I've purchased refill kits over the years... I've had pretty good luck with the black refills, but not with the colour. That said, they're never like new, but in a pinch I'm glad to have the workaround.

If its a photo or critical document, I go for new cartridges... I've been happy with the results with new cartridges, even if I get a bit peeved at the expense.... but whatever happened to the paperless office, anyway?

And... (see Comment by William — October 11, 2006) my last printer purchase was prompted by finding that the purchase price of a NEW printer, allbeit on sale, was less than the cost of purchasing two new printer cartridges. HAH!!!