text: how can i use a lenmarks ink cartridge in my dell printer? i was told by a dell rep that came to my house to service my dell that i can use lenmarks ink cartridges..(because their cheaper)so i found the match put it in and it reads full but will not work...is it because of a chip in the cartridge? if so...how can i make it work? help... evidently, the dell rep is new, because although lexmark makes dell printers, the cartridges are not compatible.  lexmark cartridges will likely fit into your dell printer. however, the little microchip located on your lexmark cartridges is different than the microchip located on your dell printer. in other words, it will fit, but your printer will not recognize it. i would call and complain to dell customer support.   because lexmark is rated as one of the most unreliable printers (see pc magazine's recent annual printer review) and also because you absolutely have to order dell ink online for your printer, many people trash their dell printer and buy a different brand. i recommend this to you.   the same issue of pc magazine i mentioned earlier named canon and hp the two most reliable printers. and besides, ink for the two brands (especially hp) can be easily found. i own the hp photosmart c5180 and have never owned a better printer than this, but if you don't do as many photos, look into the c4180 (or c4140 at wal mart).