RDKirk wrote:
Actually Epson has recently won patent infringement settlements and court decisions in several places around the world against 3rd party makers of compatible cartridges, and it's likely they will win more. I expect the supply of compatible cartridges will dry up very quickly.
Yes. Office Max has a sign saying due to FTC rulings they will no longer be selling third-party Epson inks.
RDKirk wrote:
Actually Epson has recently won patent infringement settlements and court decisions in several places around the world against 3rd party makers of compatible cartridges, and it's likely they will win more. I expect the supply of compatible cartridges will dry up very quickly.
They've intimidated one maker of continuous ink systems in Hong Kong into ceasing production, and I'm sure they aren't finished. My personal feeling is that if any CIS manufacturer stood up to them in court, Epson would lose, but who knows.
Epson and others have very sneakily worked out ways to prevent third party ink competitors.
John
There's one outfit that makes bulk inks for the Epson that everyone says are compatible. they also sell the chip-reset device and instructions on how you can refill yourselfJon
I recently purchased Mediastreet inks for my Epson 2200. They look great and on Epson matte and Hahnemuhle rag, I cannot tell the difference from Epson ink. On Ilford Luster the prints are dark, so a profile is needed.
How long do they last? Don't know, but they have already paid for themselves several times over.
paparazzinick wrote:
costco is crap. I would rather go out o business than use any place like costco, ritz, walmart ect...
I have had 'crap' printed by every kind of lab. The funny thing is that the printers used by the places you mention are usually the same as the one used by 'pro labs'... the pro labs charge $9 to $15 each and the big box stores charge $3. I have had them done at both places...using a profile I couldn't tell much of a difference, although the paper was a little different.
So if yours is a business decision that's one thing, to get virtually the same product for a fraction of the price is usually considered to be a good thing.
OTOH if it's a political / socialogical thing about dislike for the walmartization of the world that's another story.
This has been discussed, but here is a concise description of the situation from one bulk injet dealer in the US:
"On October 19, 2007 the U.S. International Trade Commission ('ITC') issued a Final Determination that confirmed that all of the more than 750 accused cartridges for Epson inkjet printers infringe one or more of eleven Epson patents. The ITC issued a General Exclusion Order prohibiting all importers from importing infringing cartridges and Cease and Desist Orders that prohibit the named respondents from selling cartridges imported before the ITC Order. The ITC also ordered a bond of $13.60 per imported cartridge for imports during the 60 day Presidential Review period." quoted from http://itc.epson.com/
What this means is that Epson got some patents on the design of the cartridge (the actual plastic box, the valves inside and such) along with the design of the chip that reports ink levels. Infringing cartridges can't even be imported into the United States unless a $13.60 bond is paid for each cartridge - the bond is only returned if the POTUS [president of the US] decides against the determination of the ITC, which is very unlikely.
As of October 9, 2007 we no longer carry Epson compatible cartridges, nor Epson compatible bulk feed systems (which also contain cartridges) - we only carry original Epson cartridges and bulk ink that can be used to refill bulk feed systems that are already in use. We also still carry original HP and Canon ink cartridges along with some canon cartridge refilling supplies. In the very near future you will see Epson compatible cartridges slide into the dark regions of the Internet - much like ED pills and the like. Reputable sellers will not be carrying them....Show more →
While this is specifically about a US ruling, Epson has succeeded in getting similar rulings in Europe and settlements in Hong Kong, and they're probably not going to stop legal pressure anywhere.
paparazzinick wrote:
costco is crap. I would rather go out o business than use any place like costco, ritz, walmart ect...
I have had 'crap' printed by every kind of lab. The funny thing is that the printers used by the places you mention are usually the same as the one used by 'pro labs'... the pro labs charge $9 to $15 each and the big box stores charge $3. I have had them done at both places...using a profile I couldn't tell much of a difference, although the paper was a little different.
So if yours is a business decision that's one thing, to get virtually the same product for a fraction of the price is usually considered to be a good thing.
OTOH if it's a political / socialogical thing about dislike for the walmartization of the world that's another story.
