As for using cartridges from clone manufacturers, my experience has been that they often require far more "priming" than the original manufacturer's product. As a result, you're wasting ink and saving less money than you may have thought.
Also, when ordering Canon ink supplies, beware the manufacturer's confusing and inconsistent use of the terms "ink cartridge" and "ink tank." It's led to my receiving the wrong item on more than one occasion.
Not worth a few dollars of problems and costly repairs. The two packs are better deals.