[blackmarlin]

Hi Chris,
I had a similar problem with my Canon printer, what we found out is that you have to watch the shelf life of the ink cartridges themselves. Then other problem I had was with an Epsom all in one unit I bought, I went through ink like nobodys business so I weighed it up and for the cost of three black Epsom cartrides I could buy a new Canon Printer, so I bought an IP 3000, seperate ink tanks and most important no chip to worry about so I can use any manufacturers cartridges. At the moment I buy my ink from Tesco, £10.00 for all three colours and I think about £6.00 for the black and they last for ages. Even if you buy Canons own they are £7.99 each for the colours and £9.99 for the black. The printer will also print straight to disc. I recommend that when you have to replace your printer you think seriously about a canon and always ask about the price of replacement cartridges as the price of theses can be horrendous as you have found out.

Alan