Printer Recommendation

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 3:45 am

I currently have a HP2600N color laser. Having issues with the unit and would like to get a replacement. The print quality sucks on this HP. Want to replace it since I don't want to spend $300+ on new print cartridges.

The printer is for home use only. Don't even know if HP is a good printer anymore.

ZYFER · Post by **ZYFER** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 4:52 am

Does it need to be a laser printer?

I recently bought this one from Staples:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Kodak+-+ESP ... &cp=1&lp=1

Best Buy has the Kodak ESP Office 2170 on sale this week, till Saturday.

Prints, scan, copy, and fax. Though I haven't given the fax a full around test. You can use it via USB or Wireless. Support for Windows 7 and 64-bit. Cannot make any claims about Linux support though. It also can print in 3D apparently, never tested that though. Another feature it has is the ability to print with your phone using Google Cloud Print.

The ink is pretty cheap in comparison to the competition, was easy to setup the wireless out of the box. Didn't even have to connect it to a computer. The ink prices are pretty much the same anywhere you buy it as well, making it a good deal if you have those Staples or Office Depot coupons for a certain amount off when you buy a certain amount.

Unlike my previous Lexmark, it doesn't constantly lose connection making me have to turn the printer off and turn it back on. A huge plus for me. Though the Kodak lacks an ethernet port, it prints quick via wireless, so it is hardly needed.

I'm pretty satisfied for the $65+ tax I paid for it. Amazon is selling it for $90, regular price is normally over $100. Best Buy.com or their local Best Buy has the best price this week.

One thing I like from the install disc is that it when you select which printer you are installing, it downloads the latest drivers available for your OS. Not every printer does that, saves some hassle making sure you have the latest.

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:31 pm

ZYFER wrote:Does it need to be a laser printer?

The problem I have with the ink is if I don't use it enough it will clog. I like laser, but the damn color cartridges will break you.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 1:51 pm

I HATE printers in general. I'm currently using a CISS system on a Canon printer & it's been good to me, but yeah, you have to use it regularly to avoid clogs.

If I didn't have this setup though, I'd ditch color all together & grab a black & white laser when they go on sale (Samsungs & Brothers have been going for $50-80 pretty regularly on Newegg lately). Even with my current setup, I print all my photos at Walmart. Quality is better (and reliable) & the price is nearly the same as doing it myself.

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 8:32 pm

Yeah, maybe I should consider a simple B&W laser instead.

ZYFER · Post by **ZYFER** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:16 pm

If color doesn't matter to you, there are often good deals on B&W Brother and Samsung laser printers. I don't use color much as it is, set it to print mostly B&W which you can do these days. There are always the option to align the print head keeping the ink cartridge fresh too.

But if you hardly use it, then the B&W laser might make some sense.

You looking for Wireless? Ethernet? Or just USB fine?

I dunno about what is considered regular usage though, might use mine once a week, haven't had any clogging problems with any printer.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:47 pm

Another vote for a monochrome Laser. I have a 10+ year old HP Laserjet 6P that just won't die. Even with all I print I only need to change the toner once a year at most.

I personally would avoid some of the cheaper lasers unless you read raving user reviews on it on Amazon and Newegg. Cheap lasers will wear out their drums in a few years. That's why I buy HP. I have NEVER seen an HP printer have a drum failure. They run forever.

The reason people have so much trouble with Inkjets is because they buy cheap ones. Honestly, if you pay less than $80 for an inkjet you're getting a budget printer and you get what you pay for. You really need to spend closer to $130 - $150 for a good inkjet.

The higher end inkjets have a lot more intelligence and they perform regular priming to keep from clogging the ink. Ink shelf life is also better for the premium models. Always check the expiration date on ink when you buy it (now that it's required by law thankfully) and never stockpile ink.

My all time favorite inkjet was the commercial HP Officejet Pro K550. That's a real work horse. Even though it's been out of production a few years you still see them selling well on the refurb market. I have dozens of customers using those printers. They're as fast as a laser and never have ink issues because they use separate tanks and jets.

Lately Epson has been making some very nice high end printers (I would avoid their sub-$80 models). I bought one the Artisan 835 for the wife a few months ago and she's loving it. Her old printer was driving her crazy. http://www.amazon.com/Epson-Artisan-Col ... B003XDU8OE

I'm not a big fan of all-in-one printers, but this is a good one.

I also NEVER install the bloated drivers that ship with these Inkjet printers. I go to the manufacturer's website and download the "Enterprise" or it's sometimes called the "Network Administrator" drivers. They are JUST the driver and nothing else. Just what it takes to print.

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:22 am

Ideally, I try not to print to much anymore, but when i do I use my networked
Brother HL-2170W (Wireless monochrome laser). It's inexpensive and can be had for less than $100.00 when on sale (check Slickdeals.net). I had mine for 6 months and I just replaced the "starter" toner with a high capacity one from Meritline.com for $20.00 (http://www.meritline.com/brother-tn360-high-yield-black-toner-cartridge-for-hl2140---p-29695.aspx).

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:39 am

I'm looking at this HP:

http://www.amazon.com/HP-LaserJet-P2055 ... 11&sr=1-11

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:43 am

DaMaN wrote:Ideally, I try not to print to much anymore, but when i do I use my networked
Brother HL-2170W (Wireless monochrome laser). It's inexpensive and can be had for less than $100.00 when on sale (check Slickdeals.net). I had mine for 6 months and I just replaced the "starter" toner with a high capacity one from Meritline.com for $20.00 (http://www.meritline.com/brother-tn360-high-yield-black-toner-cartridge-for-hl2140---p-29695.aspx).

Look at the price for this Brother:

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-HL4570CDW ... 11&sr=1-12

$13???

wvjohn · Post by **wvjohn** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:29 am

I always but HP monochrome lasers for the office - tried the others and they all die after 1-2 years. the HPs just keep on ticking and are fairly cheap to run with the generic Officemax cartridges - we have a bunch of old HP 1012s that are at least 6-7 years old.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:37 am

Exec, that HP 2055d is a solid printer, but it's probably overkill for home use.

It's a 3000 pages a month printer. Most of my business clients are using it. Great printer, and it'll last forever. If you don't mind spending that much I can guarantee that it'll still be running in 10 years.

If you want to spend less this P1102W is a good deal. Some of the 1000 series have been lemons, but this one seems to have good user reviews and it's on sale for $90. It's no 10 year printer, but it'll be a good bang for the bucks: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6828115639

Me personally, I'd buy the 2055d. I like a big paper tray and a big toner cartridge.

I've had bad experiences with Brother lasers in the past. I recommended them to a bunch of clients wanting to save money, but every single one of them died within 2 or 3 years - usually due to drum failure. I've got clients running the same HP lasers for double that time easily.

wvjohn · Post by **wvjohn** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:20 pm

I'm with FP on that 2055 - a few bucks more than off brands but it will last forever and it's fast.

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:22 pm

OK thanks for all the feedback. I ended up buying the HP 2055d.

I've had good luck with hp printers, but this HP2600n has been a different story. If the 3 color cartridges weren't so expensive, might have considered a color one. If I had to replace all 4 (including the black), I would normally spend $350. OUCH!

ZYFER · Post by **ZYFER** » Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:40 pm

HP laser printers have always been solid. Their inkjets though are pretty iffy at best.

Actually a nice printer FP linked there, wondering if I should grab one myself at that price. Most models around that price don't even come with wireless like that one does.