Ink Cartridges?

[gina32]

do you buy remanufactured or original inks and what do you think of them both?

[woofgang]

Originals for my posh new HP and generics for my old canon. The reason behind this is that I once trashed a new printer by using non original ink cartridges. I wouldn't care if i trashed the Canon as its old, but would care very much if i trashed my expensive Airprint HP.

[gingejbee]

Which? has just tested them:


http://www.which.co.uk/technology/computing/reviews-ns/ink-cartridges/

[factor-fiction]

I used to buy copies but found they confused my printer into thinking I needed to replace them, and sometimes they didn't work so well or the printer stopped working. Now, after being persuaded by mrsfactor, we always buy the HP originals- it costs more but we don't print huge amounts and have had no problems

[Buenchico]

I usually buy 'compatibles', simply because of the fact that a full set of 'original' cartridges for my printer costs £42 (even at discount prices). I've found that, as long as you stick with reputable brands (such as Jet Tec) there's very little difference in the print quality.

However I'm often amazed at people who buy 'original' cartridges but who then use 'cheapo' paper. My experience is that the quality of the paper used has far more effect on print quality than the choice of inks. I use a decent 100gsm high-white paper (designed specifically for inkjet printers, rather than 'general use') for document printing. Kodak Everyday Photo Paper for casual snapshots and Kodak Ultima (or similar) for top-quality photographs.

[coccinelle]

I now always buy originals as I realised the other kind didn't last as long. Buying from amazon marketplace keeps prices down especially when you buy double packs. I do a lot of photocopying especially colour.

[Lie-in King]

The manufacturers ensure that their warranties include some such as "...only original carts should be used..." - these days, you can buy a halfway-decent printer for the cost of a set of original inks - use up the ink supplied, buy compatible carts, if they knacker the printer (doubtful), buy a new one.

I buy compatible cartridges for around £1 each - on my current Epson SX435W, only one has failed in over a year. I use the same supplier on eBay & have been very pleased.

By the way, when the carts that came with the printer run out, keep them! If compatible carts should stop the printer from working, you can replace them with the originals & say "Duh!"

IMO, of course - I'm not suggesting anything underhand.

No, really, I'm not.

Honestly.

[Psybbo]

Tut tut L-I-K, what a brilliant idea

[woofgang]

Buenchico has a good point about paper. I buy a bulk lot from Staples when they have an offer. One time i ran out and bought a pack on offer in Tesco. The quality was so poor that I used it for shopping lists.

[jomifl]

You can refill most originals yourself, the ink is cheap. You can do about 3 refills before they die of clogged jets and corroded circuitry. It is important to refill them before they get internal airlocks through lack of ink.