I need to replace my HP LaserJet 4L. It has provided sterling service for longer than I care to remember, but it is starting to show it's age. The rubber rollers and sheet grabbers are wearing low and causing mis-feeds for my inexperienced users (Mom! (Argh!)).

The HPLJ4L uses parallel connection but the Fedora 8/10 box it connects to also has USB 2.0 ports and runs standard CUPS, shared via Samba to the Window$ XP laptop that does most of the printing. I only need to print around 20 pages per month, but on 210gsm bond paper, manual double-sided, and the printer is only plugged in as required. Any paper above around 120gsm uses the single-page, manual feed.

What I am looking for is a reliable monochrome laser printer with a >=100 page 80gsm A4 feed bin plus a "manual" or "priority" feed bin/slot/tray with a capacity of up to 20 pages of 210gsm with a straight-through paper path (it don't bend!). I would love to be able to load a bin with 20 pages of 210gsm and hit the odd-page GO button, flip the output and print the even pages for a set of double-sided tri-fold brochures.

At 20 pages per month, toner cartridge cost is not a "major" issue. It doesn't need to be HP, but I am looking for that quality. "Manual" feed should be via a bin rather than "single sheet". Print quality should be >= 600pdi. Must be Linux (Fedora, CUPS) compatible. Ethernet or WiFi is not required, but would be nice.

Suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

--DaveG

Have you considered Samsung? I've got an old ML-1740 that has been just a great machine. I didn't have a bit of problem using an aftermarket toner kit. I'm sure the newer ones are better.

HP - never again. I literally slam-dunked an HP color printer into the sidewalk behind the house when it burped once too many times. And their software has become intrusive - at least on Windows which I use as a print server.

Know the feeling! Ever tried an early Ink-Jet Lexmark? Windows USB1.0 ONLY. New ink every time. Clean it, shout at it, hit it, change the ink. Try again tomorrow, works like a dream. Argh!

Old HP were probably nuclear-safe (my HPLJ4L is c. 1995). I looked at a new one recently in a retail outlet and could not believe how flimsy the damn thing was! I don't mind paying for a bit of quality by I expect better from the established manufacturers.

I have looked at all the major manufactures and the gap between "home" and "office" use does not appear to justify their prices.

I'm looking for a "value" office machine, c. £100-200 ($120-300?). I guess no-one can make a sturdy machine for that price when China.com can sell a "home" printer for $20, and it is cheaper to buy a new one than replace the toner!

Thanks for the suggestion. I may try the "pre-owned" market.

--DaveG

I would probably just replace the rollers. It will probably wind up costing you about the same as buying a cheap laser printer($100?) but you will have a lot more printer for your money.

Don't forget how fast modern printers are, though.