On Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:25:19 -0700, dennisgauge wrote:

The reason HP inks are so expensive is because you're
getting a new printhead as part of the ink cartridge
on most of their models.
Kodak's are cheap because the printhead is part of the
printer.

I think the record shows the reason HP inks are so expensive
is simply because HP prices its ink so expensive. Period.

Even for the ink tanks which have no print heads involved
(e.g., for the ubiquitous HP d135 #14 ink tank I had).

It's all part of their sales/marketing strategy.
They clearly make more money on ink than on printers.

For example, I forget the exact details, but I had asked
a printer friend of mine what it would cost him to provide
me as much ink as is in the #14 ink tank - and he even
gave me the ink, gratis - saying it was only worth pennies.

Of course he buys quality ink in bulk - but prior to that
I bought, from Costco, at retail prices, the $20 or $30
(I forget the exact price) refill kit also.

This kit refilled the HP d135 ink tanks many times over.

Point is, the ONLY reason HP ink costs as much as it does
is that it is an integral part of their sales strategy.

I, for one, will NEVER buy another HP ink-based printer
again, the rest of my life for this very reason.

But none of this helps us get to the best color laser
printer that can be easily refilled!