If you have been following this blog for a while, you will know that I have been a supporter and user of Kodak inkjet printers. I bought one two years ago and have used it extensively since then (see A New Printer Purchase.) I like the quality, permanence, and low cost of ink, not necessarily in that order. I especially like the low cost of ink.
Unfortunately, Kodak printers are being discontinued, with Kodak Exiting Consumer Printer Business. This decision is part of Kodak’s strategy to focus on commercial printing, and while I do not like it, I respect their need to develop a cohesive business strategy for the future.
I am not fond of paying $40.00 for an original HP replacement cartridge, and generic refills fade rapidly, often in less than one year. For more information on low quality refills, see Henry Wilhelm’s report on Extremely Poor WIR Print Permanence Ratings of HP Ink Cartridges Refilled by Cartridge World, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Costco, Walgreens, 4inkjets.com, and 123inkjets.com.
I do not know what I will do when I need to replace my current printer.
All About Images Blog 
Mark, we have used HP printers of all different qualities since the early 90’s at my job. I have never liked them. My brother uses them as well. They print too wet, their cartridges are extremely expensive and yes, they fade and fade fast; even the HP ink.
I have used nothing but Canon printers since 93. They have idividual ink tanks and have only gone up a couple dollars in all these years. The ink lasts a long time, it doesn’t leave your page all wet and it doesn’t fade. I have used these printers on large print jobs where it prints for hours at a time. My last printer I absolutely wore out after several years.
The printer I have now also has attachments for negatives and slides and has photo quality ink. Again, individual tanks for each color. The tanks are around $11-13 and the double blk is about 20. I’m sure with the tools you have available you may find some fading, but I just took a photo off the fridge today and it had not faded at all and it’s been up there about a year. I will never use anything but Canon.
One thing I learned about generic ink – do NOT use it. I bought it one time and my desk, paper, hands and entire printer insides were saturated in ink. I had to have it all cleaned out. The repairman said “Canon is nice to their customers, they cover it under warranty the first time, but you’d be a fool to do it again and the next time you pay. Believe me, it’s cheaper to buy a new printer.” The guy at office max offered me generic ink, adding “frankly, if you value your printer you won’t buy it, but I am instructed I have to offer it.”
I’ll be anxious to hear what you decide but I honestly don’t think you can beat Canon. All the professional photographers I know swear by it.
Great blog you have, Mark, thanks!
I find my ink drys out on the printervery fast
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