I need to get a new printer. I was thinking of getting one of those all in one printers that have the scanner and what not. I was wondering if there's any printer that doesnt require for you to install software and drivers, as in they are included on mac os x (I'm using snow leopard). Or, at least, which brand has the less intrusive software? hp, canon, epson?
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Printer advice?
- Thread starter Mr.Texor
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Not the Kodak ESP7.
I've never had trouble with Samsung or HP, although setting them up sometimes is a struggle. Also, if your HP printer says that it doesn't work with Macs, chances are... it doesn't.
I've never had trouble with Samsung or HP, although setting them up sometimes is a struggle. Also, if your HP printer says that it doesn't work with Macs, chances are... it doesn't.
The Canon models usually get good reviews.
Personally I always choose Epson or Canon for inkjet printers and HP for laser printers.
Personally I always choose Epson or Canon for inkjet printers and HP for laser printers.
I have a Canon AIO MX860 on my home network (built-in WiFi). It works well and the drivers are relatively unobtrusive.
I always have liked the individual ink tanks of the Canons makes for a low total cost of ownership.
B
I always have liked the individual ink tanks of the Canons makes for a low total cost of ownership.
B
Get an Epson. Connect it to your computer and it will just work. I've had one for years and it's great.
I use an HP scanner and HP printers, and both of those ask you to install software - but the Mac software was included with both.
Hi, I hadn't been able to give thanks to everyone that replied to my original post. I just moved to Dallas and didn't have access to the internet for a while. Well, I did, but at work I wasn't able to log to the forums. Anyway, I got an epson printer about a week ago and I'm very happy I did. The drivers were installed automagically by the OS. Everything works right out of the box.. yay!
That's the thing - a lot of people don't print much, so a cheap monochrome laser printer will do wonders, and the toner will last forever.
If you really need color (and like printing the occasional photo), absolutely get an Epson - best quality in photos for the past several years.
I picked up a monochrome Samsung duplex laser with ethernet about 1.5 years ago on clearance at Office Depot (something like $60...shoulda bought two...) which still has 70% of toner remaining in the starter cartridge (1000 sheets)
My inkjet is old faithful Epson R1800, incredible 13x19" photo printer. One nice thing about it is it came with a firewire cord, so I don't need to use up a valuable USB port on my Mac.
And anyone buying inkjet printers, remember to buy GOOD paper (multipurpose, or heavier than the standard 20lb) - the better the paper is, the LESS ink will need to be used.
I am a big fan of Epson.
I sold mt R2400 and bought R3800.
If printing quality is crucial, use Epson.
The down side is the ink cost.
You can try refill ink cartridge solution such as ufosystem or buying oem refill ink cartridge. Ufosystem is specialize in epson refill ink only.
You can also try media street or inkrepublic for bulk refill ink if you plan to print t-shirts using heat transfer pigment or sublimation ink.
All these companies are reliable.
You still have to tweek the profile but that is minor issue.
I sold mt R2400 and bought R3800.
If printing quality is crucial, use Epson.
The down side is the ink cost.
You can try refill ink cartridge solution such as ufosystem or buying oem refill ink cartridge. Ufosystem is specialize in epson refill ink only.
You can also try media street or inkrepublic for bulk refill ink if you plan to print t-shirts using heat transfer pigment or sublimation ink.
All these companies are reliable.
You still have to tweek the profile but that is minor issue.
Are you going to use it wirelessly? Are you printing in color? IF color, are they pictures or just color text or images? How often do you print? Does speed matter? Does double sided printing matter? Those are all questions we need answered to really make a good rec for you.
I have an HP and love the all in one features. It was easy to set up wireless. I would stay away from Canon- my inlaws got one, the wireless was very difficult to set up.
Overall HP gets the best ratings on Consumer Reports website. HP's cost less for ink per print out according to their testing. There was one canon which got better ratings for photos, but the cost was way higher than the HP I was looking at and I don't print out photos often at all.
I got the HP 6500 wireless and like it. HP has the option of buying the XL ink cartridge which provides twice as much ink for about $15 more (half the cost of the main black cartridge. It also saves me paper due to the double sided printing option- and the printer cost me $150!
BEWARE- I did considerable research online and be careful that you understand what print cartridges you need to buy for a photo printer. more than one "photo" inkjet All In One printer required the black and color cartridges as well as some grey photo cartridge which is difficult to find anyplace locally at STaples or other so it has to be ordered online. It was hard sometimes to figure this out- so beware.
I have an HP and love the all in one features. It was easy to set up wireless. I would stay away from Canon- my inlaws got one, the wireless was very difficult to set up.
Overall HP gets the best ratings on Consumer Reports website. HP's cost less for ink per print out according to their testing. There was one canon which got better ratings for photos, but the cost was way higher than the HP I was looking at and I don't print out photos often at all.
I got the HP 6500 wireless and like it. HP has the option of buying the XL ink cartridge which provides twice as much ink for about $15 more (half the cost of the main black cartridge. It also saves me paper due to the double sided printing option- and the printer cost me $150!
BEWARE- I did considerable research online and be careful that you understand what print cartridges you need to buy for a photo printer. more than one "photo" inkjet All In One printer required the black and color cartridges as well as some grey photo cartridge which is difficult to find anyplace locally at STaples or other so it has to be ordered online. It was hard sometimes to figure this out- so beware.
very disappointed with HP
I started trying to connect my HP G85xi to my new Apple MacBook Air a few months ago, only to find out that HP no longer provided a driver for it. I was surprised to find out a couple of weeks ago that a driver was now available. I downloaded it and found it to be full of bugs, to the point that I now have to buy a new printer -- I can assure you that HP is not a company that I will consider this time around.
I started trying to connect my HP G85xi to my new Apple MacBook Air a few months ago, only to find out that HP no longer provided a driver for it. I was surprised to find out a couple of weeks ago that a driver was now available. I downloaded it and found it to be full of bugs, to the point that I now have to buy a new printer -- I can assure you that HP is not a company that I will consider this time around.