Printer having one or more print cartridges installed during manufacture

A printer comprising:

• a housing having a stationary portion and a movable portion movable between a first position and a second position;
• a carrier movably mounted within said housing;
• at least one print cartridge removably mounted within said carrier;
• and
• a holding mechanism comprising a retaining arm fixedly coupled to said movable housing portion, said retaining arm being adapted to engage said carrier when said movable housing portion is in its second position and to disengage said carrier when said movable housing portion is in its first position, said retaining arm maintaining said carrier and said print cartridge in a desired position within said housing when said retaining arm engages said carrier;
• and
• wherein said movable housing portion comprises a first end pivotally coupled to said stationary housing portion, a second end located opposite said first end and a retainer at said second end, said retainer engaging a section of said stationary housing portion so as to maintain said second end spaced a desired distance from said stationary housing portion when said movable housing portion is in its first position.

A printer in combination with a packaging element comprising:

• a housing having a stationary portion and a movable portion movable between a first position and a second position;
• a cartridge assembly including a carrier movably mounted within said housing and at least one print cartridge removably mounted within said carrier;
• a holding mechanism comprising a retaining arm fixedly coupled to said movable housing portion, said retaining arm being adapted to engage said cartridge assembly when said movable housing portion is in its second position and to disengage said cartridge assembly when said movable housing portion is in its first position;
• and
• a packaging element engaging said stationary and movable housing portions and maintaining said movable housing portion in its second position.