Printer Cartridges are so expensive!

[smurfchops]

I have just bought an HP Deskjet 5440 printer, and am thinking of how to replace the cartridge when it runs out. Should I get the ink refilled, buy a new HP cartridge or buy a compatible cartridge? I have heard compatibles ruin the printer.

[wideboy]

While the printer is under guarantee, you may have to buy the official HP cartridges just in case anything goes wrong. After that it is up to you but I wouldn't recommend filling the cartridges - messy and may not be sealed effectively. Go for compatibles - loads of websites and some local shops. Check the back pages of most computer magazines, especially the weekly Micro Mart. Would recommend www.printcartridge.net (Touchstone) but don't see the 5440 under compatibles (too new?). A lot of sites don't seem to be stocking this model?

[smurfchops]

I have already contacted a local store where they refill cartridges, and this model was not on the list.  I only bought it a month ago, maybe it is too new.

[wideboy]

Yes, I found it difficult to find on the Web (even new cartridges) - only looked at a couple of sites though. Keep looking!

[commoner]

...Hi...I have the Epson R300.....a lovely printer but the cost of Epson cartridges is totally unrealistic...six cartridges at 11 GBP EACH. These also were the "chipped " type and untill just recently were not available as compatibles. They are now and I have just bought some locally at 10GBP PER SET. How can Epson justify over 6 times the price? The colours are excellent and the print quality is undistinguishable for the originals. I had to forget the warranty as the cost was beyond my budget. The printer now sells for little more than a set of original inks...words like Rip and Off spring readily to mind....commoner.

[wideboy]

Try the Hewlett Packard website:-

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/ho/WF08a/5043-5047-5287-5287-5271-11598897.html

 

not bad prices, but look at the cartridge model number rather than the printer model. They might be used by other printers in the range eg 5550. I notice that they might be long-lasting inks so it might be a good idea to stick with HP (compatibles might find it difficult to match the inks).

[wideboy]

Commoner, I use the Epson R200 (like the R300) and it is excellent - especially for printing on CDs and DVDs. Like you I have had complete sets from �10 to �15 but have you had a look at some of the offers on the SVP website?

[gastwo]

Not the same HP model, but as a matter of interest I've bought a couple of remanufactured cartridges from Tesco for my printer and they have proved to be brilliant - lasting just as long as the OEMs, and half the price.

[commoner]

..thanks for the heads up wideboy..interesting that.... I agree with gastwo regarding "long lasting"...who is to say that compatibles are not even longer lasting than the originals?...many more years will have to pass to prove otherwise