The model of a color ink cartridge varies with the maker, for instance, HP has a model for each of its printers. Xerox and other brands such as Epson and Dell have their own distinct models too for each printer. This type of cartridge normally comes fixed on the printer. This ink cartridge is used in any ink jet printer like the best photo printers. It is more popular than the black ink cartridge because it offers users the benefits of using all the colors when printing their documents. The popular type is the refillable one which most people find convenient and economical to use for both domestic and commercial purposes.

A brand new color ink cartridge is first filled with ink before the user can start using the printer. Most printers have at least two cartridges one for black and the other for color ink. Those who use refillable cartridges can acquire a refilling kit which consists of a cartridge holder, syringes, and bottles of ink. The kit may vary with the maker or the type of cartridge. If you are just going to use your printers for personal usage like printing documents, drawings of your kids, labels of a short run cd duplication, you can consider using refillable color ink cartridges that are much cheaper to buy.

It is possible to find a customized model for the ink cartridge of a printer. Nevertheless, most manufacturers do not take into consideration the compatibility of the cartridge but they focus on production of non compatible models. Research indicates that a typical refill color cartridge is prone to periodic failures such as color bleeding and curling. To avoid this problem, consumers should purchase spare cartridge for replacement when the need arises.

A color ink cartridge may cost anything between $18-60. This is the price for a standard model for a standard printer. However, a much larger cartridge especially like the one used for mass prints is expensive and may retail for several thousands of dollars.

A top brand of color ink cartridge that comes with its own print head is less compatible with a different type of printer. If someone cannot afford a quick replacement for a defective color ink cartridge, then the best alternative that he or she has is to purchase the cheaper but compatible cartridges which have been customized. Such a customized cartridge can work a number of printers. However, care should be involved and the user should sully understand the inherent risk involved with the cheaper replacement such as damage to the printer head.