oh?!? which printer to buy ?
 

The time has come to get a new printer for network use with linux workstations ... and that other software.
I'm retiring an ink-jet All-in-One that showing some mechanical troubles causing frequent paper jams. (I know about avoiding cheap paper and paper dust clean-up.)

I don't care wire vs. wireless, but it must be network capable for all features for linux, winXX, and mac.

With CUPS and related software support, does one need a true "postscript printer" any more?

What is most important is thorough linux support for everything that the printer does. With the state of the marketplace, I take winXX and mac support as somewhat given.

An All-in-One does print, scan, copy, and fax. Mine also does duplex (2-sides) and two paper trays. It does a reasonable job printing on photo (glossy or matte) and brochure (glossy) stock. Copies and scans support a good range of resolutions.

Thanks in advance,
~~~ 0;-Dan

I found this post, and it might help you decide.

For my release, I can install a printer as Root.

Run this to see what printers support your OS.

- Raj

I have never had a problem with HP (inkjet) although the inkjet ink can be pricey.
To advise I think that some knowledge of your prinitng habbits is useful. Whats important?

• How much can you spend on the printer?
• How often do you print?
• What are your common uses? (Black and whits Docs, Colour Docs, Diagrams, charts/plots, or photos)
• How much colour do you use?
• Who sees printouts?

I think its also worth considering if you print a small number of photos and lots of b/w docs (or docs that could be b/w) going b/w laser seems to be a better option. Then go outside for photos/colour. Here there are plenty of shops that will print better quality photos than I could and cheaper (when you include glossy paper and loads of ink). Any outside use case (colour docs/charts etc..) can be done at a print shop this usually cost more but means you don't need to buy a colour printer.

Laser has the advantage of being quicker (at least after its warmed up) and toner is genrally cheeper than ink (per page). Laser does usually have a higher start up cost than inkjet especially true of colour. In my experiance Lasers are usually better made and don't break as quickly (I guess because there fundamentally more expensive so they are produced to a higher quality)

Another big advantage of Laser is they don't clog up when not used. The vast majority (~60% at a guess) of friends printers I look at that have broken are inkjets that have not been used for months if not years and the problem is dried ink. I usually off to print it off my self as I have not found a perfect way to fix them yet (although coton bud and some asertone or IPA + a new ink cartridge often does the job).

Anyway I think I've nailed my colours to the flag Laser over inkjet, but if you want inkjet (moderate frequent use with at least some colour) then you cant go wring with HP.

Actually, you can go wrong with HP,... But it's usually a hardware problem. Recently, I ran into an issue with ink cartridges and getting the printer to reset. Ink jet cartridges, of late, have an ID chip inside to register with the printer's internal control board. If you make mistakes by reinstalling previously registered cartridges, the printers can "freak out" refusing to print, configure, etc.

This may be able to be solved by installing fresh cartridges,... But, I have yet to see...

That is probably a tactic by HP to prevent you from using your old cartridges and refilling them.

- Raj

Everyone seems to say, "go with HP"
I've used HP for years and can echo the good vibes (and occasional troubles) with HP boxes.

I've been looking at color lasers, so kudos to the folks who sounded that trumpet loud and clear.

Regardless of laser vs. ink-jet, does anyone have specific recommendations for printer models?

What do I print?

• find articles on the web --> print page(s)
• find articles as PDF --> print page(s)
• photos --> print as draft and "finished"
• modest graphics --> print for draft and "finished"
• calendars, task lists, rosters, agenda, outlines -- print page(s)

I'd say I have a 60-40 split of "full color" vs. "mostly black"

Thanks again,
~~~ 0;-Dan

After several inkjets, I went to laser because I didn't need colour, and the toner is cheaper. I get nominally 8000 sheets per cartridge, but I don't count them :-)

I have much better luck with Laser printers than inkjets. I haven't had a color laser printer, so I can't speak to that. My basement is littered with broken inkjets (Canon, Epson, and HP)


- Raj

Well, I would suggest Epson. Linux support might be limited to printing though.

Regarding the statement of business_kid about the capacity: how many pages do you expect to be printed per month? We turned to buy “larger models” of their printer line which are a) faster and b) the toner cartridges need to be changed less often. Also the costs per page drops, so I recommend to check the capacity of the particular cartridges too. There’s a German webpage about the costs per page, but maybe you can find something similar in the US.

Looks like Epson is not selling laser printers in the US, I can’t find any on their US webpage?

My HP Officejet Pro L7680 has always worked like a charm, and HP's Linux support is excellent.

Before that, my Epson CX300 performed really well. Every feature of the printer worked.

I had a Lexmark. It and Linux did not get along. But that was a long time ago.

I recently bought a Brother HL 2240 laser - installed perfectly on Fedora - much less expensive than HP since the cartridge is just a toner cartridge. The drum is in a second cartridge which lasts thru maybe 7 toner cartridges. I paid less for the printer & cartridge than I did for the cartridges on my HP.