zippyjuan
05-10-2005, 01:27 PM
I had an Epson all-in-one, but since I do not use it every week, the ink eventually dried up and clogged the printer head after about two years. I was unsuccessful in clearing it for long. I debated whether or not I needed the copy (which I did use) or scan (used only once) functions or just go with a good printer. I print my pictures at a local drugstore so I won't be using it for that. I also debated black and white or color laser printers- figuring that it would be less of a problem with using the printer less. I was surprised to find color lasers below $500, but the complaint with those was usually that while they are great at text, they have some problems with printing graphics. I trired to narrow it down and based mostly on PC World's reviews (rated it their Best Buy- , http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,119290,00.asp ) I decided to wait for a deal on the Dell 3000cn. This week the Deal's page came through with a 30% off that brought the $450 printer down to $314 plus tax (free shipping) and includes one year on-site service and a 2000 page black toner cartridge and 1000 page color cartridges. That should last me a long time. So I ordered it. Then I see that they have the 3100 for 40% off which made it about $15 more than the 3000. It holds more paper (not a concern for me) and I believe has 4000 page starter toner cartridges. Should I have gotten that instead? On the other hand, the 3000 weighs about 50 lbs and the 3100 is 75lbs which may be too heavy to put on my desk. Given the amount of printing I will probably do, the 3000 should be plenty. Still happy to get a color laser printer for about $300! Thanks GA!