Printer cartridge question

In a desperate attempt to save a few pennies, I've downloaded a program (EcoPrint2) that cuts down the amount of ink used per print - if I need best quality I can adjust the amount of ink saved.

My question is that I've heard that the printer (Epson SX425W) does not measure the amount of ink used, but just counts the number of pages printed. If this is the case there's no point in saving ink use, the printer will declare the cartridge knackered after a number of pages regardless.

Anyone know if this is the case?

Sorry - this should have gone in Anything goes, I don't know how to move it!

Many printers, both inkjet and laser, are set so that the print quality (dpi) can be adjusted from their settings on the PC.

It may be that you need to go into Print Manager for your settings, or it may be that the EcoPrint2 over-rides the default settings.

On both my laser and inkjet printers, the drivers I use allow me to select print quality as soon as I press Ctrl+P.

If I go straight to 'print', the printers assume best quality.

Feedback on your program would be appreciated.

BTW, yes it should be in Anything Goes

Epson printers use chipped cartridges in an attempt to prevent refilling of empty cartridges, either by the owner or some of the High Street and online sellers.

They also use page counters which as far as I know stops the printer being used after the prescribed number of pages has been reached, requiring the counter to be reset for it to work again. A message will pop up advising that the printer should be sent to Epson for service. There is some software available free online which can reset the counter for you.

As Oldseadog has said, you can control the amount of ink used by the printer from the Print Manager; select "Draft", "Normal" or "Best" print quality.

Thanks for the replies folks. I have adjusted the standard printer settings, draft is so pallid that it is no use other than for proofs, and "normal" is good, but with the price of ink I don't think I need such high density for most work. As the program is free I'll keep using it and see what messages I get.

I have tried so-called compatable cartridges, but they are rejected by the printer, chipped as you say.