I suspect the only way this problem is going to be resolved is if the
3rd party manufacturers and refillers get together and hire some high
priced lawyers to challenge the manufacturers, either that or a couple
of lawyers need to get really annoyed enough to bring forward a class
action or two.

All of this stuff is anti-competitive and should be addressed. Anyone
know some good lawyers to start a class action?

Art

Yianni wrote:

Lexmark announced its extension of its Prebate-style program to inkjet
supplies. On Tuesday, September 12, 2006, Lexmark released the new Z845
single-function inkjet printer.

The Z845 supplies are offered at a $4 upfront discount, but subject to
the following restrictions: �Lexmark Return Program: The #28 black
cartridge reflects a $4 up-front discount compared to alternative
cartridges in exchange for agreeing to return the used cartridges only
to Lexmark for remanufacturing or recycling.�

Apparently Lexmark has also incorporated another lovely feature of the
laser Prebate program: the killer chip. According to a source from the
media, the printer has a chip that detects a refilled cartridge and
turns off the printer.

With the proliferation of ink refilling options available to consumers,
Lexmark�s move comes as no surprise. With Rapid Refill and Cartridge
World stores in hundreds of locations and refill options at Walgreen�s
and other retailers, the ink consuming nation is fast becoming aware
that new high-priced OEM products do not have to be tolerated.

SIGNIFICANT IMAGE: http://www.inkline.gr/temp/LEXMARK.jpg