How To Locate The Best Ink Cartridges For New Printers

2010-11-06

The replacement ink cartridges used in new printers should absolutely be only the brand recommended, at least this is what most printer manufacturers would like to have you believe. Which brand do they recommend? That's easy, they recommend their own brand. This is known as OEM, or original equipment manufacturer.

A common belief is that if a printer owner uses remanufactured toner or ink cartridges in their new unit, it will actually void the printer's warranty. While this is a popularly accepted notion, it is not true.

There is a law that speaks directly to the matter. It's called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act. Enacted by Congress in 1975, this United States federal law governs warranties on consumer products.

It states that no company that provides a warranty on a consumer product can make one of the conditions of the warranty that the consumer buying the product must use any specific article or service in connection with the use of the product. This includes any item identified by a brand name, trade name or corporate name. The only exception is a service or an article that is provided, free of charge, under the terms of the warranty. In other words a printer manufacturer, in order to make your warranty dependent on the replacement cartridges you use, must provide those cartridges to you free of charge.

Manufacturers of new printers will tell you that you should only use their brand of inks, toners and cartridges in their equipment because inferior ink will clog up the unit or otherwise ruin it altogether. That's their position and that's what they'll tell you.

The reality, however, is that they want your business on the reorder of your printer supplies. Replacing OEM ink cartridges is expensive and generates more revenue for printer manufacturers. If you start using remanufactured or compatible cartridges instead of original equipment, it hurts their bottom line.

The fact is, the inks and toners sold by the big online printer supply outlets are identical to the original products. The cartridges are made in the same place by the same people. The only real difference is the price.

The easiest way to find the best ink cartridges for new printers is to go online and find a comparison site. Enter in the brand and model of your printer and let them supply you with a list of online sites that sell your replacement equipment and at what price. Then pick the one that's got the best price, lowest shipping costs and best guarantee. Locating the best ink cartridges for new printers is that easy.