Looking for Decent Multifunction printer

Glenn · Dec 26, 2008, 12:31:07

Any suggestions for a decent Multi-function printer, I have been looking at a Canon Pixma MP610, it seems to be a very good all round printer and is cheaper to run than the 630 that replaces it.

Rik · Dec 26, 2008, 12:33:08

I'd go with Canon, HP or Brother, Glenn. In has a Brother, I've got an HP atm, though I've also got a dedicated Canon photo printer which I've been very pleased with. Are you looking for in-built fax and/or networking?

Tacitus · Dec 26, 2008, 12:37:19

Quote from: Glenn on Dec 26, 2008, 12:31:07
Any suggestions for a decent Multi-function printer, I have been looking at a Canon Pixma MP610, it seems to be a very good all round printer and is cheaper to run than the 630 that replaces it.

I've got an HP Photosmart C7200 which so far runs without problems from either the Mac or the PC. Comet have (or had) some good deals on them, depending on which model you want. The reasons I went for the 7200 is that it has an inbuilt duplexer for automatic double sided printing and also has a network connection.

Glenn · Dec 26, 2008, 12:38:56

Doesn't need to have fax or networking, it will be connected to my WHS which acts as a print server.

Rik · Dec 26, 2008, 12:43:47

Well, there's the thread we had yesterday.

http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=11822.msg270903#msg270903

though I'd probably step up to this personally.

Sebby · Dec 26, 2008, 12:58:48

If you want something cheap and cheerful, the Brother range are good and consumables are cheap.

Rik · Dec 26, 2008, 13:01:52

Worthwhile point, Seb, as that's where a lot of the cost comes from.

Baz · Dec 26, 2008, 16:58:52

do you use compatible cartridges in yours Rik

Rik · Dec 26, 2008, 17:13:30

No, Baz. I tried refills once, but they weren't worth the bother.

Sebby · Dec 26, 2008, 21:11:24

It very much depends on the cartridges used. Refills/compatibles are not all the same. I find it's best to look for some user opinions and take it from there.

Rik · Dec 27, 2008, 10:27:33

I did, Seb. This user thought they were rubbish.

I have to concede, though, that much of my thinking is conditioned by my working days, when the cost of consumables were tax deductible and a badly printed job cost a lot more in my time than the manufacturer's ink cartridges would have done. Same for laser toner.

Sebby · Dec 27, 2008, 11:54:12

I can understand that.

Glenn · Dec 27, 2008, 12:06:23

I've just been looking at Canon printers, I thought I would take a look on ebay and I stumbled across the Canon refurb site http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Canon-Outlet_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsxQ3asstQQtZkm looks to be some good deals on there, all come with a 12 month manufacturers guarantee

Rik · Dec 27, 2008, 12:10:08

A dye-sub printer for £26, if you're quick. Has to be worth a look.

Steve · Dec 30, 2008, 09:53:06

Just wondering from the little that I have read, that a multifunction printer won't work on a WHS.It will only print.It would be nice if it did all three as I'd buy one myself.

Glenn · Dec 30, 2008, 10:59:34

When my Epson DX6000 decides to work, all the functions work as far as I remember.

Steve, I'll let you know about the Duet when I get home.

Rik · Dec 30, 2008, 12:09:29

I know that HP have been working to make all functions work across a network. Previously, only printing has really functioned.

Simon · Dec 30, 2008, 13:43:36

Not sure what the wireless side is like, but this Brother at Ryman looks good value, at a shade under £78.

Rik · Dec 30, 2008, 14:35:41

I know that In uses a Brother and swears by it.

Tacitus · Dec 30, 2008, 15:10:34

Don't know if anyone's interested but this place do refurb printers. They're north of Nottingham, based in an old school. Dead scruffy but they appear to know what they're doing as I had a Laserjet repaired there. I think they have another branch in Cardiff - hence the St Gallen.

Rik · Dec 30, 2008, 15:14:19

There's some bargains to be had there, Tac, particularly if you need a plotter... The Laserjet 4 & 5 series are a steal too.

Steve · Dec 30, 2008, 16:45:17

Off the subject slightly, using a Brother HL 5240 (b+w laser) networked via usb port on WHS,works well and eventually should work out to be very economical in terms of cost per sheet. I also have attached to the same device a Canon Pixma IP5300 for photos and colour printing

Rik · Dec 30, 2008, 16:47:47

Lasers are worth investing in if you do a lot of text work, Steve, and more so if you need a Postscript printer.

Steve · Dec 30, 2008, 16:54:40

Certainly my wife and kids do a lot of black and white work and the Brother was not very expensive,it was just over £100 with a toner cartridge fit for 2,500 sheets. I am also led to believe that lasers are happier than inkjets to be left turned off for awhile.

Rik · Dec 30, 2008, 16:58:22

Yes, I've rarely had problems with any of the ones I've had over the past 25 years. The worst I've had to do is clean them and give the toner cartridge a shake.