New Intellidge ink cartridges ensure accurate ink level display via our Status Monitor 3 - even when partially used cartridges are removed and reinserted. So you can insert fresh cartridges for big, important printing jobs, and then switch back to the partially used cartridges later. The result is more efficient ink usage, with worry-free operation when you need it most.

1. Someone reverse engineers the chip, creating a functional replacement but without copying any of the epson technology. This is complicated because to be legal someone would have to make a chip that functions exactly the same, but without ever analyzing or even seeing the actual Epson chip, just analysis and such from other people's observations of the chip. Compaq did it to IBM's BIOS in the early 80's but it's still very hard to find untainted people who can do the work legally.
   UPDATE: It appears that at least two companies have successfully reverse engineered this chip. One offers a compatible Epson ink in chipped cartridges for the 1270, 1280, 870, 780, 890 and 777 printers. The other offers a chipped cartridge that is permanently set to always read 100% full, because both black and color 1270/1280 cartridges never have to be replaced in this continuous bulk inking system.
2. Someone figures out how to re-set the level in epson's own chip and then provides a method to put this "reset" chip into 3rd party carts. The main problem here is that you have to buy an Epson cart first and then use and re-use it's chip.
   UPDATE: Two systems have been invented to reset these cartridges. The first method works with the original 1270 and 870 printers, but not with the current 1280/780/890 printers. The second method involves the use of a hand-held chip resetter than works with any Epson Intellidge chip. This hand-held chip resetter is now being offered to reset chips to be used with the new Fotonic 1270/1280 ink cartridges.

Here are few PROS and CONS you should consider:

Besides being loaded with the new Epson lightfast inks, the new
cartridges for the 1270 / 870 printers will have some unique features:

(From the Epson UK web site, which already has these printers....)
http://www.epson.co.uk/options/consum/lfast.htm

[Quote] The Intellidge (intelligent cartridge) cartridge offers improved
print quality, flexibility and reliability with the EPSON Stylus Photo
870 and Stylus Photo 1270 ink jet printers. These cartridges offer
enhanced features and provide significant benefits to the user. [End of
quote]

1. PRO: [Quote] The cartridge can be removed or replaced even when not
fully empty, allowing for example a new full cartridge to be installed
before commencing a long print job. The original cartridge can be
replaced when the job is completed. [End of quote]  These new cartridges
have a valve(s) that automatically closes each time the cartridge is
removed, preventing air from entering (the #1 cause of Epson "clogging"
problems).

2. PRO: [Quote] Ink levels are accurately measured and can inform
through the Status Monitor how many pages are left based on previous
usage. [End of quote]

3. PRO: [Quote] Misfiring is prevented as it is impossible to
accidentally replace the cartridge with an empty one. [End of quote] 
This is also the #1 cause of damage to Epson print heads -- trying to
print without any ink in the heads.

4. PRO: The flexibility of the Intellidge cartridge makes it very
possible that in the future, Epson will offer larger capacity ink
cartridges for the 1270 (in addition to the current cartridge size), for
people who want to do volume printing.  The microchip will let the
printer and your computer know that it has a larger capacity ink
cartridge loaded.  (My speculation for this is based on the fact that in
Japan, Epson is right now introducing "lower capacity" cartridges for
the 1270 /870 printers for people who only use their printers
occasionally.  I'm confident that Epson America executives will ask
Epson to consider making higher capacity cartridges for USA customers.)

5. PRO: Because the lightfast ink in the new cartridges come from Epson,
printing from these new inks should be pretty much "plug & play", as
profiles are already be built into the print driver for several Epson
papers.  And the output I've seen from these new inks and printers looks
just about as good as from the Epson standard ink.

NOW FOR THE "CONS"...

Ian Lyons, at his web site, makes this comment about the new cartridges:
http://www.btinternet.com/%7Eian.lyons/epson1270/epson1270.htm

[Quote] The new Ink cartridges complete with a microchip are designed to
ensure the driver is always reflecting the estimated ink levels. So
unless you figure out a way of resetting (very doubtful) the microchip,
refilling is History!!! Furthermore, "if" Epson have designed the print
driver to only allow printing from a cartridge with a microchip, then
alternative non-Epson pre-filled cartridges are equally doomed (unless
someone wants to pay Epson a  License fee). Apparently all future Epson
printer models will be similarly configured. [End of quote]

Although Epson has produced some great features with their intelligent
microchip, it could be that their main purpose is to keep more of the
ink cartridge market (where the real profits are made) to themselves.

One of the things that has made the desktop Epson printers the printer
of choice for photographers and other artists was its open architecture
or adaptability.  Because its cartridges did not have the head
technology incorporated with the cartridge (like the HP), third-party
ink manufacturers have offered pre-filled cartridges (made in China)
with their archival ink.

For the most part, Epson has "looked the other way" as the 3rd-party
"archival" ink companies have pre-filled these Chinese made cartridges
with their lightfast inks. This is because Epson did not have an
archival solution at the time.  Now Epson does have a lightfast solution
with their new inks for the 1270 and 870.  Epson just might start
getting tough if 3rd-party manufacturers try to start competing with
inks made for the 1270 / 870 printers.

But can the 3rd-party ink companies make pre-filled 1270 and 870
cartridges now that the "microchip barrier" is here?  (It is rumored
that the new printers will not even function without the microchip.) 
Sources tell me that the Chinese are already at work making a "reverse
engineered" microchip for these new 1270 /870 cartridges.

CONS:  It's possible that Epson may make a legal challenge if and when
these new Chinese cartridges enter the market. This could greatly limit
the flexibility of the 1270 and 870 printers (having only the Epson ink
option) if 3rd-party ink companies choose not to "butt heads" with
Epson.

Will Epson eventually provide us with a lightfast "pigment" ink (much
more archival than their current "lightfast" dye-based inkset) for the
desktop (consumer) printers?  How about "quadtone" inks for black &
white printing?  These are just some of the alternatives that 3rd-party
ink companies offer.

It may be that you'll want to hold onto those 1200's, Photo EX's,
1160's, 1520's and 3000's (or even buy some more before they're gone) if
you wish to have other ink choices.

But then again, don't expect Epson to just stand still.  Sources tell me
that some exciting WORLDWIDE announcements (none of these sneak-previews
from the Japan web site) are in store for us from Epson come mid-June. 
I'd expect some major news from Epson at the "Photo+Expo West 2000" in
Los Angeles (June 15-17).

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