Go to this web page: http://www.wilhelm-research.com/

In the top middle area of the web page is a (3MB) pdf file of an article in Sept 2003 issue of PC World, about third-party inks. Third-party inks are much less expensive than the printer manufacturer's ink, but they're also much less durable.

The table below shows the following results:
1. For the Canon S900 printer, photos printed with the third-party ink will last 4-5 years while photos printed with Canon ink will last 27 years.
2. For the Epson Stylus C82 printer, photos printed with the third-party ink will last 0.5-1 year while photos printed with Epson ink will last 92 years.
3. For the HP DeskJet 3820 printer, photos printed with the third-party ink will last 1-1.7 years while photos printed with HP ink will last 15 years.

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