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Lexmark, HP and now Epson have all implemented smart chips in select products. Why would they go to the expense of doing this? In Lexmark's case they say they initiated the program to provide customers with an advance rebate on select Optra S, Se and T cartridges. HP stated their chip was to allow customers to monitor the ink remaining in their cartridge and to insure only HP ink and not that of an after market manufacture was used it their printer. Epson too states the reason is to help the customer. Is it high technology or restraint of trade creating a monopoly? You and perhaps the courts or as with Lexmark the States will decide.
According to an article in RECHARGER MAGAZINE "The chips and Prebate are officially out in New York. The NY Office of General Services has released its procurement regulations that show that it will no longer buy any printer or other technological product that incorporates a device that monitors the product for use of aftermarket or other competitive products."
HP and Epson on the other hand have not been tested yet. I say yet because as is the case with Lexmark aftermarket manufacturers are currently mounting a legal attack on these OEM's.
If you want to refill the HP cartridge you certainly may if you know the process. Refill kits with instructions are available and the cartridges are being refilled successfully. There are a few tips that will insure your success. Perhaps, like with any other refill you should use the best ink available and only the ink that is developed for the particular product. I am not a proponent of "universal inks" they may flow but you are sacrificing quality and will pay the price in the long run. Also when refilling the HP2000 cartridges you need to be aware that the smart chip has an expiration date embedded. This will restrict use once the cartridge is expired, even if the cartridge has never been used.
Two more tips to consider. Make sure there is no air inside the cartridge either in the bag or in the chamber above the bag and the chimney that delivers the ink to the printhead. And make sure the black rubber bladder located on the bottom of the cartridge is firm. This bladder mates against a switch inside the printer that will tell the printer the cartridge is out of ink when the bladder is to soft.
Regarding the chips in the Epson printers, aftermarket manufacturers are currently reverse engineering this product and as of yet have not placed a compatible on the market.
You can be assured other OEMs will attempt to monopolize their product through technology and patents and they may be successful for a period of time. However, in the end, what comes
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