Need a new AIO printer

[shenaniganz]

I am looking for an all in one printer with the following requirements (if possible)

- Wireless (a must)
- Prints/Scans/copies/Faxes (a must)
- Ink does not break the bank
- Would like to scan multiple page docs to pdf (not required but highly desired)
- Would also like to scan multiple pictures to jpegs (not required but slightly desired)
- Cheap

I know nothing about printers... someone tell me I'm crazy if I'm asking too much from a printing appliance.

 

[Lemon law]

Lots of missing information here, the first being, do you specify color and color photo printing? Because many monochrome all in one lasers will scan in color, and the file thus created can be used in a color inkjet to output a color print.

The general rule of thumb is that almost all color inkjets use cartridges that vend ink in a form that will break the bank. And the cheaper the printer, the more likely their replacement cartridges will break the bank.

But the lone exception to that general rules may be found in the about to be phased out Canon all in one inkjet printers that use the PGI-5 and Cli-8 cartridges. Because those chips have been cracked, a process that took some four years, and if you are willing to use third party cloned cartridges or refill your own cartridges, one can really do a lot of printing for very low consumable costs.

Not very many Canon all in ones include faxing, wireless, and an ADF, so doing your own research before you buy highly recommended. Check the Canon web site, they have a toll free number to ask those before you buy questions. Just do not suck in to any models that use the newer Pgi-221 and cli-221 chipped cartridges or you will be forced to use only the more expensive Canon OEM cartridges.

 

[puternoobie]

Brother calls them MFC printers (multifunction center) and their prices start at about $200 for a plain monochrome printer that will do all you mentioned in your letter. Go to their web site and start comparing prices and services. I have an MFC-8440 and I couldn't ask for more (except color) but I bought an Epson for color for $40.00 on sale at Staples.

Good luck...

Noobie

 

[puternoobie]

Oh, I forgot. Not sure about the wireless. But to make a PDF you need PDF Creator, free at any of the software download services. Choose one with toner, it's cheaper upkeep, won't make you go broke buying cartridges. I think my last cartridge was good for over 2,000 copies. I bought an Epson at Staples for $40 to use for the color stuff. Get in touch with Randy Taylor, 828-244-8455, a buddy of mine who worked with my husband for many years at an office supply company. Husband retired, Randy keeps plugging on (still young enough to have to work) and does the printer cartridges on his own

Noobie

 

[13Gigatons]

mx850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16828102282

 

[Lemon law]

In terms of the 13Gigatons comment, its correct, as a simple google question of "which Canon all in ones are wireless", did indeed yield the mx850 plus a few more.

Similarly, the same type google question for brother will show the brother MFC-7840W has wireless network capacity.

And there is much to be said about the puternoobie strategy of pairing a good multifunctional monochrome laser with a fairly inexpensive ink jet printer with refill capacity. And because my Canon single function inkjet printer can print color for much less than my multifunctional Laser can print monochrome, I do most of my printing with the inkjet. And with both printers shared on my network, if one printer malfunctions, I have a backup printer.

As it is, the Laser costs 1.5 to three cents to print an average page in terms of toner consumable costs depending on OEM vs. refurbished toner cartridges, but with very careful shopping, I got a used brother MFC with 1200 pages left to go on the toner cartridge. I have had it for less than six months, and have yet to print a 100 pages with it, but because I live in a rural area, every time I can send or receive a fax at home, or need to scan something at home, it saves me $10.00 or so in gas to go to town and rent the capacity. So I am already way ahead on the $60.00 I spent on the brother laser.