An inkjet printer system comprises a first cartridge having one or more ink storage reservoirs, an ink delivery assembly, and a printhead integrated circuit. The system further comprises a second cartridge having one or more ink storage reservoirs, an ink delivery assembly, and a printhead integrated circuit, and having a performance characteristic differing from that of the first cartridge. A first cradle is provided for receiving a cartridge, the cradle having a first controller board for controlling a printhead integrated circuit of the received cartridge. A second cradle is further provided for receiving a cartridge, the cradle having a second controller board for controlling a printhead integrated circuit of the received cartridge. The first cartridge, second cartridge, first cradle, and second cradle, are user interchangeable to vary a performance of the inkjet printer system.