Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
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There are a couple of questions here: how much ink did your printer come with, and are cheap replacement inkjet cartridges a viable alternative to those sold by the original equipment manufacturer?
The answers are "probably not much", and "maybe".
Let me explain why, and what you need to look for...
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To answer the first question: it really depends on the manufacturer. When I purchased my HP printer, they definitely shipped it with smaller ink cartridges than the commonly available replacement cartridges. I did have the option of getting the same, smaller cartridges as replacements myself, but why would I want to do that?
As you've alluded to, inkjet cartridges are expensive. Especially when compared to the cost of the printer. Why? I believe it's a case of the old adage "give away razors, sell razor blades". The printer manufacturer's can sell printers at or below their cost, knowing that they'll make it up in eventual ink sales.
I keep wanting to using refurbished or refilled cartridges. I've tried a couple of sources over the years, and each time I come away disappointed. In every case I've tried, the print quality has suffered.
It could just be me, and the services I've tried. I know of others who've had great success with aftermarket, third party refilled cartridges, or even the do-it-yourself refill kits.
But for now, I avoid the trouble by purchasing cartridges from the manufacturer of my printer.
Article C2419 - September 5, 2005
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
Note To "Wave" or "stirling bunnell"... I am looking for Stirling's blog site with ink replacement info. When I go to "stirlingbunnellblogspot.com" address, the only choices are both back here. Did Stirling shut down? If so, did he start up elsewhere? Just bought an HP6310. Uses HP 95/Tri Color & HP 98/Blk. Sure would like to obtain Sterlings instructions.
Posted by: bluekat360 at September 6, 2007 2:06 PMTKS!
I purchased replacement Epson Picturemate ink cartridges (not original Epson product) on e-bay last year for a very good price. They were made in China, but worked just as good as the Epson (actually lasted longer than the original Epson product) If you own a Epson Picture Mate, you know that it is rare to use all of the ink in the cartridge before the sponges get saturated and it will not print. When the print quality becomes inferior you are asked to do a nozzle check, if it shows a broken ink pattern on any of the colors
Posted by: Dennis at June 12, 2008 3:48 AMyou are directed to do a print head cleaning. This works great, until the sponges in the ink cartridge become saturated and it will no longer allow you to clean the print heads. It will say "sponges are saturated, please install a new ink cartridge to complete the ink head cleaning"
It's frustrating when the ink cartridge shows more than 25-30% of the ink remaining, but you can no longer use it. As mentioned, the replacement cartridges made in china worked great,
and the price was remarkable, although when you first installed it, the printer didn't recognize the ink cartridge, so it took a couple of attempts to get it printing (really not a big deal) I recently tried to purchase the same product from the seller on e-bay, but he / she is no longer listed there. Just to let you know that I have tried replacement ink cartridges (not original Epson products) and was very pleased with the products performance. Can't speak for all
manufacturers, I'm sure that there are sub-standard replacements out there, but my experience was a good one. Hope this helps if you are considering purchasing ink cartridges for this printer.
Some of the problems with inks relate directly to the chemicals used in the inks. OEM type inks are specifically designed for the particular type and size nozzle used by a mafr. some inks have very different expansion and drying rates. what this means is that if there is still trace inks from diffrent makers mixing together, you may have problems with inks that dont mix...some inks will just dry too quick and clog nozzles they werent designed to operate with. no, i'm not trying to make excuses for the mfr's, but these are just plain facts. During the 1990's epson printers had huge problems with clogged (and thus stuffed) heads and nozzles, whereas cheaper printers had no problems with replacement inks.
Posted by: Steve at August 20, 2008 6:13 PMWhat it boils down to, if you are going to use replacement inks, that is fine. But you may not get the quality or consistency of color you expect. And, if your heads or nozzles do clog, no printer mfr will cover you under warranty. So saying, most replacement inks now are being made to a higher standard than the dodgy stuff we used to get in the 90's, and the print color quality is more than good enough for most stuff, except for maybe high quality photos.
The behaviour of some like HP's antics, are a little off the scale. They are protecting their own product, but should not be shutting the printers down if aftermarket cartridges are used. I'd suggest swapping brands...
I recommend a new brand of remanufactured cartridges that I use. They are called "briteColor" and they are really good
Posted by: Minorkle at July 16, 2009 4:21 PM08-Nov-2010