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Different types of ink cartridges

It seems pretty simple: when the ink cartridge in your printer runs out, you replace it, right? But what kind of cartridge will you use? You can choose between the original equipment manufacturer cartridges, compatible cartridges and remanufactured cartridges, but first you have to know what the differences and similarities are. Then you can pick the best cartridge for you.

Original Equipment Manufacturer cartridges

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) cartridges are also known as name-brand cartridges. They are built by the printer manufacturer to be used in their printers. Many consumers prefer these cartridges because they are guaranteed to be optimally designed to work with their printer. They are also sure to get the best quality ink.

Many other consumers are put off by the relatively high price point of OEM cartridges. They feel that with the OEM cartridges, they would only be paying for the name brand. Many argue that the quality of the print is the same with compatible or remanufactured cartridges, than with OEM cartridges.

Compatible cartridges

Compatible cartridges, also known as generic cartridges, are brand-new cartridges that are produced by a company that did not manufacture the printer. They are produced to the same standards as the OEM cartridges: the components, the ink and the product design are essentially the same.

Compatible cartridges are much cheaper than OEM cartridges, but they have their own problems. If they are not purchased from a reputable company, there is a lack of quality control. You cannot be sure that they are up to the standards of the printer. By purchasing from a company that has a money-back guarantee, however, you can feel assured that the cartridge will be up to the task of printing as many pages, at as high a quality, as an OEM one.

Remanufactured cartridges

Remanufactured cartridges are, rather simply, recycled ink cartridges. Once a cartridge is used, it can be refilled, repackaged and resold by remanufacturers. In addition for filling up the cartridges, the remanufacturers also check the cartridges for any worn out or broken components. They then replace and repair those parts before refilling and reselling the cartridges.

Of course, this leaves the cartridges open to many of the same quality-control problems that compatible cartridges have. These problems can be mitigated by purchasing the cartridges from reputable dealers, and they are much cheaper than OEM cartridges.

The differences in OEM, compatible and remanufactured cartridges are slight, so all that you have to do now is decide which one is right for you.

This article is a contribution of, a popular online retailer of printer ink and toner cartridges. Clickinks carries over a million products from top printer ink and toner brands. You will have no problems finding brother ink cartridges such as brother tn360, LC51BK ink, LC61BK ink and more!

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Tags: Printer ink, hp 21 ink, hp 920 ink


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