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Rīga · Čaka iela 37 · IT SERVISS

Printers: which ones can be refilled, and which cannot

One letter in the model name decides whether you will ever be able to refill the cartridges. Here is how to spot it before you buy.

Check before buying

HP printers with an "e" at the end of the model name

HP models whose name ends in "e" are sold enrolled in the HP+ programme. Physically it is the same printer — the difference is one letter on the box.

Refilled and compatible cartridges do not work in these printers. They accept new Original HP cartridges only, and that stays true for the life of the machine.

  • A permanent internet connection is mandatory. The printer talks to HP servers regularly.
  • HP checks online which cartridge is installed. A non-original one is recognised and blocked.
  • No internet means no printing — even with a genuine cartridge fitted.
  • HP+ activation is irreversible. Once set up, it cannot be switched off.
M110we M209dwe 4001e 6001e
Our view

Is that allowed?

Formally, yes. HP discloses the HP+ terms at purchase and during setup, and the buyer accepts them. The problem is that on a shop shelf the difference is almost invisible: two identical printers, similar price, one letter apart.

HP's practice of using firmware updates to block third-party cartridges — which HP calls "Dynamic Security" — has repeatedly ended up in court and in front of consumer-protection regulators in both the US and Europe, and HP has paid settlements over it.

We think it takes away the buyer's right to choose. It has not stopped HP so far, which is why the only reliable answer is simply not to buy one of these printers.

What we offer

Printers without the "e" — refillable cartridges

We sell printers whose cartridges can still be refilled years from now. The very same HP LaserJet M110w is a good choice, while the M110we is not.

  • 2-year warranty on every printer we sell.
  • Service after the warranty ends — we do not abandon the machine.
  • Cartridges and refills on site at Čaka iela 37, Riga.
  • Advice before you buy — tell us how much you print and we will suggest a model.
M110w M110we
Epson

Epson printers with ink tanks

In Epson tank printers (EcoTank) the ink is poured into a tank instead of bought in cartridges. If you print a lot, the cost per page is among the lowest available.

  • Ink for Epson tank printers.
  • Waste ink pad replacement — that is the "service required" message that eventually stops the printer.
  • Pickup roller replacement when the printer stops grabbing paper.
  • Print head cleaning and replacement, including when a colour has stopped coming through.
For home

Home printers using PG-540L cartridges

Canon home printers that take PG-540L and CL-541XL cartridges are a good choice if you print irregularly. These cartridges can be refilled and are not expensive.

Bring the printer or just the cartridge to Čaka iela 37 and we will tell you whether refilling it is worth it.

PG-540L CL-541XL