Product Code Database
Compatible ink (or compatible toner) is manufactured by third-party manufacturers and is designed to work in designated printers without infringing on patents of printer manufacturers. Compatible inks and toners may come in a variety of packaging including sealed plastic wraps or taped plastic wraps. Regardless of packaging, compatible products are generally priced lower than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brand inks and toners.
While there has been considerable debate and litigation involving the ink and toner patents of printer manufacturers, Epson Files Lawsuit Against 123inkjets.com, PrintPal.com, Supermedia.com, & leading Distributor, 2007, (June) third-party manufacturers continue to thrive. Manufacturers of compatible ink and toner products currently control about 25% the ink and toner market Rivals Say HP Is Using Hardball Tactics. Business Week, 2007, (February) well over $8 Billion annually. Ink Inc. San Francisco Chronicle 2004, (July)
A comparison between OEM and compatible cartridges for a specific printer needs to take into account the above parameters. For example, a remanufactured cartridge may for example be purchased cheaper, but may not print out as many useful pages. Reliability and consistency associated with an OEM cartridge may be more important than price, for example, when printing output for important business.
One independent test in 2004 on using a compatible ink for one type of printer showed little or no difference in quality between the compatible and OEM products.
All types of compatible ink cartridges are different and vary from supplier to supplier. This is due to the type of ink in the printer, the chips (or no chip) on the cartridge and the actual manufacture of the cartridge itself.
In terms of comparisons with suppliers, prices, quality and comparisons with original oem cartridges. This can vary also by manufacturer and printer. Some compatible cartridges will work perfectly in some printers.
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