Printer quandry/choice?

[DewGuy]

I'm real close to pulling the trigger on a refurb MacBook and was thinking of taking advantage of the $100 rebate on a printer that Apple is offering.

Currently we have an HP LaserJet 4m that needs to be repaired (accordions the paper at output) but still works. It's getting quite old and is an energy hog, so we're thinking of replacing it with something else. I've only ever used dot matrix and laser printers (although the Mrs. has used ink jets), but have read quite a few negative comments over the years concerning ink jets.

We don't do very much printing, so the printer doesn't get used very often, I understand that this is bad for ink jet printers. It's possible that if we had a printer that does color that we would print more, I just don't know for sure. If we go for the printer we'd like something that's reliable, that doesn't cost and arm and a leg for ink carts, that has individual ink carts and lastly that the company updates the drivers for newer OSes.

With all that said do you think we'd be happy with any of these printers Buy a printer with your Mac? Any recommendations? Thanks.

[AlphaDog]

I got a blank page at the link. Can you post brands and models?

I've heard many reports of clogged nozzles with Epson printers, but I've used both HPs and Canons without any trouble at all. My printer(s) can sit for weeks without being used. If you post the choices, I'm sure someone here can give you first hand information about the specific ones offered.

[Robert M]

Dew Guy,

Separate ink tanks don't necessarily equate trouble-free. If you're going to buy an inkjet that isn't going to get much use, I'd avoid models that have separate ink tanks and print heads. In my experiences with Canon and Epson inkjets with this type of system, they tend to suffer from clogs. Never ever a problem with HP models that use ink tanks that have the print head built into them.

That said, if you don't already have one, a machine with an auto document feeder (ADF) capable of faxing and making photocopies is definitely a worthwhile purchase for your home. A $100 rebate will go a long way towards getting one as they tend to be more expensive than dedicated printers. It's also worth considering getting a model that has wireless built into it. That way, you can place the printer anywhere that is convenient even if it's in a different room and still have access to printing.

I bought my girlfriend a multifunction that has built-in wireless. After using the machine with a notebook computer and printing to it wirelessly, I can say that a model with built-in wireless is definitely worthy of consideration.

One other thing. Take a look and see what Staples/OfficeMax/etc have to offer. Often, they have special deals on printers that reduce the price by a significant amount of $$$ without a rebate attached to it. Factor in discount coupons and the cost reduces even more. You may actually end up doing better than if you bought one from Apple even after factoring in the $100 rebate.

Robert

[DewGuy]

AlphaDog wrote:
I got a blank page at the link. Can you post brands and models?

I don't know what happened to that link, but it's now been fixed in my message. Quite a few models from Canon, HP and Samsung, probably easiest to check the link.

[IronMac]

I've been looking into getting a new multi-function machine myself. I am leaning towards getting one of the Brother MFCs. The inkjet model that I would have gone with had a requirement that you finish off the ink cartridges within 6 months of installation. Forget that!

[Robert M]

IronMac,

I wouldn't go near a Brother Inkjet based machine. The build quality is mediocre, they burn through ink (even if you don't print that much) and the output is subpar at best. Feature for feature, you can't beat the price but that's not nearly enough to convince me to buy a Brother inkjet based machine ever again.

Robert

[IronMac]

Yeah, that's why I am now probably going to get a Brother laser model.

[DewGuy]

Robert M wrote: Separate ink tanks don't necessarily equate trouble-free. If you're going to buy an inkjet that isn't going to get much use, I'd avoid models that have separate ink tanks and print heads.

I was only thinking of separate ink carts as not needing to replace half empty ones in a multi-color cart because one color has run out.

Robert M wrote: Never ever a problem with HP models that use ink tanks that have the print head built into them.

Seems that I've heard that in the past.

Robert M wrote: That said, if you don't already have one, a machine with an auto document feeder (ADF) capable of faxing and making photocopies is definitely a worthwhile purchase for your home.

We'd have even less need for those functions in printer than we do in occasional printing.

Robert M wrote: It's also worth considering getting a model that has wireless built into it. That way, you can place the printer anywhere that is convenient even if it's in a different room and still have access to printing.

When I get the MacBook it will be the only computer we own with wireless, but I can see where that would be a good investment for the future.

Robert M wrote: One other thing. Take a look and see what Staples/OfficeMax/etc have to offer. Often, they have special deals on printers that reduce the price by a significant amount of $$$ without a rebate attached to it. Factor in discount coupons and the cost reduces even more. You may actually end up doing better than if you bought one from Apple even after factoring in the $100 rebate.

I think I'd probably only go with the Apple deal if it was on one of the printers that would be free after rebate. But knowing my tastes in consumer electronics, the free after rebate printer probably wouldn't suit my tastes.

Talked to the Mrs. for a bit and we both decided that we should stick with a B&W laser as it would be best suited to our infrequent needs. Probably get a new one instead of repairing the LaserJet 4m. We also think we might get one of the free after rebate ink jet printers and either sell it or give it away. When we get ready to buy a new laser printer I'll definitely keep your buying advice in mind.

[Robert M]

Dew,

Laser printers are a whole different beast. Definitely post when you're ready to buy one and a slew of people chime in to help you get the best deal on a good laser printer that is well suited to your usage.

Robert