_Vanguard_ wrote:
>
> While printing in draft mode saves ink, be sure to print a test page of
> black and some primary colors to make sure the jets don't clog up with
> dried ink. Had that happen, too, because I don't need to print much
> hardcopy. Also, once you remove the plastic tape over the ports, the
> cartridge starts drying out even if unused. "At $22 per quarter-ounce,
> a Hewlett-Packard color ink-jet cartridge is more expensive, by weight,
> than imported Russian caviar",
> http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,112199,00.asp. I never heard
> what happened with the class action suit against HP
> (http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/inkjet_suit.html).

HP cartridges include the nozzles, to which they own the patents. Other
printers have separate cartridges, and have been unable to stop third
party replacements. I've used generic cartriges in my Epson Stylus Color
800 for three years with no problems and about 25% of the cost.

Gilette started it with cheap razors and expensive blades. It's now
like the old joke about the golf driving range, where the admission is
free, but they get you by the balls!

Virg Wall