This week we shall be looking at the Hewlett Packard DeskJet 610C for the PC.
Like all Hewlett Packard printers this entertaining little number performs fine for about 20 pages or so, more than enough for the average novelist. However, when the ink cartridges run out, which shouldn't happen for at least three quarters of an hour, the Hewlett Packard monopoly comes into its own. Fortunately Hewlett Packard aren't selfish, greedy or insulting to their customers. The Hewlett Packard replacement ink cartridge (black ink only) is a snip at only £25.00 for almost a whole thimbleful of ink.
When you compare the combined prices of the black and colour Hewlett Packard ink cartridges (£55.00 in total) to the fact that you can pick up a whole brand new Cannon printer complete with larger-sized cartridges for only £47.00, then you might start asking yourself, "What's the point in buying a Hewlett Packard at all? They're expensive, produce speckled print-outs and are basically shit." And you'd be right to ask this question, if it wasn't for the fact that you can have so much more fun with a Hewlett Packard.
For example, cheap alternatives to the £25 and £35 cartridges (respectively) are almost impossible to find, but once every blue moon you might stumble across a mysterious back-street computer shop that actually stocks one. This is where the real enjoyment begins.
Once the refill package is opened it quickly becomes clear that the instruction booklet and accompanying diagrams bear no resemblance to the actual ink cartridge you've removed from your machine despite the insistence on the packet that the kit is designed specifically for the Hewlett Packard 610C. But nil desperandum...Hewlett Packard kindly include in their kit a small piece of metal with which you can bore the missing hole into the top of your cartridge. This takes about fifteen hours and eventually snaps, the blob of melted rubber laughingly referred to in the kit's contents as 'The Plug' being completely the wrong size to be of any use.
Imagine your delight when, having followed the instructions to the letter and left your cartridge -- now replete with fresh ink -- to stand overnight (a difficult procedure due to the unique design of the cartridge that doesn't allow it to remain upright in any position unless surrounded by a complicated arrangement of books and cutlery) you wake up in the morning to find said cartridge empty and your sink/pots/books/cutlery etc stained beyond repair. Much more fun than just buying a cheap £4 cartridge for the Cannon and placing it in your printer I'm sure you'll agree.
