Printer Recommendations

[Devhux]

It's time to retire my aging HP Photosmart P1100 printer. While it's been a reliable workhorse over the past 8 years (not bad for a refurb), it's finally starting to show its age. Furthermore, it's incompatible with Vista/Windows 7, so I think an upgrade is warranted.

I'm sure I'm going to receive a bit of criticism for this, but I'm actually considering a multi-function device. I know the adage of "jack of all trades, master of none" but for my needs I think an all-in-one should suit me just fine.

I do plan to print photos off it, so inkjet is definitely what I'm looking for. I also plan to scan in older pictures I have, and faxing would be a useful feature (though not an absolute requirement). Ethernet compatibility is a must, though wireless would be even better.

While I've been partial to HP ever since my first inkjet, I'm tired of paying $50 for a single color cartridge when the cyan ink runs out.

[ramazank2]

I have a HP C7280 and would recommend it:
http://www.amazon.com/HP-Photosmart-C7280-All-in-One-Printer/dp/B000UY6M2G
I bought it at Office depot about a year ago for $170 or so. It is fully loaded with features. I like the Wifi and scan to USB drive functions.

The software kind of sucks (all HP SW would be the same) so I only install the basic driver but beyond that it is great printer. There used to be a problem with dual sided printing but that was fixed in a recent driver update.

Since the ink does not have a print head on it, it is basically just an ink reservoir. So I dont mind buying ink on ebay for $19.90 (3 black and one of each color, 5 colors).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=270359585677

[DarkFury]

Well I'm still not sold on the "all in ones" currently, but if it's gotta be, it's gotta be...

Personally, I still like my Epson R340 Photo Stylus. It has separate inks for each color, does photo prints, and can print directly on white inkjet labeled CDs/DVDs which comes in handy.

Of course the R340 is discontinued now, but they do have an R380 with updated inks out now.

[zippyjuan]

I gave up on printing photos at home since it seemed to get too expensive when you include the cost of inks and papers. I do any photo printing at the local drug store (unless I want any enlargements over 8x10) which is about a block or two away. They have a scanner I can use if necessary too. For my everyday printing needs (which are not that many) I picked up a Dell laser printer. Lower cost per page and I don't have to worry about the heads clogging (a problem I had on my Epson). But is just what works for my needs.

[DarkFury]

Yeah, I agree with ya on printing photos at my local Wal Mart instead of at home. Only 19 cents per print from my media stick.. unless I want a large photo (like an 8x10), then it's like $1.19 per print (or something like that).

[Markel]

I've got an HP photo printer (only prints 4x6 size) that I picked up cheap (and also got a great deal on some paper) that I use for occasional times we need a print in short order. It does a pretty good job. I recently picked up a Brother all-in-one (has ethernet and wireless built in, as well as a 5.8 GHz phone) that I've been pretty pleased with.

[attgig]

there's always an occasional 50 sheets of 4x6 photopaper for $1 or some deal like that out on the web. i always buy those, and always have photopaper for cheap.

[zippyjuan]

Paper is usually not that bad. For me it was paying $70 to replace all the ink cartriges. At 20 cents a print or $2 for an 8x 10 you can get an awful lot made at that price.

[renovation]

I gave up on printing photos at home since it seemed to get too expensive when you include the cost of inks and papers. I do any photo printing at the local drug store (unless I want any enlargements over 8x10) which is about a block or two away. They have a scanner I can use if necessary too. For my everyday printing needs (which are not that many) I picked up a Dell laser printer. Lower cost per page and I don't have to worry about the heads clogging (a problem I had on my Epson). But is just what works for my needs.

Lower cost per page and I don't have to worry about the heads clogging (a problem I had on my Epson)not had this problem with a epson yet .
but for time and costs it is a better deal for me to go to a photo shop and have my prints made unless i just eed one and not worry about time or quality. then i just run them on my epson all in one. but if i need any more then that one its off into the car for a ride to the photo shop with my SD card or thumb drive in tow.

[Prngr44]

not had this problem with a epson yet .
but for time and costs it is a better deal for me to go to a photo shop and have my prints made unless i just eed one and not worry about time or quality. then i just run them on my epson all in one. but if i need any more then that one its off into the car for a ride to the photo shop with my SD card or thumb drive in tow.

Are there any privacy implications with doing this? Does the photo center always retain a copy (the file) of your print?

[renovation]

i do not believe they keep a copy as you keep the originals on your CD or thumb drive. but I'm sure they can keep a copy if the pictures are of something illegal nature.