Name Brand Vs. Generic Printer Ink
Ink cartridges are the most expensive part of owning a printer--ink prices rose 360 percent from 1999 to 2007, according to Castle Ink. Although generic inks are tempting because they cost less, they are usually of poorer quality and can void your printer's warranty.
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Expert Insight
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A 2009 Quality Logic experiment found that generic inks were of inferior quality when tested against name brand Hewlett-Packard ink. HP ink cartridges, for example, produced 65.8 percent more pages than ink refill kits.
Considerations
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The biggest risk of using generic ink comes from the danger of voiding your warranty, according to Consumer Tips and Reports. In general, manufacturers won't repair problems caused by third-party ink refill kits or cartridges.
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Benefits
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Printer owners should choose a name brand ink if they value quality over cost. Generic inks can save you money as long as you do not mind an inferior pictures and are willing to risk voiding your warranty.
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