Printers

[sideways]

You can print PDF's without a physical printer on all major operating systems so that isn't a problem.

If scanning is important I would recommend getting something that does duplex with an automatic feeder, and that spits out single PDF files. It will save you a ton of time over manual feeding, converting images, and creating pdf's. There are many scanners built specifically for that. https://unclutterer.com/2013/01/11/ask-unclutterer-products-for-processing-paper/ http://www.canon-europe.com/For_Work/Products/Document_Imaging_Systems/High_Speed_Document_Scanners/P-215/

 

[Bob W]

If you are going to buy a new laser printer, I would recommend two features for most people. Get one that can do flatbed scans...

In my experience the all-in-one scanners aren't as good as a stand-alone flatbed scanner. They don't last as long and don't work as well; a crap scanner combined with a crap printer. At least they're priced accordingly.

For documents scanning, an actual document scanner is the way to go. :thumbup:

Again, that's just my experience. Good luck shopping!

 

[sodak]

H.P. Is the worst, i hate their printers, Ink, customer service and will never buy anything with their name on it as long as i live.....I threw their printer in the garbage after 3 months and bought a Dell, it runs great on cheap ebay ink.

Except for Canon - I started with them, and switched to HP. I'd be happy to switch again (no love for either one) if a better manufacturer exists.

 

[gadgetgeek]

I get what you are saying Bob, but for my uses its far easier if I just need a copy of something to have one machine to do it, instead of three. No matter what you do, nearly all scanner software is crap anyway, so that is a rough part. The one I have is a Samsung, and its what I would consider a small office/home office grade machine. It gets the job done.

 

[swonut]

I've been real happy with my brother HL-2170W. I use it over ethernet and it works great. It's got an eye that senses low ink and you can trick it with some masking tape. I've refilled the cartridge twice from some internet based place and it's held up to two kids.

 

[shunsui]

There's a variant on laser printers called an LED printer. It uses a LED array instead of the laser and mirror system. Less moving parts, yadayadayada. I've got an old Okidata Okipage 6e "page printer" that's about 15-17 years old and still working. Okidata made some pretty solid printers back when.

 

[sideways]

Thanks for that tip shunsui :thumbup:

How do they compare with regards to cost per page and ink costs. Does the rarity create problems finding drivers?

 

[bladefixation2]

I also bought a Brother laser printer a while back after struggling with several HP inkjets clogging up or having paper feed issues. I've been happy with the Brother so far, it was the cheap model so its only B&W and the resolution isn't as high as a more expensive model, but its fast and reliable. I get photos printed by an online service anyway.

 

[shunsui]

How do they compare with regards to cost per page and ink costs. Does the rarity create problems finding drivers?

The only things you replace are the toner cartridges and the drum. I guess I don't print that much as I'm on my second or third cartridge and have never replaced the drum. I'd say I've run about two standard boxes of paper over the years.

Okidata is great on keeping up with drivers. I found a driver for 64 bit Windows 7 on their website. I think I had to manually install it, which is pretty easy actually. Google is your friend.

 

[sideways]

The only things you replace are the toner cartridges and the drum. I guess I don't print that much as I'm on my second or third cartridge and have never replaced the drum. I'd say I've run about two standard boxes of paper over the years.

Okidata is great on keeping up with drivers. I found a driver for 64 bit Windows 7 on their website. I think I had to manually install it, which is pretty easy actually. Google is your friend.

Thanks for the info. :thumbup: