ISO:A new printer... suggestions needed...

[Lachesis00]

Well mostly for documents but photos as well (when needed). I hate printing crummy copies out for my mom. The Lexmark we own (4-5 years old) is just not great for photos. VERY grainy

Originally posted by oogieboogie

IMO, you need to look at your needs first. Will you do a lot of color printing? If so, I would find a printer that uses separate color cartridges. What will you be printing? What features does the printer have? Do you need special features, like reverse printing or borderless printing?

Figuring out what you need vs what features the printers offer will be a big determining factor. I got a Lexmark before and I was disappointed when I found out I couldn't print in grayscale. I couldn't print in reverse and other stuff. Then sticker shock came when I had to buy the ink. Heck, the ink cost more than the printer itself. Hard lesson to swallow!

 

[oogieboogie]

OK, if you're going to be printing mostly in B&W, but doing some photos, I would go with a printer with 4 separate ink cartridges - 1 black, 1 cyan, 1 magenta, 1 yellow. That way, if you use up the black more, you just change the black, etc.

How bout investing a little bit more dollars and going for a laser printer? HP and Brother makes some nice affordable ones. The only downside is its only B&W. The color ones are quite expensive.

For photos, have you looked into the online photo storage/printers, like Ofoto, Snapfish, Shutterfly, ImageStation. For about 19 - 35 cents you can get beautiful professional prints.

One issue I have with printing on your own inkjet is that inkjet ink tend to be slow drying, and may run if water hits it (so no looking at pictures in the rain), whereas the professional prints use professional printing (most likely laser) that doesn't run and have more vibrant color.

 

[MICKEY88]

Originally posted by oogieboogie
One issue I have with printing on your own inkjet is that inkjet ink tend to be slow drying, and may run if water hits it (so no looking at pictures in the rain), whereas the professional prints use professional printing (most likely laser) that doesn't run and have more vibrant color.

LOL...I can't remember the last time that I wanted to look at pictures in the rain...

good ink and photo paper dry rather quickly..and as far as vibrant colors again it comes down to the quality of the printer/the ink/ and the paper..

with my hp 7550 I've printed pictures and layed them side by side with the original 35mm prints and there was basically no difference..

 

[Wishing on a star]

We just got a Canon i560, and it seems to be great! It really shoots out the copies... This thing is FAST and quiet too!

I haven't had the chance to print a lot of photos yet, or to compare... But what I have printed looks very nice!! There was a slight shade difference in one bright teal-green color... I am thinking that there may be a way to go in and tweak this to get it just right... Other than that, great photos!

Text is very crisp as well....

Hewlet Packards and Lexmarks are known for their high ink costs... The Canons are supposed to really 'sip' the ink instead of guzzle. So, that is one plus.

Also, you do need to use good paper... ALSO a paper that works well with your printer and ink... I have heard of some instances were certain papers do not produce good results in some printers... Start with the paper made for your printer, if there is one.... Then experiment.

 

[Shelle&Dave]

I have a Brother MFC-3220C (all in one). I called it many names this morning. It has the seperate cartridges for each color, which I thought would be a good thing. Come to find out as soon as one color is "out" the printer will not print. Not even in black or grey tones. That made me angry. Then I take the "empty" cartridge out and I see ink rolling around in there. Apparently my printer does not like using the last 25% or so of ink. That made me really angry.

I know you said you are not looking for an all in one. This is the first Brother printer I have had, but I don't know if all of them do the same thing concerning the ink. It also will not feed paper by itself. I can only put in one sheet at a time and I have to help it feed the paper. If I could take it back to the store I would, but Staples will not take it back since I've had it a couple of months.

I also have a HP Deskjet that I love. I would definately buy another. Ink cartridges are expensive, but it is a good printer.

Best of luck to you.
Michelle

 

[Lachesis00]

Thank you very much for your input!! It is extremely appreciated!!