Hello,

I have a Konica Minolta Magicolor 2430DL color laser printer.
I read somewhere (just where I can't remember) that-
1. The usage of the cartridges is only estimated - not actual usage.
2. There is a way of overriding these estimates - to get more out of the cartridges

Can you tell me how to do this?

Thanks,
Leigh

Your printer is not smart enough to know what the "page count" should
be for the toner you install.  It will print until the toner is gone. 
You do not need to "override" anything, but there are several things
that you can do to help you get the most out of your toner cartridge.

1. Use a lower quality print setting

Change the print quality (also referred to as dpi) to a lower setting.
 If you print everything at 600dpi you will get far few pages than if
you print at 300dpi.  There is of course a quality difference, but if
you are only printing text is may not be a big deal.

To change the print quality simply go into the printer's properties
and find the "Print Quality" section.  Depending on your driver you
will be able to change it to a lesser quality level.


2. Be aware of your page density.

The page count rating that is assigned to a cartridge is usually based
at a 5% page coverage.  Meaning that only 5% of the entire area of the
page is covered in print.  This is close to the average for a page of
text.  Obviously printing less stuff on a page will use less ink.

Your specific Toner:
http://onlinehelp.kmprinters.com/CPDocs/q0904037.htm

http://www.cartridgesusa.com/most.html

"To optimize your toner page count, remember, "The darker the print,
the more toner you are using, and the faster your cartridge will run
out". The page count rating by the manufacturer of your toner
cartridge is rated at 5% page coverage. This means optimized print
density, double spaced text only, and letter sized paper. If you
single space your text, you double the page coverage and cut your
rating in half. Using graphics uses tremendous amounts of toner, and
you may get as little as 1/4 of the actual rating if you print
pictures and lots of bold print. On copiers, if you are copying from a
colored paper, and the color from the paper creates a hazy background
on your copy, that haze is toner being used and will minimize your
page count.
Some copiers have an automatic exposure, which automatically optimizes
toner usage. However, it can have some drawbacks. Depending upon the
setting of your auto exposure, if you are mixing bold print and/or
pictures, with normal print text, it may lighten the dark print to
optimize toner usage, but at the same time will cause faded spots in
your normal print areas. If this happens, reverse the autoexposure
control switch inside your machine (see your manual if you don't know
where this is located). This will cause the lightest print to darken
to optimize toner usage, and correct the fading problem. This problem
seems to be more pronounced with remanufactured cartridges using long
life drums. Because the long life drums are a bit less sensitive than
the OEM drum, having the wrong auto exposure setting will fade more
often than with an OEM cartridge.

In laser printers, and copiers that don't have autoexposure, the best
way to optimize is to make a copy of your most often copied type of
material, and lighten the density just until it becomes too light,
then turn it back one increment until it is just dark enough to your
satisfaction. Mark that spot, and you will be able to come back to it
if you have to change it. This will use the least amount of toner
possible with each copy, and will make your cartridge last longer."


3. Squeeze Out Every Last Bit!

http://www.cartridgesusa.com/most.html   (same article as above)

"Most laser printers have an indicator showing when the toner is low
in your machine. When you see this indicator, you should at least have
another cartridge available to replace the existing one. However, you
can run the printer until the print begins to fade. This may occur
after 100 or so copies after the "Toner Low" indicator comes on. If
you really want to milk it, once your print begins to fade, you can
remove the cartridge, and holding it on both sides, rotate it 90
degrees toward you, then away from you. (shake gently) This will bring
up the remaining toner that is lying in the bottom of the hopper and
stick it to the magnetic roller that transports it to the drum. Doing
this could get you another 50 or so copies. When you take this step,
and it doesn't correct the fading, your cartridge is empty...bone
dry."  Get a new one.

I hope that this information will help you get the most out of your
laser printer.  If you require any additional information please let
me know.

Thanks!

The answer was very thorough and helpful. Thank You.