Please recommend me a printer...

[MikeO]

I want to buy a printer, but a trip to PC World today showed that there is such a huge (& reasonably priced) selection that I need some guidance. Where better than here...

I will use the printer for simple B&W text for most of the time, but would like to be able to print colour on occasion. Photo printing isn't important, as I can get high quality printing done pretty cheaply. I don't have a scanner at present, but don't see it as a high priority - although the ability to use it as a photo-copier is an attractive thought...

So there you have it - any advice/experience appreciated...

Mike

 

[themadprofessor]

I have got a Canon i865 - it may not be exactly what you need as it is a photo printer.

I used to use an Epson and I would not buy another Epson as I found the ink cartridges very expensive. Many of the cheaper printers take all in one ink cartridges so even if there is masses of ink left in two/four of the pots when the first one runs out the printer senses this and won't print again until you replace the complete cartridge.

My Canon (and I think quite a number of the range) uses indivdual ink pots so when a particular colour runs out you just replace that one.

I am very pleased with mine and would certainly recommend it. Cost me about £100.00 about six months ago from Dabs.

Chris

 

[Deleted account 220427002]

If you don't need photo quality.... then the cheapest printer I could find would do hope it lasts more than a year...
If it doesn't you still have the guarantee.

If it does last you haven't paid much for the printer and your quid's in.

If you want to print photo quality go for an Epson R200 I got mine for £50 on a dixions offer. About £75 RRP
It also lets you print CDs that have a printable surface...a great feature IMO

As the mad professor said the chip in the ink cartridges stops the printing while there is plenty of ink left in the cartridge.

But you can buy a reset tool which resets the chip to think it's full again and you can then use the remaining ink. cost about £5

You also can buy cheap copies of the cartridges 6 colours well five colours and a black. all uses indivdual ink pots


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1246&item=6760572057&rd=1

http://search.ebay.co.uk/epson-r200-cartridges_W0QQfromZR40QQsojsZ1

 

[luke scott]

My mate Alan is a good printer !..... mmm back to the wine now.

 

[doubleR]

I use an HP5510 printer/scanner/fax. 1 year old, no problems, good print quality and resonable price.

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

I have a HP all in one thing, printer, scanner, copier. A really useful bit of kit, I use the copier far more than I envisaged.

 

[shuck raider]

Like you, I wanted something fairly simple and inexpensive for home use as I can get most of my high quality stuff done either in work or via other contacts.

Everyone said Canon was the name in the frame, so after some research I bought a Canon iP1500 from PC World at around 40 quid. A quick search now shows 'em from Pixmania at 35 or so and maybe even cheaper elsewhere. Does exactly what it says on the box, prints reasonably quickly in b/w and colour and good quality prints too. Seems to be easy on ink so far, all in all, a cheap but good package. BTW, doesn't come with a USB lead.

 

[shugie]

how much have you got to spend?

 

[MikeO]

how much have you got to spend?

Well, it's more a case of what would suit my needs best. There seem to be plenty of (probably) suitable machines in the sub £100 bracket...

Mike

 

[shugie]

Indeed, I was thinking of suggesting a Samsung colour laser printer I saw on Insight for £200 inc VAT.

Bit more than your needs/budget I guess.

Just that I favour laser printers over ink-spit. Except when it comes to consumable replacement time and a new drum is needed. Generally I find that to be new printer time.

 

[Grumpy Lee]

In your budget, Which? recommend the Canon iP4000.
If you want cheaper cartridge replacement try:
http://www.choicestationery.com/acatalog/Canon_Pixma_iP4000_.html

HTH

 

[Grumpy Lee]

In your budget, Which? recommend the Canon iP4000.
If you want cheaper cartridge replacement try:
http://www.choicestationery.com/acatalog/Canon_Pixma_iP4000_.html

HTH

And being a bit bored at work, this link is the cheapest I've found it;

http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/shop/detail.asp?ProductID=1882&CategoryID=99&SubCategoryID=199#

Well that's my good deed for the day

 

[MikeO]

Thanks very much for all your input. After reading the specs on all the recommendations, I ordered a HP 5510 printer/scanner/fax/teasmade for £125ish (delivered) - should get it on Thursday...

Mike