When I search for inks for my inkjet printer, I see two types: OEM and compatible. The compatible inks are much cheaper than OEMs and claim that they are 100% as good as the original. Some of them even guarantees their quality.

Questions. What are the differences? If the compatible inks are made to the same spec as the original inks, why would anyone buy the original inks or OEM inks? Is the OEMs good as the original inks from the print vendors (Epson or HP)?

What do you recommend?

I've been using "Compatible" ink carts for years and have had no
problems except some I bought from the abacus24-7 guy on eBay. Check
the link below about Epson Compatible ink a couple of links in that one.

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Grateful11

bb,

I only use OEM cartridges these days. The minimal amount of savings just isn't wortht he agita. While I've had good luck with some brands for my HP Officejet 6110, overall, compatible cartridges have proven themselves unreliable. the print quality isn't always as good and some have leaked. That and if you have a problem, the manufacturer will not repair your machine under warranty.

I buy my cartridges on sale and/or when I have discount coupons. This reduces the cost considerably, typically to nearly the same price level or close enough to it that the savings for compatibles is neglible. you just have to time your purchase right.

Robert

"minimal amount" of savings???? Are you crazy?

I pay $2.50 to $3.50 per cartridge for my Epson C84. For example, today InkDaddy has a 12 pack, 3 of each color, for $40. Compare that to the Epson brand ink for $180.

How is that "minimal"?

I have had nothing but great service from compatible cartridges.

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In the words of DharmaDog: "it may or may not be utter horse@#$%&, but it shouldn't be dismissed simply because it doesn't agree with your opinion."

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Trying is the first step to failure. -- Homer Simpson

If I had to use OEM carts in Epson 740 I would have bought a Laser
printer long ago. Compatibles are about 1/10th the cost of OEM's.
I need to do occasional color so I keep my 740 crankin'.

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Grateful11

Elmo,

Like I said... Time your purchase well. Buy on sale. Use discount codes and coupons. That's how I do it. You seem to miss that part of my post.

Robert

We have 4 Epson printers, all inkjets, and they only get OEM Epson ink? Why? Because quality is everything in my world. If you do any serious printing , and I mean the kind where your company reputation is at stake with every photograph a printer's making, it's an easy decision. Of course it costs a ton of $$$ to use good ink, but that's life.

If you're just printing for friends and family, or yourself, and never have to worry about someone else judging your output in a professional sense, then by all means generic is the way to go.;)It's just not an option on my table.B)

_________________

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What's the difference between reality and fiction? Fiction has to make some sense.

Rex,

There is that, too. I can see the difference in my HP and Brother printers. I stopped using Epson and Canon printers due to clogging issues. The Canon also suffered from bugginess.

Robert

Stopped using Epson printers due to major clogging issues. Now several canon printers later.... never a canon clog and that includes using compatible ink cartridges.

"Epsons use them or lose them." My 740 sees daily use and just keeps right chugging. If it
went out tomorrow I'd search for another. If your Epson doesn't see frequent use run the
nozzle test once a week.

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Grateful11