Compatibles printer cartridges

[Sam577]

Hi,

I'm actually looking at Epson R300 printer cartridge prices but have a general question about compatible printer cartridges manufactured by third parties, i.e. not made by Epson.

These prices are so much cheaper than Epson's but I have been assured by a supplier that there is no drop in quality -- is this true?

Many thanks
Sam

 

[paparazi]

Sam577
I'm afraid it's not true.
Good quality pattern cartridges can offer cheaper running costs but ultimately they don't print quite as well (especially the highest quality photo prints)
They are generally less reliable and are more prone to blocking up print heads.
So why do so many people use them? COST! and thats it.

The decision is not an easy one, if it's not your money then use genuine, if can except the possibility of less reliability and poorer "high quality photo prints" then over the printers life you can save hundreds of dollars.


Martin


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[kiddpete]

In addition, if you are doing photo printing, any Epson supplied color profile is out the window. So is any assurance of photo longevity. No supplier has the resources to measure the quality of ink. Perhaps he meant that it would not look very different than Epson ink.

 

[garebo]

For everyday, standard black and white you are usually ok.
And even color. Sometimes you can even get real good color, but its a crap shoot, especially with the color part. Plus, you have to be concerned about possibly gumming up your printer. Only you can decide wether to take the chance or not.
I do it sometimes with older printers and the only time i had a problem was with color photos on an HP printer. The color wasnt near as good, pic was fuzzy, that sorta thing. With the proper HP color cartridge the pic came out good.
I dont take the chance until i already have my moneys worth out of the printer.



Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[tf1]

Well the Epson R300 probably produces the finest colour photo prints when using Epson inks and paper. But as you have discovered, the printer was a bargain but the consumables are not.

I personally went for the Canon Pixma because although a tad less quality than the Epson it is faster and significantly cheaper to operate.

I'd recommend you bite the bullet by sticking to Epson originals and see the quality.

If you want to see a comparison of quality and running costs of the major players, see

http://www.tomshardware.com/consumer/20041229/high_end_printers-09.html#conclusion

and

http://www.tomshardware.com/consumer/20041025/printer-12.html#conclusion

Regards: tf1