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Home printer for occasional use.

dimme

dimme

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Feb 14, 2007
3,380
34,732
SF, CA
My 25 year old laser printer is going south. I need to replace it but I only need a printer or rare occasions. I see inkjet printers are rather cheap but the ink is so expensive. Is there a inkjet printer out there that will not clog up if use once a month, or do I need to buy another laser? If I go with inkjet is there on that I can buy the ink in bulk so when I cleaning the heads I not flushing money away.

Thanks
 
I've had good luck with the Canon lower end all in ones. They're decent on ink and, if I end up with a big ink bill at some point, it is actually cheaper to replace the entire printer than 2 new high capacity ink cartridges. (Fry's has these on sale all the time. Sign up for their Daily Deals online, get a promo code and you save even more money) My last one cost me about $35 and it prints really well, text and pictures.
 
The same can be said about HP. They have a printer that costs about 30 bucks that will print and scan. Buying ink online will always be less than the store. Also, if I remember correctly, office max sells an ink cartridge that is their brand but can be used in the HP, Cannon. It's considered generic but I have used it in the past with no problem.
 
dimme said:
My 25 year old laser printer is going south. I need to replace it but I only need a printer or rare occasions. I see inkjet printers are rather cheap but the ink is so expensive. Is there a inkjet printer out there that will not clog up if use once a month, or do I need to buy another laser? If I go with inkjet is there on that I can buy the ink in bulk so when I cleaning the heads I not flushing money away.

Thanks
Click to expand...
This is all you need:
Brother HL-L2340DW Compact Laser Printer, Monochrome, Wireless, Duplex Printing,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LZS5EEI/
 
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dimme said:
Is there a inkjet printer out there that will not clog up if use once a month, or do I need to buy another laser?
Click to expand...

I recommend another laser. I bought one for $80 eight years ago, and I am still on the starter toner cartridge. It has paid for itself compared to the ink-jets for the very reason you described.

A.
 
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Reactions: willmtaylor
One more vote for a laser.
This is all the more important if -- as you mentioned above -- you will use the printer only occassionally.
Inkjets tend to clog up or have problems unless they're used frequently.

I'd recommend Brother, as well.
Mine's been running for years -- can't remember how long I've had it.
 
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Reactions: BeefCake 15
This is helpful also as I was looking as well...does the Brother work with iOS printing?
 
I am using from last 1 year Epson WF-3640 Wireless Color All-in-One Inkjet Printer with Scanner is the best printer with scanner. It allows scanning and copying your documents in whichever format you wish to have your content. It is powered with PrecionCore technology to give high quality laser output, thus, increases productivity and flexibility in terms of paper handling. You can load up to 500 sheets and use the rear tray to keep envelopes and additional paper.
 
Alisha Patel said:
I am using from last 1 year Epson WF-3640 Wireless Color All-in-One Inkjet Printer with Scanner is the best printer with scanner. It allows scanning and copying your documents in whichever format you wish to have your content. It is powered with PrecionCore technology to give high quality laser output, thus, increases productivity and flexibility in terms of paper handling. You can load up to 500 sheets and use the rear tray to keep envelopes and additional paper.
Click to expand...

The issue with Inkjet on occasional use is the ink get dried up and can ruin the head versus lazer.
 
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Reactions: wtzouris
Not true. My Canon AIO was kept in the self storage for 5 years and ink never dried up or clog print head. I find this hard to believe.
 
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