Yeah.... even with heavy usage, toners can last for a pretty
long time.
My printer uses up ink prodigiously thanks to the huge load of
notes, research papers, etc etc that I need to print out regularly.
A genuine Canon cartridge sets me back by $11... and I have to use
up about six black catridges and one colour cartridge in any given
semester. 
As a result I've had to turn to third-party ink.... I can get a set
of four black cartridges and two colour cartridges for just $20.
The quality of the printouts is slightly reduced, but it's good
enough for me.
