LAS VEGAS--At first, an automatic ink refill solution doesn't sound all that exciting, but the Inké HS-45 is surprisingly simple, inexpensive, and fast. Roughly the size of a small coffee pot, the HS-45 offers a one-touch button for ease of use. The machine forces the ink into the cartridge through the head, meaning it doesn't poke any holes into the cartridge like you would with a manual system that requires needles.

Because the Inké HS-45 doesn't harm the cartridge, you can use the same one up to six times before throwing it out. It comes with three ink tanks, and you can purchase more separately for $10 each vs. nearly $20 for the manual offerings, and $30 for a brand-new cartridge.

The live demo took less than five minutes: Just drop the old cartridge in as soon as you get the message that ink is running low, drop the new ink tank in, close the system, and hit the button. It's a piece of cake. It runs on either AC power or a battery. Here's the catch. This system works only for HP 15, 40, and 45 cartridges, so if you have one of those, you're good to go.

Product Details: Company: Inké Pte Ltd. Availability: Q2 2004 Price: $70 street

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Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in PC Magazine.