MyVista

Hi again everyone,

My HP PhotoSmart All-in-one c7180 uses a ton of printer ink! Supposedly, it uses less than the normal printer. I normally buy the HP - 02 Vivera Ink 6-Pack and Photo Paper Kit for $35.99 from BestBuy.

I recently read a guide on How to Refill and Reuse a Printer Cartridge and am starting to wonder whether or not that would be the cheapest way to go. I can't seem to find the ink kit for my printer from any major office supply stores such as OfficeMax or Office Depot.

The normal pack that I get says "HP Photosmart 8200 series; HP Photosmart 3100, 3200, 3300 series all-in-one printers." Yet, my printer is a 7100 series. I'm getting confused because this ink has been working nicely all along with my printer. I remember reading a guide at BestBuy that showed what inks are compatible with certain printers.

Should I:
A) Start buying inks individually at another location (please specify store)
B) Start using ink kits (please specify which kit types, and possibly link them from OfficeMax, Office Depot, or other office supply stores in California)
OR C) Continue to buy the HP - 02 Vivera Ink Pack and Photo Paper for $35.99 at BestBuy.

Thanks for reading,
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
-MV

dm01

Depends if your printer is under warranty. If you printer is still under warranty, we strongly advise you buy new ink cartridges as recommended by your manufacturer. If you buy third-party ink, you will void your warranty.

Office Depot (if you have one nearby) has spectacularly cheap ink. Try smaller ink-only stores, they often have good deals. You can cut costs by dumping the expensive photo paper, a lower-cost one is often just as good, and you won't void your warranty by using cheaper paper.

How often are you buying ink?

MyVista

Usually our black ink runs out every three months, following colored ink of different types. We just always got the pack because it has all 6 inks at their best buy normal cost of 50-60$; the photo paper is just a bonus for us.

ISZ

of course, you also have the option of buying compatibles..that would also lower your costs.

jethro12

a good service should tell you what cartridges match your printer, alternatives exist of course to the one HP recommend. Generally, if print quality is everything you should buy HP originals while its better to go with compatible ink if you rate low price at good enough quality higher.

To lower the cost is would use a ink price comparision service such as the one that http://www.amazon.com or http://www.inkguides.com have.

nathanplane

always refill, it helps us in many way. it saves money and environment too.

Tumbleweed36

I always refill and have found a local Walgreen's that will refill your cartidge (not an exchange) in about 30 minutes for a cost that is about $5 cheaper than even the exchange of refilled cartridges.

dai

i was looking at the continuous ink tank setups while i was in Thailand but i don't use the printer enough to warrant the initial outlay

but worth it if you print a lot you would have to chase up a local supplier

http://www.tradekey.com/product_view/id/978862.htm

masterjed

Refilled ink is as good as the original ones and it saves money but if your printer will get damaged caused by refilled inks (example: refilled ink carts leaks) and you are under warranty, your in trouble. Warranty voided. No replacement can be issued. :-)

nathanplane

The company which are refilling is free to set their own price. so it should affordable.

nathanplane

A compatible cartridge is a cartridge that is not produced by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). and these cartridges are designed to meet or in best case even exceed the standards set by the OEM in terms of performance, print quality and page yield.

AshleyLewis

If you know that how can refill cartridges in easiest way and effectively then it is the better way to save your money and good printing result.
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