Looking for Decent Multifunction printer

Sebby · Jan 01, 2009, 23:53:03

If it doesn't have a network socket, you can connect it to a network via print server (wireless or wired).

Steve · Jan 02, 2009, 08:29:17

Quote from: Sebby on Jan 01, 2009, 23:53:03
If it doesn't have a network socket, you can connect it to a network via print server (wireless or wired).

Not tried this product but it is said to support multi function and is available on Amazon for £33.88,there is also a wireless version.

Rik · Jan 02, 2009, 08:54:53

It will need either built-in wireless networking or an RJ45 ethernet connection.

Glenn · Jan 05, 2009, 19:12:13

My Canon MP610 arrived this morning, I've just unpacked it, I need to fit the printhead into the printer followed by the cartridges then its ready to print......... almost. Canon in their wisdom don't supply a usb printer cable

Oh well it will have to wait for a test tomorrow evening once I have a cable.

Lona · Jan 05, 2009, 19:35:24

I have an HP750 and the scanner has given problems from day one. On HP forum everybody has the same problem with the scanner.

Also it doesn't have a driver that works with vista so I can't use printer sharing on my networked pcs.

I didn't know you could get printers that can connect directly to your router but I think that could be one of the pluses for me.

Lance · Jan 05, 2009, 22:50:12

Its very rare for a printer to actually come with a cable, Glenn.

Rik · Jan 06, 2009, 08:45:50

Which is an irritating example of penny-pinching by the manufacturers!

Glenn · Jan 06, 2009, 09:47:13

I have 2 USB printer cables now, we throw them out at work

Rik · Jan 06, 2009, 09:48:25

I have a handful in the cupboard, Glenn, plus motley other stuff - probably including a few serial cables and SCSI leads.

Sebby · Jan 06, 2009, 14:22:54

I miss SCSI.

Rik · Jan 06, 2009, 15:02:41

SCSI was a great interface and I've never understood why it didn't get wider acceptance.

Glenn · Jan 06, 2009, 16:30:36

Still the interface of choice for most high end servers

Rik · Jan 06, 2009, 16:31:48

Though not the consumer market. I've always wondered why economies of scale didn't start to bring the costs down.

Sebby · Jan 06, 2009, 19:00:25

I wonder if it's because the interface (physically) was a bit clunky.

Glenn · Jan 06, 2009, 21:35:01

Setting up the MP610 takes about 30 minutes from sealed box to a print of your choice. 1st thing to so is install the software, which comes on 2 CD's. Once the printer is out of the box, the printhead needs to be fitted in to the heart of printer, then the 5 ink cartridges, all complete in in around 15 minutes. Aligning the printheads take a further 13 minutes but once complete the printer is ready to go.

I must say after a couple of full A4 borderless prints on Glossy paper I am more than impressed, the print completes in about 25 seconds and it is hard to find fault with it. On plain paper the same print is very good quality but not as vibrant as would be expected.

Would I recommend the printer? Yes, I think it is one of the best printers in it's price bracket, £90 - £150, mine came from Canon's ebay refurb shop at a discount on the new price but with a full test report and 12 months warranty.

Sebby · Jan 06, 2009, 22:23:27

Great stuff, Glenn.

Rik · Jan 07, 2009, 09:17:49

Quote from: Sebby on Jan 06, 2009, 19:00:25
I wonder if it's because the interface (physically) was a bit clunky.

Certainly, externally, the cables were a bit of a pain. As an internal, HD, interface, though, it wiped the floor with everything.

Rik · Jan 07, 2009, 09:18:22

Quote from: Glenn on Jan 06, 2009, 21:35:01
Would I recommend the printer? Yes, I think it is one of the best printers in it's price bracket, £90 - £150, mine came from Canon's ebay refurb shop at a discount on the new price but with a full test report and 12 months warranty.

Good to know, Glenn.

john · Jan 09, 2009, 22:04:59

My Dell All-In-One 926 that I got 'free' with my laptop 2-3 years ago may have a fault as it won't align the cartridge even though it was new but purchased many months ago.

It could be a faulty cartridge but I'm reluctant to buy another at around £15 as it may really be the printer thats at fault. It needs a new black cartridge too, also around £15 so I thought it best to put the £30 cost of the cartridges to a new multifunction device instead.

I've looked at the Canon Pixma MP610, as bought by Glenn, and it has mainly very good reviews on Amazon (who are currently selling it for £85).

The only thing is that I rarely if ever need to use it for printing photo quality pictures, usually I just need to print text documents and web pages so it may be a bit over the top. However I suppose a more suitable all-in-one machine would not be a lot cheaper and may in fact work out more expensive in replacement catridges as the MP610 seems to have quite a reasonable yield of pages/cartridge.

If I need to prints of photographs I usually wait until I've got 20 or more and take them to a shop to print out as I think this is less expensive than using the cartridges in ones own printer.

Rik · Jan 10, 2009, 10:33:49

I generally print my own photos, John, as it gives me more control. The Canons are first rate printers, and they know a fair bit about scanning too. I find the print heads don't dry out if not used and are always 'ready to go', unlike some Epsons I've owned.

john · Jan 10, 2009, 16:05:30

Quote from: Rik on Jan 10, 2009, 10:33:49
I find the print heads don't dry out if not used and are always 'ready to go', unlike some Epsons I've owned.

After reading your reply Rik I decided to try and resurrect my old Canon i865 printer which has been in a box in the garage for well over two years.

I downloaded the software form the Canon website plugged it in and it said the cartridges needed aligning which I did. I then printed out a test page and the black printed perfectly although the colours are very muted. However the cartridges are not original Canon ones and it reports the yellow and magenta ones are running low. I've tried to do a deep clean of the print head but this didn't make any difference but I'm sure that with new cartridges it will print okay. Even if it doesn't most of the pages I print out are monochrome anyway.

I was really surprised the thing worked at all after so long though so thanks for prompting me to try it Rik

A multifunction device would be more convenient though so I think I'll still look around for a suitable one. The Canon MP610 is favourite at the moment although I have read reports that the cartridges are chipped (apparently to prevent the use of compatible ones and refilling) and this may be troublesome as people say that they sometimes prevent you printing even when they're still half full. I think I'll see how Glenn gets on with his first.

Rik · Jan 10, 2009, 16:16:49

HP would be the other brand I'd recommend, John, but I think they also chip cartridges.

Glenn · Jan 13, 2009, 11:09:24

Today only

HP C7280 under £100 http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/316905/hp-c7280-all-in-one-printer-96-80-j/

john · Jan 13, 2009, 12:42:29

Thanks for posting that Glenn, unfortunately the John Lewis website reports it's out of stock although they may have some in the stores.

Amazon are selling it for slightly more at £115.97 and it has fairly good reviews but many reviewers have expressed concern about the size and cost of the replacement cartridges.

J!ll · Jan 13, 2009, 12:57:14

I have an HP 2575 all-in-one, blue tooth etc.