Lawsuit Says HP Printer Cartridges Die Before Use

In my opinion, this lawsuit has been a long time coming. Then again, it can be argued that consumers know that they are buying printers that used "chipped" cartridges. Yep, this one has consumers seeing red... ink (groan).

I always have believed that the chip was for one reason and one reason only -- to separate consumers from their money. So why do folks buy these "chipped" printers anyway? One reason is that these printers are often highly reviewed. Second, these printers may also be offered a very good price and may have some wonderful features. And last but not least, the printer may have been part of a computer bundle.

I have long voted against chipped printers with my wallet. Some of the best photo and general purpose printers are made by a company that does not "chip" and does not void the warranty if third-party cartridges are used. The name of this "obscure" company: Canon. Somehow, my printer accurately notifies me of empty cartridges without chips and since the cartridges are clear, a visual inspection easily confirms that the cartridges are truly empty. In fact, I have separate cartridges for each color so I never waste ink. I just change each cartridge as needed. If I use bad ink and have a bad result or need to replace a printhead because of my own folly -- hey my problem. That's fair. ($60 in my case for a printhead due to normal wear and tear, they need to be replaced about every 2 years in any case -- user replaceable)

I think that this issue really does need to be adjudicated. Right now, the makers of "chipped" ink cartridges hold all the cards and are making a rather obscene profit in the process. Seems that Canon is doing alright without resorting to this nefarious "chipping" practice. Sure, I understand the razor and blades idea, but that still doesn't mean that a printer company has a license to steal. Rendering a cartridge useless on an date hidden to the consumer at the time of purchase is just plain wrong, as is designating a cartridge as empty when it is not really empty.