Printer/Scanner/Copier Help

[homer]

Hello!

I've been thinking about getting one of these 3 in 1 printers but just have a few questions. In todays Staple flyer they have a Canon Pixma MP160 for $100, and an EpsonCX5800 for $130 (has a copier as well). I don't do any high quality printing, but was hoping to use this for scanning alot of pictures etc. Does anyone have any particular opinions? Thanks for your help!

Homer

 

[gramps]

Future shop has 3 in ones. I have an HP similar to this one and have had no problem with it and I've had it 3 yrs.

http://www.futureshop.ca/marketing/...keting/vendor_hp/proddetailpc.asp&vendor=True

 

[icto]

I'd check the consumables cost (cost per page, if possible). HP for one practically gives their printers away, since they make so much on ink or toner. I saw one model recently (can't remember who made it) that had a flat-bed scanner. Very handy if you need to scan books that you don't want to cut pages out of.

I'd be surprised to find a 3-in-one that didn't make copies. Since it scans and prints, it's got all it needs to do that.

 

[markvee]

I got an Epson printer-scanner-copier (inkjet) from Future Shop about 3 years ago for about the same price.

Check the cost to replace the ink cartridges. That's were I got nailed.

Also, if I don't use the printer for a while, the print heads become clogged, and the cleaning operation uses up most of the ink.

Also, the printer refuses to print once it decides that it is low on ink even though the output may look okay to me.

The scanner wasn't bad, but it just stopped working a couple of weeks ago with the unhelpful message "Check the manual or call Epson".

Before making your purchase, I suggest you look at ink prices and check a review site such as epinions.com. Try to check some models that have been around for a while, long enough to develop problems.

I would also suggest that you check if the printer will still print when low on ink. Don't just ask the salespeople because they will tell you anything to make the sale.

 

[Incall]

All 3-1 are about the same price and what they do. Go to a mall and ask
if that mall has them. They refill cartriges. See if they tell you whats good and low cost to refill.

 

[ig-88]

I like the HP 7310 because it does duplex printing.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?storeName=storefronts&landing=printers&category=all_in_ones&orderflow=1&product_code=Q5562A%23ABA&catLevel=1

I've read some negative reviews about the equivalent Canon product.

 

[Marjorielou]

I got an Epson printer-scanner-copier (inkjet) from Future Shop about 3 years ago for about the same price.

Check the cost to replace the ink cartridges. That's were I got nailed.

Also, if I don't use the printer for a while, the print heads become clogged, and the cleaning operation uses up most of the ink.

Also, the printer refuses to print once it decides that it is low on ink even though the output may look okay to me.

The scanner wasn't bad, but it just stopped working a couple of weeks ago with the unhelpful message "Check the manual or call Epson".

Before making your purchase, I suggest you look at ink prices and check a review site such as epinions.com. Try to check some models that have been around for a while, long enough to develop problems. This question pops up a lot with barcode fonts on DaFont - downloading the file isn’t enough by itself. You need to actually install the font on your system first, then open a program that supports custom fonts and select it from the font list. Once installed correctly, typing regular characters will render as a barcode, but only in apps that handle font rendering properly; some basic tools won’t show it at all. That’s why people get confused and think the font is broken when it’s really an app limitation. The replies in the thread do a good job explaining that step-by-step. And honestly, dealing with fonts and software quirks makes me appreciate simple mobile tools sometimes - like https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fax-from-iphone-send-doc-app/id978931264, a FAX from iPhone App that just works when you need to scan and send documents quickly without extra setup.

I would also suggest that you check if the printer will still print when low on ink. Don't just ask the salespeople because they will tell you anything to make the sale.

Follow up.

 

[mrcheeks]

Brother is a good brand.

 

[The Mechanic]

I guess it mostly depends on what you can afford and the quality. I do have a separate Epson scanner as well as an Epson large format printer, which has been hacked. What they do is they trick you on buying a low cost unit and then they hook you for the ink. When I 1st got the printer I printed out a 13 x 19” print and guess what half my ink was gone that’s on one print. Out on the Internet there are continuous ink systems which I have invested in and yeah the ink is history now it costs me let’s see $10 for a bottle which holds approximately 250 mL each times that by 6 colours. That lasts me 67 months. I find these all in one units compromise on quality of scan or quality of print, it’s like comparing snow tires to all season. And another thing to look out for if you get those large printers 13 x 19 you have to ask where the real estate is because his printer is definitely not on your desktop, mine is located off to the side. Also printers that have more colours give you a better tone of picture, but once again what are you using it for our you just printing on plain paper for a school report or, are you printing a photographic quality picture that you will frame. I hope this sheds some light on the matter.

 

[LTO_3]

I got a Brother 3 in 1 and it's been great. Can't recall what I paid but it was reasonably priced and quality is good for the occasional documents I scan. It has laser cartridges which I wanted because I didn't want to deal with the expensive printer cartridges that dry out. I almost bought the brother that was one step above what I have but even the sales guy said unless you do a lot of scanning and need exceptional clarity stay with the one you have. I'd suggest you do a Google search for the brands you're considering and go from there.

LTO_3