printer/scanner

Baz · Feb 07, 2008, 13:15:49

looking for ideas or recommendations for a decent printer and scanner for my daughter who has a lot of art work to produce and wants good quality results. Am open to any ideas, stand alone models or all in ones, ink jet or laser etc. any info would be great.

I have had a Epson Stylus CX5400 all in one for some years and it always gave good results but may be a bit dated now so need to know what is in the market at the moment.

If you have any thoughts on all aspects of them, pros, cons, cost etc will be good. links welcome too on any sites for buying or reviews of good makes/ models

thanks in advance.

Baz

Inactive · Feb 07, 2008, 13:25:17

I have tried most makes Baz, my favourite is Brother All in Ones, cheap compatible cartridges readily available, I did list one in the Bargain Basement section on here, but I reckon the offer has now ended.

Rik · Feb 07, 2008, 13:30:05

I've had good results from HP, Baz, ideally go for a networking one, can be very handy!

Baz · Feb 07, 2008, 13:48:19

Hmmm networking ones eh? how do they work then. she does have wireless facilities on her lappy but ours at home always seems to take a while to print from our wireless lappy.

Never looked at Brother Inactive, they good are they. I too have always used compatibles for mine and the quality is good for what we need.

Thought about HP before getting mine but wasnt sure about them, it was a while back though.

Dont think I'll go for Lexmark as had one once and it was really expensive to run. It did speak to you though when the ink was getting low

Simon · Feb 07, 2008, 13:54:52

I would also recommend the Brother In referred to above.

As an aside, In, did you ever receive your free offer on registration? I asked for the label printer, but nothing has appeared.

Inactive · Feb 07, 2008, 14:06:10

I took the free 3 year warranty on this recent one Simon, but yes I have had 2 Label Printers from them in the past, they too a while coming tho'.

Rik · Feb 07, 2008, 15:17:48

Quote from: Baz on Feb 07, 2008, 13:48:19
Hmmm networking ones eh? how do they work then. she does have wireless facilities on her lappy but ours at home always seems to take a while to print from our wireless lappy.

Basically it hangs of the router, so to speak, Baz, and can then be used by any machine on the LAN. Very handy way to set up printers.

Quote
Dont think I'll go for Lexmark as had one once and it was really expensive to run. It did speak to you though when the ink was getting low

Lexmark are horrendously expensive to run, and their photo quality isn't, imo.

Baz · Feb 07, 2008, 15:24:26

thanks guys some good stuff there.

started looking at this http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/reviews/review.phtml/2794/3818/hp-photosmart-c8180-all-in-one-printer.phtml

what you think. If anyone has a HP model, or any make infact, what do you feel about the use of compatible carts. Theyve always been ok for me. Also, some of the info on printers Ive looked at state they include a cartridge described as 'introductory'......does this mean 'we havent put as much ink in here so you may print for about a day and then need to buy a new set'

Inactive · Feb 07, 2008, 15:28:59

Many printers come with so called " introductory " cartridges these days Baz, fortunately Brother come with full cartridges, many HP printers come with these half empty cartridges now.

I get my compatibles from Choice Stationery for around a couple of quid each delivered, very good, no problems at all.

I have used HP, Canon, and Epson before, the Brother is the best by a mile for my needs.

Have a look at Argos, they sell them.

Rik · Feb 07, 2008, 15:44:36

Quote from: Baz on Feb 07, 2008, 15:24:26
thanks guys some good stuff there.

started looking at this http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/reviews/review.phtml/2794/3818/hp-photosmart-c8180-all-in-one-printer.phtml

what you think. If anyone has a HP model, or any make infact, what do you feel about the use of compatible carts. Theyve always been ok for me. Also, some of the info on printers Ive looked at state they include a cartridge described as 'introductory'......does this mean 'we havent put as much ink in here so you may print for about a day and then need to buy a new set'

Take a look at this:

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=276653&CatId=1430

Higher spec, lower price, includes fax.

I've always used HP cartridges, myself. I buy them from Photoglossy. Using HP's draft mode, which is perfectly adequate for day-to-day printing, it costs me about £20 per quarter, and I do a fair amount of printing.

Baz · Feb 07, 2008, 16:15:23

looks good.

you know what kids are like, just 'talking' with my daughter online now and the story is guys, she is starting some work in schools and has recieved a grant to help with it and seems to think these models I have shown her are not good enough quality wise $:-\$ says she could spend about £400

Inactive · Feb 07, 2008, 16:18:52

Giver her a reality boot up the bum..

Rik · Feb 07, 2008, 16:19:16

She can spend a small fortune to buy the same product, it's just about knowing the best outlets.

Baz · Feb 07, 2008, 16:19:53

nice idea but shes in manchester and im not......you near there?

Inactive · Feb 07, 2008, 16:22:01

Nah, but I know a man who is.....

Malc, a boot up the bum required Manchester ASAP.

D-Dan · Feb 07, 2008, 20:22:09

I'm more than happy to recommend the Canon ip4300 printer - cheap to buy - compatible cartridges are cheap - and excellent results.

As for a scanner - I'm still a fan of Epson.

I wouldn't go for an all in one - if one part breaks down - it all breaks.

Oh - and I'm in Manchester - Aria are very good if she's looking to buy locally (mail order too).

Steve

Lance · Feb 07, 2008, 22:22:05

I have the HP C5180, and find it produces great quality and is built like a rock. Just like all HP prints new and old!

I only use HP inks, but find it very economical - one of the plus points of the 6 ink vivera system. The intro cartridges have a slightly different ink in them - something to do with being the first ink used with the printer. Not sure what the ink has in it though! Even running the intro cartridges, they still lasted a while.

I think the other brand worth considering is Canon, but I would personally have an HP.

Inactive · Feb 08, 2008, 01:25:07

Just shows, we all seem to have different favourite printers/scanners.

My old HP used to give good results but would regularly jam paper, and cost a fortune in cartridges.

My Canon suddenly stopped printing black, they sent a replacement, it did the same.

I now have 3 Brother All in Ones, all have been fine.

Rik · Feb 08, 2008, 01:27:56

I've only ever had a Brother daisy wheel, I've had Epson dot matrix and inkjets, HP laser and inkjets, Taxan & NEC dot matices, Canon photo inkjet, Lexmark inkjet and Sagem dye sub, plus a Seiko and now Dymo label printer. Only the Lexmark really gave me any grief, but I've heard bad stories about most brands. I guess it's down to luck.

Inactive · Feb 08, 2008, 01:44:24

Indeed Rik, and differing results from different models from the same maker.

Rik · Feb 08, 2008, 01:46:06

Often caused by the stock used - there's paper and there's paper. I always recommend what used to be Modo and is now M-Real. Low dust, low abrasion, good in any kind of printer.

Inactive · Feb 08, 2008, 01:50:04

Just checked my paper supply, Asda Copy Paper..

Rik · Feb 08, 2008, 01:54:58

See if you can pick up some M-Real, In. I think you'd like it. (But then I'm a bit hot on paper as well as fonts and backups.

)

Baz · Feb 11, 2008, 14:00:44

She has decided to go for the HP model mentioned earlier in this thread. From Ebuyer, also a combi pack of carts and paper. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks.

Lance · Feb 11, 2008, 21:55:13

Hopefully it'll be fine!