why don't my ink cartridges last?

Ron Victoria · Post by **Ron Victoria** » 16 Oct 2006 2:54 pm

I just bought my third one yesterday for my Lexmark printer. I don't print very much and they get clogged. I tried the usual remedies and even the ammonia soak didn't help this time. Can the cartridge be removed when not in use and kept in a baggie or should I post a reminder to print twice a week.
Ron

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 16 Oct 2006 3:49 pm

Ron;
The baggie or ziplock bag sounds like a reasonable solution. Otherwise, print a test page every week.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 17 Oct 2006 2:10 am

That's a known problem with the Lexmark and Dell cartridges (which are made by Lexmark for Dell). Been a problem with them for years, if they are not regularly used. Other brands can do it too but the Lexmarks are known for this.

James Martin (U.K.) · Post by **James Martin (U.K.)** » 17 Oct 2006 4:23 am

Yep, me too. Bought a Lexmark and spent a fortune on replacement cartridges. Recently bought a Canon ip1600 and was told by the salesman that the cartridges supplied with the printer are delivered half full!!How mean can they get?That's as bad has spending $500 on a new amp and getting no measly cover!!

Steinar Gregertsen · Post by **Steinar Gregertsen** » 17 Oct 2006 4:42 am

Replacing both cartridges in my Lexmark cost more than the actual printer.......

Steinar

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Bill Ford · Post by **Bill Ford** » 17 Oct 2006 5:17 am

JMHO...All printer mfg should give you a new printer, if you buy a set of inks. I've also been told that the ink is only half full/empty in a new printer.

BF

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 17 Oct 2006 5:18 am

Why dont they last?

Because they're not supposed to. Printer ink is a total ripoff scam on the people. Cheap printers, but you'll pay thru the nose for ink. We switched to a b/w laser printer and the toner lasts WAY, WAY longer than ink. It's not color, but it sure has saved us huge amounts of money over the past 2 years.

Brad

Dave Potter · Post by **Dave Potter** » 17 Oct 2006 7:05 am

This question has come up before. Brad's correct - inkjet printer technology is a cash cow for the mfgrs. The printers are sold very cheaply, and they make up for it in spades in cartridge replacement sales. Pretty good deal for them, but not for....guess who?

I own both a b/w and a color laser printer. I'll never go back to inkjets.

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 17 Oct 2006 8:11 am

Once again I would like to take this opportunity to plug my supplier of ink cartridges, 123InkJets.

I have been using these inexpensive, fully compatible cartridges for a couple of years, with only one problem cartridge, which was replaced for free. I also order laser toner from them at a significant savings over office supply stores in my area.

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Bob "Wiz" Feinberg
Moderator of the SGF Computers Forum
Visit my Wiztunes Steel Guitar website at: http://www.wiztunes.com/
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Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 17 Oct 2006 9:09 am

Wiz, I concur. However, since my initial purchase from 123, I began getting spam from them. I asked them to stop, that I was already using their products, but I'm still getting spam from them. What's a guy to do?

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 17 Oct 2006 9:18 am

Barry;
The "spam" you are getting from 123 is probably offering you discounts on your next purchase. As a customer I get them frequently, and use them occasionally. Use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email to take yourself off the mailing list, but be aware that you can only get those discounts by clicking through the link in the email.

------------------
Bob "Wiz" Feinberg
Moderator of the SGF Computers Forum
Visit my Wiztunes Steel Guitar website at: http://www.wiztunes.com/
or my computer troubleshooting website: Wizcrafts Computer Services,
or my Webmaster Services webpage. Get Firefox Here.
Learn about current computer virus and security threats here.
Read Wiz's Blog for security news and update notices. My FAQs.

[This message was edited by Wiz Feinberg on 17 October 2006 at 10:19 AM.]

Bill Ford · Post by **Bill Ford** » 17 Oct 2006 12:07 pm

Wiz,
I have had problems useing non Epson ink. Do you have any input on 123 for this particular printer mfg. RX500? Thanks in advance.

Bill

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 17 Oct 2006 2:37 pm

Bill;
I found replacement cartridges for your Epson RX500 in both Compatible and OEM models. Please use my email link above to contact me for more information about them. Or, go to the Epson printers page and look under "Stylus Photo Series" for Model RX500 (or type RX500 into the search box), using this link:
Epson products at 123inkjets.com

Wiz[This message was edited by Wiz Feinberg on 17 October 2006 at 03:38 PM.]