even that did not help.

OTOOH, I am currently using a mixture of "generic" Xerox
toner, mixed with reclaimed HP-4L toner, and some residual
factory "original" toner...  So mine might pack down a little
different than normal... <grin>
(I figured trying this "work-around" was worth the $80 cost
of a new toner cart since I had some loose toner powder
laying around...) The ML-1710 is VERY easy to re-fill,
but a little messy unless you are real careful... (Wear a dust mask.)

                                   Rick Glazier

From: "Anne" <[log in to unmask]>
Thanks to everyone who advised me, on this news group
and by personal e-mail , about a good printer to buy.
I've ended up with a Samsung ML-1740 laser which came
with enough toner to print 1,000 copies.

What I would like to know is this:  Is there a longevity to
toner as there is to ink jets that dry up on you?  I've looked
in the user manual and googled it, but the answers only
address longevity as to how many copies a cartridge will
make.  I would like to know if toner ever becomes unusable
because it will take me years to run 1,000 copies.

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