Are generic cartridges gone forever (specifically Canon-compatible) ?!

[DayLaborer]

I used to always buy my cartridges really, really cheap from

http://www.printpal.com/card15.

(The "card15" thing at the end of the URL is their "coupon" for 15% off and free shipping.) I used to buy them from them for $5 each (instead of $15 each)!

I bought a new printer (Canon Pixma MX700) and went looking on their site for generic ink. None. Then I checked their site for my old printer cartridges - which, like I mentioned, I always bought from them. Also none. I emailed their support and asked for where their generic cartridges went and received this reply:

We are certainly hoping to carry the new compatible version within the near future, however Epson & Canon have initiated lawsuits against any company that makes or sells compatible versions of the cartridges. The reason that we are having issues getting the compatibles is due to this reason. We are making ever effort to get the compatible versions and hope to have them added shortly. We certainly appreciate your patience and understanding.

Is there anywhere I can get cheap, generic cartridges - especially for my new MX700 printer?

Thanks!
Eliezer

 

[DayLaborer]

In case it's relevant, I live in the US.

 

[DayLaborer]

I see Canon put an LED on each cartridge. Give me a break! Anyone have any tips/leads where generics are available?

Thanks...

 

[Michael52x]

Well, you brought it on yourself! The proliferation of cheap re-filling, and attempts to fool the printer has prompted the makers to take steps to retain their marketable consumables. Remember when you had to take stuff to a print shop? No, I did'nt think so.
Printers are cheap, and the ink that comes with them are only 1/3 full, if that. This creates the market for their product, and soon it will be the only way to keep your units working. Why do people have to try and cheat on everything? If you are of the younger generation, Im sure that you always say, well shu! I can beat that.Im going to find a way around it and screw them! Yes? It is not going to be so. You have lost. Quit trying to weasel around everything, and do as your told! We are watching! LOL! Just kidding there at the end.

"Impatience will reward you with dissatisfaction" RMS Cosmics'97

 

[hpwizzard]

Hehe... I can only agree. Printers are sold cheap these days so the manufactores can make money afterwards on the ink and toner they sell. This has only happened due to the competition today on the market. And of course the manufactores wants to make sure nobody is a cheap skate and uses re-filled ink or toner cartridges.
Go ahead an buy yourself an EEPROM reader/burner that fits the e-labels on the cartridges. Next get some decent hacker software or call your nearest local software hacker so he can break the code on the chip !
Have a nice weekend !