How are Non-Epson ink Cartridges?

[KC]

I have an Epson CX5200 color all-in-one printer and am running ow on ink.  The Espon brand ink cartridges are pretty expensive and 123inkjets.com has an ink megapack for $45 that comes with 3 blacks, 2 reds, 2 blues and 2 yellows.  Anyone have any experience with non-name brand ink?  My primary use if for general office printing/copying and kids art projects.  I don't use it for color photos.

I remember a thread in gonegold forums a while back on the subject, but don't remember the consensus.  I would also be interested in any sources for cheap name-brand ink.  I think Amazon may have the best deal for Epson ink.

Thanks in advance for input.

[Haavok1]

I also have the 5200, I have had no luck with replacement cartridges.  Both times I have tried the printer went crazy and was f'd up.  Had to replace the printer luckly it was under warranty.  Both places I used were places I had great luck from on other printers before.  I don't know if the new chip in the cartridges is what keeps them from working, but if you find a place please repost and let us know.  The places I tried were Roxys, and DR Ink.  At 30 for black and 11 for the colors gets very expensive.

[Haavok1]

Called 123 they said their cartridges are compatible, but I am still leary.  Anyone else had any luck?

[dangerballs]

its getting harder to find replacement cartridges these days because the new cartridges have computer chips that the printer writes to once ink is gone, just so they can't be used again.  
  :x greedy printer companies...