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In the market for a new printer
Posted: 2005-01-11 04:38pm
by Howedar
I need a new color printer. I don't want to spend more than US$120-130. Of paramount importance is refillable ink cartridges and (preferably) cheap ink. I want reasonable quality, but my current standard is a cheap HP that's seven or eight years old.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd be curious on a general level (what brands) as well as any specific printer anyone has found that they like.
*EDIT* I couldn't care less about the ability to copy or scan. I have a scanner. Neither do I care about memory card readers or pretty little LCD screens.
Posted: 2005-01-11 05:53pm
by phongn
Canon ink tends to be inexpensive. Both Epson and HP make good printers. Stay away from Lexmark.
If you are forseeing printing many a page I'd suggest getting a used laser off of eBay, though.
Posted: 2005-01-11 09:50pm
by Plekhanov
Just about any printer you get at that price level today should produce very good quality prints, so you're right to look at ink costs as the major factor in deciding. I wouldn't really know about the US but in the UK at your price level Epson should be your best bet.
HP make really nice printers but the cartridges are expensive, for a real world example I was recently provided with a HP printer by the state (otherwise I'd have gone for epson) and new cartidges set me back about £15 (and these are replica not official) those for my girl friends Epson cost about £3, sure mine seem to have a bit more ink but no where near enough to justify the difference.
Canon used to be similar in price to HP's but recent models in your price range seem to have simplified the cartridges so they're cheap though they don't hold much ink, still could be worth a look.
As phong said stay far, far away from Lexmark.
Posted: 2005-01-11 11:06pm
by The Cleric
Go HP. My close friend (he's a computer consultant, so it's not like he's a bloody n00b) has had nothing but shit with his Cannon. HP will run you a bit more for ink, but it's reliable.
Posted: 2005-01-11 11:15pm
by Cal Wright
Lexmark Z605 or so. $40-$50 bucks. I picked mine up at a Wal Mart and it kicks ass. I've had thier shit before but they've made some hella imporvements in thier print quality.
Posted: 2005-01-11 11:29pm
by Plekhanov
Cal Wright wrote:Lexmark Z605 or so. $40-$50 bucks. I picked mine up at a Wal Mart and it kicks ass. I've had thier shit before but they've made some hella imporvements in thier print quality.
How much do the cartridges cost though? Over here a full set of Lexmark cartridges set you back more than the printer.