Excellent product ... BUT BEWARE!

Purchased in August 2013 and frankly delighted with the product that is simply excellent in every point of view in terms of performance and availability, but ... out 11 months later. Refuse any services after ink cartridge change yet genuine Epson! Ok it can happen you tell me ...

So I did some research and here's what you should know:

- Each cartridge Epson is a chip that counts the number of prints (and perhaps also the number of starts of the machine?)
- The empty cartridge is announced when the counter has reached its limit, but it does not reflect the level of ink, no ink level sensor in the cartridge, just a counter. I let you judge what it may cost you in consumables prices ...
- Unlike some printers, if one cartridge is announced empty, the printer is unusable, it seems it is to safeguard the printer ... But in fact it forces you to buy more cartridges and above that required to dispose of cartridges containing still a lot of ink. And it is not good for our planet!
- If you have 3 or 4 cleaning nozzles by the Epson software, the level drops visibly empty to be announced in less time than it takes to write it. Epson also recommends not to carry too much of consecutive cleaning cycle, or else wait for a night, I quote "let the ink dry soften" ... Let. I tested => That does not change, at least in my case there may be another failure?
- There are "Chip reseter" that are supposed to reset the counter of the embedded chip on the cartridges. Shop around you can find it almost everywhere ... But "at your peril" is said at Epson as this will invalidate the warranty heads. I have not wanted to use it, the fact remains that I can print more and nothing'm forced to make a return of the product. (1 month from the end of the warranty ...) Amazon does not make difficulties As always the site is serious, and it must be emphasized. Know that the right of return is sent by email and you need to print ... Uh yes ... BUT HOW ??
- And best of all, the printer is compact, yes and the recovery tank unused inks also ... You know what is the tank containing sponges that permeate is unused ink the printer waits well stored somewhere during cleaning cycles of the printheads. Well again there was a counter, and after 3000 impressions you will have a nice message like "a printer element is the end of life" => Back service requested by the printer itself!
Again, there are a parade with software (not recommended by Epson obviously) that a fee provide you a code to reset the meter in question. Ok but the tank in question is still open, and it will clear the ... Will you do that?

In summary: The product is just exceptional, but you just know .... say some things to the own policy of "planned obsolescence." It makes you want to compare the product capsule espresso machine. The machine is sold at a very good price (which is the case here), but the capsules will ruin you, well here is the budget "ink cartridges" which is a benefit for Epson.

Conclusion: If you vow a great printer for a great price buy there, hoping not know of disappointment as in my case, but know that at the same time you sign a contract to replace expensive cartridges, result of a policy very questionable. A little research you will find information on the amounts that Epson had to pay to US and Canadian consumers for damages ... Unable to verify the accuracy of this, make your own opinion. Yet I regret the time of the Stylus also excellent and durable too ... maybe? See for yourself if you have an older Stylus keep preciously there. And if you want it, buy there, it is a wonderful product, but knowledge of the above ...

Sincerely, a 58 year old engineer rather disappointed with the policy that totally undermines Epson.

EDIT 09/27/2014: After a service return, this machine works perfectly now ... we'll see how long. It is true that my use is relatively low, which suits well to this machine with the print quality and speed are truly remarkable, all with a very small footprint. By exclusive use against Epson cartridges, say, for security.