I have a Cannon iP4500 with four separate ink cartridges.

As I do quite a bit of printing, mostly black,[I direct A Cappella choirs] I refill the cannon cartridges myself.
I got the syringe and plastic stoppers from a company that goes round refilling from a van. I buy bulk ink from them.

To overcome the little chip you just hold down the "feed" button on the printer for a few seconds. It's all on the net.

Heaps cheaper than buying the cartridges, though I do have about six now, as I refill them all at once.

I know when the ink's run out as it doesn't print properly anymore! Just have to keep an eye on it.

Printer cartridges are way overpriced! Sometimes it's cheaper to buy a new printer. How silly is that!