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.

I don't think so. First of all it's legal. And in my opinion a clever (not
say "fair") tactic. Lexmark says: I sell something I don't want you to
refill it. If you want to refill it, buy the other (higher priced) one.
Lexmark says I want it back, even though if it never gets it back...
The drawback is that there aren't many non-prebate empties. The same tactic
for lasers for a few years. On the other hand many people, and big companies
remanufacture them (the prebate cartridges). I think that Lexmark wants to
have the oportunity to sue the companies that makes very high volumes.


--
Yianni
(remove number nine to send me email)



"Arthur Entlich" wrote in message
news:n%i1h.224693$R63.166689@pd7urf1no...

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