Looking for new printer/scanner/copier

[langis]

(Didn't see a printer specific forum. Sorry if this is in the wrong place.)

I'm looking for a new printer/scanner/copier because both HP and Lexmark suck. I heard good things about Samsung, but I digress.

I don't want to pay more than several hundred bucks at most but I also demand certain features, including:

- The ability to work, out of the box, with Windows XP or OSX WITHOUT SOFTWARE (e.g., Windows/Mac recognizes the device natively). If the device has proprietary software that is OPTIONAL or can be otherwise worked around, that is also fine. It's also fine if it does need software that is unintrusive, has a VERY small memory footprint, and is virtually invisible.

- Color is preferred, but grayscale is fine (though if it's grayscale it has to be laser).

- It doesn't have to be super small but it can't have a boat of a footprint either.

- It doesn't need fax capability. In fact, I would prefer if it DIDN'T have fax capability.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[rickkipp]

I have used only Brother laser's for the past 15 years. First one died after 8 or 9 years, mainly due to my use of locally supplied toner refills from a printer shop. Worst thing to do. Now I buy generic cartridges and drums online, and they work great. The refills always spilled toner on the interior of the printers, causing all sorts of problems. The Brother is the best all around IMHO, with superb quality, reliability and functionality. I have not heard of an MFC printer without a fax (wouldn't truly be MFC!). Scanner works great, XP installs driver on finding new hardware, via USB or ethernet. Brother's typically get great reviews, with Samsung a probable second. I agree with you about Lexmark and HP. Crap made for Walmart and Best Buy. My newest Brother is a laser printer only, bought for its portability. Very fast, clear, and cost a little over $100.00. My MFC-8820D is about 6 to 7 years old, works perfectly and has never needed any attention, beyond the toner and drum replacements. Check out the lasers and color lasers here:

http://www.brother-usa.com/mfc/Home_Home_Office_Multifunction/

 

[rtfm]

Espon do good multifunction inkjets, cheap cartridges as well. You are right to stay away from HP and Lexmark, they do indeed suck major balls.

I would recommend my Canon Pixma MP500 , fantastic quality prints, cd/dvd printing, proper paper tray, fast copying, seperate ink cartridges for cyan magenta, yellow and blacks, memory card (usb sd etc) slot for pc-less printing. Only thing is it falls down on your "can't be the size of a boat" requirement (and the ink costs a ton) 🙂

 

[sisley_111]

^+1 for Canon

I have a pixma MP780, (now it's replaced by the MP8xx or newer MP9xx)

on the 780 : Great printing, fast, PC less functionnality. Print recto-verso, automatic 35 sheets feeder, 2 paper sources, 5 separated colors.

on the new models : copy recto verso. Better printing

Does not cost too much (around 300$ in canada). About ink, Canon had the best price/page ratio.

http://www.canon.ca/products/productSubGroup.asp?lng=en&gid=2&sgid=20#37

older models
http://www.canon.ca/products_arch/arch_list.asp?lng=en&gid=2#20

 

[rockbyter]

for price, HP, but you pay more for the first round of cartridges than the printer itself so have the mindset to throw it away.

Don't go bottom of the line brother, they are famous for running out of ink when they aren't in use, and theres usually no way to reset the count. Middle of the line up, (above $120 or so) stand well to time.

Besides all that, i would browse around newegg by most, and best ratings to get an idea of whats solid.

 

[rtfm]

^+1 for Canon
About ink, Canon had the best price/page ratio.

Yeah, I'll clarify that. To replace all the ink at once is pricey, but the cartridges have very good capacity (unlike HPs which are tiny). They are also easy to change 😀

 

[langis]

These Canons intrigue me (I'm willing for them to be huge if they perform well). PC-less functionality is also handy. Do any of them need software to print/scan to a machine? Are any/all of them wireless?

Thanks for everyone's responses!

 

[mtyermom]

Brother is the best all around quality and reliability, IMO. I've had nothing but good experiences with them.

 

[rtfm]

You can buy a bluetooth module for the one I have, but it's slow printing through bluetooth.

All printers (and other h.w.) need a driver (this is the basic piece of software that tells the os how to talk to the printer). If you don't want to install all the other crap (photo printing sw/manuals, ocr stuff etc) you don't have to (I don't bother with all that junk either).

Just remember when you shop to read up on as many user reviews as you can, as well as review sites. Dont forget the usb cable either! Good luck!

 

[langis]

^ Thanks, chief!

 

[rtfm]

No problem 😀

 

[roadrunner197069]

I'd go with Kodak because the ink is way cheaper then anything else. It will pay for itself after 2 ink refills.

It also makes real nice photos.

Otherwise Epson and cannon, and brothr are all good, but check the price of ink refills before you make a decision.

I bought a color laser, ya it cost alot but after 2 years I'm still on the toner it came with, so it definately paid for itself.

 

[geofelt]

I have been very pleased with my Canon MP810.
It has never misfed or jammed paper.
The color is in individual cartridges, so you replace only what you use.
I can use it as a copier, even when the PC is shut down.
It is reasonably fast and quiet.
It can print duplex.