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Most printing machines come with free ink cartridges, though frequently these are not full size. Customers don t realise that even though the printer is low-priced the ink cartridges are very overpriced. This particular position is the result of the adoption of the Gillette business model. The razor manufacturer has been selling low cost handles and premium cost blades for over one hundred years, and now has a eminent positioning in the market place. For some consumers the solution is compatible printer ink.

With prices so high, many consumers are looking to compatible inks as a way to save money. According to The Register some brands of ink cost seven times more per millilitre than a bottle of Dom Perignon (1985).

There are barriers created by the printer makers to prevent users from purchasing compatible inks. A lot of the present ink cartridges use data chips that monitor the use of ink. Most printers will not work unless the cartridge they use has a valid chip. There are often patent issues related to the electronic chips. This makes it challenging for manufacturers of compatible cartridges. Despite these difficulties, there are a number of manufacturers in the compatibles marketplace that make ink with chips. It is frequently useful to refer to the compatible cartridges manufacturers internet site to get details of how they run with data chip technology.

Printer makers have often sought legal redress against compatibles makers. Lexmark took action in the US against compatibles maker Static Control Components, in what was to become a landmark legal ruling. Customers with Lexmark ink cartridges can use the companys own toner refilling program. Lexmark printers use a system that will prevent their operation when filled again by other firms. By producing chips that bypast Lexmark s preventative technology it was suggested that the Digital Millennium Copyright Act had been violated. The court battle took seven years with the result that the Lexmark toner loading program was pronounced not to be copyright-able, opening the doors for compatibles manufacturers. After seven long years of legal wrangling and appeals, Lexmark lost the action.

The compatible ink market continues to develop with more producers setting up. Some cheap copy cartridges have poor quality ink in comparison to the manufacturers branded ink. Check out the makers of compatible inks carefully before purchasing. It is very easy to change to compatible ink and begin saving. Cartridge prices vary greatly.

Compatible inks are available for loads of brands including HP, Konica and Pitney Bowes. These compatibles are produced by a range of companies including Armor.

There are loads of places you need to look to find great deals. There are good sites that can help you to compare ink prices. These websites make it easy to get cheaper ink.