So what is the alternative? (Score 1)

I guess my thought is what is the alternative? Sure Epson estimate (badly) when the ink cartridge runs out, however, how could they cheaply measure the ink level in the cartridge without jacking up the prices yet again for more sophisticated cartridges just so you can get an extra 100 prints? Maybe someone needs to setup a cost per page system, something like the Energy Star ratings we have and stick that on all of the boxes. Then as the consumer we could make real, informed purchases on our printers. Lasers are by far the best value for volume printing for a small office, however, my experience with color lasers has always been so-so, no one tells you when you shed $1000's on purchasing your HP 8550 that each color page reduces your drum life three times as quick on color prints! I remember when Olivetti released a line of inkjet printers, priced in the UK at 19.95GBP each everyone was flocking to pick up these "bargains". What they did not realize is that the included cartridges were only half full and colour/black replacements would cost four times as much as the printer :)