Beware of Lexmark - Buy HP

If you are shopping for a printer, beware of Lexmark. You might find a cheap printer, but you'll pay big time when it comes to replacing the cartridges. Now Lexmark is selling cartridges that are not refilliable. These "return program" cartridges include the Lexmark #28 and #29 as well as many other newer Lexmark cartridges.

When you buy these cartridges, you don't own the cartridge, but a license to use it one time. And guess what, we can't refill it. Here's the fine print. (from Lexmark's website)

"In a manner similar to the way most software is provided, patented Lexmark Return Program Cartridges are packaged with a Lexmark license/agreement. Opening the carton or using the cartridge signifies the user's agreement to the use once and return the empty cartridge conditions of the license agreement."

So you don't own the cartridge, but a license to use it one time. You can buy a cartridge without this "license" from Lexmark but at a higher price. These license free cartridges are usually signified with an A (i.e. 28A, 29A etc).

The main problem I have with this "program" is that it is deceptive to consumers. You buy their printer, then you are given all of these restrictions. Should you really have to read the fine print on your printer cartridge box? Who has time for that?

Refilling should be your choice and they shouldn't intentially design cartridges that are not refilliable. It is not good business or good environmental stewardship. Lexmark claims to recycle these cartridges, but wouldn't it make more sense environmentally to be able to refill these locally over and over instead of having to ship them back to Lexmark.

This is why we recommend HP! They are not perfect, but they are much more refill friendly than Lexmark. (Oh and don't get me started on Dell they're just as bad as Lexmark)