I use a lot of ink and on occasion I have decided to buy 'compatible' or 'reinked' cartridges. Each time I could kick myself for doing it! They run out quickly, the gunk up, they are just not worth the couple dollars difference. I buy my ink online thru HP and always get a 10% coupon for next purchase and it is delivered next business day free. So, it really isn't worth messing with off brands.