HP Ink Cartridges - Advice

jojo2004

Having read through the post on the Shop but don't Drop board regarding the best places to buy printer ink for my HP Photosmark C4472 printer, I am a little confused!

I am happy to buy refilled, or compatible, or original cartrides (if HP suddenly start making them affordable!), and it seems that eBay is a good place to look....

So:
1. Are there any well-known problems with using compatible or refilled cartridges with HP printers? One thread I read suggested that the print head is in the cartridge for HP (now, I don't know what that means, but it sounds like an issue...)

2. If not, which is better - refilled, or compatible?

3. And finally... any recommendations on good eBay suppliers? Are all the Buy It Now from Hong Kong ones any cop (they're certainly cheap enough!)

Many thanks for all help
xx:T

sidath

Before buying from hongkong, check the TonerTown.co.uk guys. They provide FREE next day delivery, VAT inclusive prices and guaranteed products.

coolagarry

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=10

Some good info here

maximus0983

Hi,

We use a company called infotone.co.uk.

They provide a free repair service if your printer goes wrong while using their cartridges.

damo24

With regards to your questions, the main difference between compatible and re-filled cartridges is that compatible cartridges are USUALLY either empty original cartridges that have been cleaned and re-filled or may be new cartridges just not made by the manufacturer.


Re-filled cartridges are usually old cartridges that have been re-filled without being cleaned first. Hence the reason why they tend to be cheaper.

On HP cartridges, the print head is contained in the cartridge. That means that the bit that puts the ink onto the paper is contained in the cartridge. That is why HP cartridges are more expensive than ones for printers such as Epson. It is nothing to worry about but is a factor to be considered when choosing between compatible (re-manufactured) cartridges and re-filled ones.

jojo2004

coolagarry wrote: »

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=10

Some good info here

Erm.... am I missing something? This is about insurance?!:rolleyes:

jojo2004

damo24 wrote: »

It is nothing to worry about but is a factor to be considered when choosing between compatible (re-manufactured) cartridges and re-filled ones.

I don't really understand (although thanks for the info) - how is it a factor? How do I take it into consideration?

Cheers!!

damo24

Re-filled cartridges are usually slightly cheaper (about £1) than re-manufactured but as they are not cleaned and have already been used, the print head MIGHT be worn and as a result the prints not quite as good quality.

As a general rule very cheap compatible cartridges are re-filled ones with cheap ink which dries out and generally does not work well.

Expect to pay between 1/2 - 2/3 the price of the original HP cartridge for a good compatible which usually has about twice the amount of ink in it

jojo2004

I get it now - thanks for all your help. xx

flossy_splodge

Just for the sake of accuracy, not ALL HP printers have print heads included - the one I have has separate print heads!
Try Cartridge World - they have the benefit of being usually easy to find one near you, can refill on the spot and if you take the old cartridge in it is slightly cheaper.
I have never had a problem with them, service is good so I have tended to stick with them.
I pay about £8 for a refill that will normally cost about £29 new so about 2/3 off.
I do NOT find they use inferior ink and for cartridges with 'chips' they can reset the chip to be open dated so the cartridge does not cease working because the time set by the manufacturers has expired before you have used the ink.:eek:

flossy_splodge

Your nearest one seems to be here:

Cartridge World Islington
Contact Name:
Omar Ben Khadra

Address:
370 Caledonian Road
Islington
London
N1 1DY

Tel: 020 7700 1025
Fax: 020 7700 1615
Email: [EMAIL="cwislington@cartridgeworld.co.uk"]cwislington@cartridgeworld.co.uk[/EMAIL]

and to check location in London of other branches, click here:
http://www.cartridgeworld.org/locations.php?location=London%20-%20within%20the%20M25
:T