How do inkjet cartridges work?

Do generic brand inkjet cartridges for HP printers work as well as HP brand?

• There are people selling generic brand inkjet cartridges on Ebay for a lot less than the HP brand. Does anyone know if these work just as well or if it is better to just buy the name brand? Thanks.

• Answer:

  It really depends on what you consider acceptable trade-offs in print quality and what you are going to do with them. MOST of the time there is little difference in the print quality of the printout, however there can be slight color variations in color prints if you compare them side-by-side. Also, the heads themselves DO eventually wear out. In my experience HP heads will usually last through 2 refills, are you the "lucky" person getting the cartrdige refilled for the 3rd time? (This doesn't apply to refills for Canon, Epson and other printers who have "permanent" print heads that are designed to last a long time, and just the ink cartrdige is replaced.) After market refills may not be as color stable over time if you are planning on printing photos out that you want to keep in a "Scrap book" and still want to look good after many years. If you are printing homework assignments etc, and the cost is cheap enough, and the re filler gives a warranty that the head will last through the life of the ink, go for it.