Best generic ink!

[beatle]

I'm trying to decide whether I want to go with generic ink in my IP3000 or not. I'm not sure if I can blame the generic carts for my i850's failure (these were from Megatoners) or just plain bad luck. I've always used generics after using up the factory carts, and all of my printers have essentially died within 1-2 years. All printers before the i850 were Epson clogmasters, so I was probably screwed regardless.

I don't mind paying a couple bucks more for ink, but I'm currently unsure whether it's worth even more for the real stuff.

 

[Comp625]

I'd stick with the real stuff if you're doing photos because they're really not that expensive to begin with. They're 1000x cheaper than most other inkjet manufacturers' ink and you're guaranteed the best print quality. People constantly argue that their generic ink doesn't fade, comes out the same as genuine ink if not better, their ink heads don't get clogged, etc. To me, that's a gamble. Remember, Canon and other 1st party manufacturers have hundreds, if not thousands of patents on their ink.

On the other hand, if you're doing alot of junk and/or document printing, I would go with generic because I don't think quality will be sacrificed unless the ink was severely craptastic to begin with.

 

[beatle]

I never print photo quality pictures. Most of my printing involves maps from Streets and Trips, rebate forms, and the occasional webpage detailing how to do something. I just want the printer to last.

 

[LED]

I've never had any problems with this stuff and it's made in the USA. But if your outta ink already then damn you are printing a lot cause my IP3000 just came yesterday

 

[Mem]

I always use good quality third party inks on my Canon i865,never needed to clean the heads even once so far(it`s over a year old).

Brand wise I use Jet tec and Print-Rite compatible ink cartridges.Over the years the money you save can buy you more then a new printer so IMHO they work out excellent value for money ...

 

[Zepper]

I use the same stuff LED mentioned, but I buy it from the USAinkjet store on eBay. A set of four for the i560/iP3000 costs $11. shipped. Costs $12. + sh from the TylerMartin site - even higher from USAInkjet's own web site (all are actually the same company in Marysville, KS). But they only offer certain combos in the eBay store. So if you want a different mix of carts, then it's best to buy from T-M.

.bh.

:moon:

 

[beatle]

lol, no, I'm not out of ink yet. My IP3000 just came on Wednesday and I haven't even unpacked it yet.

 

[wchou]

Generic inks works real good for me and its cheap too.
Nuff.

 

[joecool]

boy, i'm surprised you guys have all had such good luck. i've tried generic inks from several supposedly reputable places and the damn things always leak and run out of ink quickly. on balance i suspect it's smarter to pay the bucks and get the oem brand.

 

[beatle]

joecool, what printer do you have and where were you buying your ink carts? I haven't had a problem with the actual lifespan of the carts themselves, but I seem to be skilled at murdering printers.

 

[joecool]

i had a canon i550, now a canon i860. i bought carts from lasermonks and i don't remember the name of the other place - they got their carts from korea. anyway, in both cases the carts leaked heavily upon opening them - made a real mess. i don't know if i'll try it again.

 

[FreakyGuy]

I too had have bad luck with generic ink. It had ruined 2 printers in the past 2 years, leaking etc. Now I only buy HP branded ink and my printer has been running strong.

 

[wchou]

did i mention that they best used on cheap printers too? preferably b&w only, no colors.

 

[joecool]

i think you have your answer, beatle. sorry for th bad news. good luck!

 

[beatle]

I broke down and bought some ink from usainkjet on ebay. I figure if I save $20 every time I buy ink, that can go towards a nicer printer later anyway.

 

[Zepper]

I've had my iP3000 for a couple of months and the magenta just started indicating low a few days ago - and it's really not all that low. I really like the clear tanks so you can see exactly how much ink is left w/o having to guess... Got my first set of replacement tanks from USAinkjet (had used their tanks before on my i450) for my machine yesterday in the mail (2 days to central NY via 1st Class mail). Can't run out in the middle of printing out my Christmas cards ;-). Shelf dated to 9/2006!
.bh.

 

[beatle]

Yep, Zepper's right. USAInkjets = Tyler Martin. I just got a confirmation email from them saying that my order has shipped and it was signed:

Jane Bussmann
Tyler Martin Co.

 

[joecool]

hey, beatle, when you get your inks in could you post here, or pm me, how they work? like i said i've always had trouble with the carts leaking - ink dripping out of the round area where the cart connects to the nozzles - and it's been a real mess. i'd love to find a source for reliable carts that actually work!

thanks, joe

 

[beatle]

Joe, this ink is great! I tested it by printing a photo on some glossy paper. The color is spot on (at least to my colorblind eyes) and the ink tanks were well packaged. They use tape instead of the plastic twist-off cap to protect the opening. It seems to have done a good job, as I'm very impressed with these inks. I ordered Sunday night, they arrived this morning.

 

[joecool]

thanks for the info beatle. so, no leaking when you took the tape off the opening?

 

[beatle]

Nope, no leaking. I've never had any cart leak on me. Maybe you just have bad luck?

 

[Mem]

Nope, no leaking. I've never had any cart leak on me. Maybe you just have bad luck?

Same here,I`ve used Print Rite,Jet Tec,Red Shark and many other brands for my Canon printer and have yet to have a cartridge leak,guess it`s down to part luck & how it`s protected in the packing when shipped,I would also advise when handling the cartridges you don`t squeesh the sides.


There`s always the chance you can get one bad faulty cartridge,but like I`ve stated, no problems so far with mine.

 

[glen]

I have generic Ink in my Canon i950 and I think that is why photos won't print out correctly now. Blobs of ink and streaks make it usless as a photo printer now.

 

[joecool]

hmm, seems like individual results are spotty. wonder why? the black ink cart i got from lasermonks (no idea who really makes it) was a complete mess. ink dripping in a steady stream from the bottom of the cart. probably emptied 1/3 of the cart before it stopped. at that point the generic cart is no cheaper than canon, not to mention the hassle. luckily none of the ink got on the carpet. suppose i should call the monks and get a replacement. sure wish i'd had the good experiences others have had.

 

[yhelothar]

I use refills. It's a bit of a hassle, but it looks just as great as my original ink. It costs a heck of a lot less than any generic ink carts. I print now without worrying about the high price of ink. They cost $100 for a liter of each color, which will basically last you FOREVER!