My Laserjet 6P 1998-2011, R.I.P.

Well, it's almost dead I assume, it still prints, but it is obviously on it's last legs.  I typically tell people that the best printer to buy are laser printers.  They have better quality, are cheaper over the long haul and more importantly, good ones last seemingly forever.  My poster child for this claim is dying on me.  I love this printer so much it pains me to take it out.  Anyway, get yourself a good laser printer and you will be so happy.  Just beware of the government....

Are you aware that all color laser printers print a secret code in the background when you print anything that is not text?  The code is a series of yellow dots in the background.  This was never really a complete secret, but has made the mainstream press now.  The secret code is courtesy of the federal government and the secret service desire to track down those who counterfeit money.  New printers have stunning capabilities, a trait not lost on counterfeiters or the government.  As a result, printer manufacturers have put in the secret code that allows the government to track down the printer down to the owner.   For more information check out the article from PCWorld.