Re: OEM consumables (was Real-world ink longevity test)
- From: Richard Steinfeld <rgsteinBUTREMOVETHIS@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 25 Aug 2007 11:15:56 -0700
TJ wrote:
So what you're telling us is that when you purchase OEM name-brand paper or recording media, you don't know who the manufacturer is, the quality is inconsistant, and the OEM can change suppliers at any time, so you don't know what you're getting. Is that about right?
Sort-of.
In the case of "Hewlett-Packard" paper at Staples (USA), it's made _and distributed_ by Hammermill and this is not too difficult to find out. With the recording media it's more difficult. The country of origin is usually shown on the package. However, in the case of the TDK disks at Costco and elsewhere, it's pretty difficult to read the chocolate-brown "India" against the bright red background.
In some cases, such as with the Taiyo Yuden CDRs that I buy in bulk, I think that I can trust the product from the original supplier a lot more than I can from a marketer like Sony. These days, some Sony products will be made by Sony, for example, while many Sony products are simply products of a Chinese manufacturer, with Sony's name slapped on.
I can find Memorex and Maxell CDRs at Best Buy, but I sure can't find Taiyo Yudens at any retail store; I've got to buy these in cake boxes of 100 on the Web. I should say, too, that TY is not the only trustworthy blank digital disk maker, just one that I use. There are one or two web sites where people discuss the quality of these things.
Hmmm... Seems like I've heard that song before. Can't help but wonder if they are so cavalier about THOSE things, why should I think it would be any different with ink?
About ink, I'd think that printer makers specify the parameters that the supplier must meet, and the supplier does. Hell, at those 10,000% profit margins, QC must be a pretty simple matter. I also would not be surprised if maybe one printer manufacturer actually makes its own ink, too, but also buys it when they can't meet their own demand.
After reading the Image Specialists web site, I see no reason why this company would not be capable of supplying a printer manufacturer with their precise quality and quantity requirements. And there are undoubtedly other suppliers in the world who are just as good.
Printer ink and blank CDs are at the opposite ends of the retail spectrum right now. The CDs are price-driven by intense competition, so it's somewhat a race to the bottom. The ink market is still maintained at dizzying price points through artificial gimmicks such as fear and cartridge chipping. I think we're going to see changes. All it takes is one marketer, such as Kodak, to shake up the old boys club. Or perhaps a direct Oriental manufacturer.
Richard
Richard
.
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