need to get a good cheap linux compatible printer
 

I don't really know where to post so I thought I would ask here. my requirements are simple.

cheap
only need to print black and white
linux (ubuntu) compatable
ink of whatever type lasts a long time (I'd rather pay a bit more for a printer that uses less expensive long lasting cartridges.

I know this is a very wide open question but I just wondered if you experts had any suggestions. for instance does a laser jet type, though costing more have ink that lasts longer? thanks.

Follow the link in my signature to OpenPrinting. You should find the info you need there.

Keep in mind that--at least with low end printers--the cost is in the consumables. InkJet, Laser---same answer. I would not advise buying the cheapest model.

I have not gathered any real data lately, but I think the following is still more or less true:
Best Linux support: HP
Worst Linux support: Lexmark
**good** Linux support: Epson
*OK* Linux support--at least for some Lasers: Brother and Samsung.

When you say B&W only, I would get an HP Laser

Personal bias: avoid multifunction units

PS: Lasers use toner, not ink---I've never compared the per-print cost with an inkjet because it would never be a factor in my decision---i.e. Good-quality and fast B&W = Laser

As per above: HP Laser (or equiv manufacturer).

thanks guys I am thinking perhaps this
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...6-3435674.html

That looks similar to mine (LaserJet 1022) which seems to be no longer available. I've had it something like 2 years and the only problem so far is that the cat broke the paper tray...:)

Works. I bought the same one a couple of month ago and have it running on Ubuntu 8.04.

Can't exactly remember how installation went, but can remember that it pulled some files from the HP website. Not sure if that was automatically or that I started it myself.

I had a bit of trouble with my HP1020, needed a driver downloading. This is a really good howto with code for printers with this issue:
http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/

Your HP 1005 model is listed there. I just grabbed the download & followed the instructions; went very smoothly on Fedora and Centos.

I agree on HP
 

I have had good luck with HP on several distros. The best I've tried so far is Ubuntu 9.04. It was just plug and play, only glitch was ink level on one printer. Scanner even worked great using Xsane Image scanning program.

It takes time before the newest type of printers is supported by Linux drivers, but older printers (1 year or beyond) should be supported quite. You can also check out the CUPS development website to see what printers are supported the best and make your decision based on that info.

Linux

Speaking from Mandriva 2009 Spring,I have a canon pixma mp170 print/scan/copy, and it was quite easy to get the scanner happening just from 'scanner set up' in control room.