Cheap multifunction printer

[hkriffraff]

I'm looking for a cheap home printer that can also scan & copy (fax would be nice, but not really necessary). I'm a very low volume user and only occasionally need to print texts or copy something. Speed is not too important, but the output should be of decent quality.

I can get a Brother DCP-130C for next to nothing from my credit card rewards catalog. Will this get the job done and does Brother make reliable printers?

I've also been looking at the EPSON STYLUS CX3900/CX4100 and the HP HP Deskjet F380, which are both <US$100.

The store rep recommended HP and said that Epson printers go through a lot more ink. If this is true, why would anyone choose Epson?

How much do you have to spend to get a machine that can print double-sided?

 

[polevault139]

I have a C4180 Hp, and it's an aweome printer for the price. It is a printer scanner copier all in one. It prints fast and has really good quality. I used the ink cartridge it came with and have yet to use it up, and I have printed quite alot. I got it on sale for $89, and i think you can get it from tigerdirect.com for $100.

 

[Super Macho Man]

eBay. Printers these days are practically free. It's a waste of money to buy ink when you can get a whole new printer for $30.

 

[haoqfu]

i wouldn't recommend epson printer either. i owned a photo printer from epson several years ago, it drained the catridge so fast, and the genuine ink catridges from epson were so expensive that i could almost afford another low-end printer.

i would recommend either hp or canon. i'm looking at canon mp460 myself. it's about $110, plus the color matches my mac too.

I'm interested in knowing how much i need to pay for a printer that can print double-sided as well...

 

[dante@sisna.com]

New Kodak's have LOWEST INK COST

The New Kodak Multifunctions are built to use less expensive ink -- HUGE savings over HP, Brother, and Epson stock ink.

Mac World recently reviewed -- they look fantastic.

 

[Cybix]

Canon MP800, hands down

 

[Edwin the Elder]

Epson Stylus CX 5800F

I picked up an Epson CX5800F at a great price - $98 (Canadian). The HP 5610 was $50 more and has fewer features.

The Epson supposedly works better with a Mac and has a media card reader and PictBridge.

However I've read a lot of similar complaints:

1. Printer stops working when you change a cartridge.
2. You need to continuously clean the nozzles - which wastes ink.
3. you have to change 4 cartridges when only 1 is out of ink.

Views? (I haven't opened it yet.)

 

[camomac]

i've used epson for years after owning canon and hp.
i love the quality of epson.
most pro photographers use epson too (in my opinion)

 

[Edwin the Elder]

thanks

given the price, I'm gong to open it up and give it a try

 

[trainguy77]

I picked up an Epson CX5800F at a great price - $98 (Canadian). The HP 5610 was $50 more and has fewer features.

The Epson supposedly works better with a Mac and has a media card reader and PictBridge.

However I've read a lot of similar complaints:

1. Printer stops working when you change a cartridge.
2. You need to continuously clean the nozzles - which wastes ink.
3. you have to change 4 cartridges when only 1 is out of ink.

Views? (I haven't opened it yet.)

Well also epson cartridges claim they are empty when still something like %30 full.