It appears that IBM customers can be added to the throng of printer users frustrated with the high prices of printer cartridges. Big Blue has responded by announcing its own line of IBM-branded compatible toner cartridges for HP LaserJet printers.
According to the company’s Web site, IBM customers “have asked IBM to deliver an alternative to higher-priced HP LaserJet toner cartridges.” Currently, IBM’s new product offerings for HP LaserJet replacement cartridges include 10 cartridge types with prices ranging from $42.99 (for the 5L and 6L series of printers, as compared to HP's list price of $58.99) to $129 (for the 8100 and 8150 series, with a HP list price of $199.00 for the maximum-capacity cartridge). As for quality, IBM stated that the entire line complies with ISO 9000 standards.
At this time, it is not clear whether IBM is producing its HP cartridge replacements in house or if it has partnered with a supplier. It is clear, though, that the customers of the one of the world’s largest PC makers are looking for an alternative to OEM-priced products.
For more information about IBM’s line of replacement toner cartridges for HP printers, visit www.ibm.com.