Need advise on which printer to buy

[Tazdrummer]

We are about to buy a printer. So its my job to pick it out.


I have been looking through the local ads and I have a few in mind. The main purpose of this printer isnt RIGHT AWAY going to be for printing pictures (maybe down the road a little) but the main purpose is for printing off work sheets for Tyler.

Also we dont want to get into the "Lexmark Syndrome" and that being the replacement ink cartridges costing $20 less than it would take to buy another printer.

Here are the choises.....
HP Deskjet 5550
Epson Stylus C82
Canon i850s Photo Printer (it's in our price range)
Canon i550 Bubblejet
Canon i850 Color Photo Printer
Epson Stylus C82 Color Inkjet
HP Photosmart 7150
Epson EPS C82 (not sure if it is the same model as listed as above)
HP Deskjet 6122

I am at work now and almost wouldnt mind buying this when I go to lunch. So.... whatever assistance can be thrown my way would be greatly appreciated.

[Rifleman @ Layman's PC]

I have the C80 from Epson, and I love it and would recommend it, and have plenty of customers that feel the same way.

One thing to keep in mind, is get something from somebody who specializes, I noticed HP on the list,,, don't do it... I see more HP's for repair than any other printer made (competing with Lexmark’s)

[geoscomp]

Well, I can tell you about a couple of them, since I use an HP5550 and an Epson C82 (btw the epson is available in a network capable version as well) and I agree with Rifleman

the C82 is a great printer..extremely good with images. The hp is also good, but the pics are not quite the definition of the epson, and the ink isn't as archival, so if you want the prints to last, get the epson.

[Tazdrummer]

This is the one I got....

The Epson Stylus Photo 825

A bunch of people were saying that HP 5550 and other HP stuff was the better one to get but when it gets down to it, I don't trust anything from HP anymore.

I personally think I got myself a good printer. The color replacement cartridge lists on Best Buy's site for $20. I dont think that that is too bad.

[geoscomp]

Looks like a good printer..6 color..and I like the roll paper capability if you use 4x6 prints a lot. Just remember..if you don't use epson cartridges you void the warranty

[Tazdrummer]

Originally posted by geoscomp
Looks like a good printer..6 color..and I like the roll paper capability if you use 4x6 prints a lot. Just remember..if you don't use epson cartridges you void the warranty

No kidding?!?!? That doesn't seem too big of a deal.

[geoscomp]

Yeah..that's the way most of the printer companies are operating these days..there's a lawsuit, i think maybe in the UK, about it..and about the computer chips in the cartridges that don't allow you to refill them. Nothing in the us yet though

[Gollo]

Originally posted by geoscomp
Looks like a good printer..6 color..and I like the roll paper capability if you use 4x6 prints a lot. Just remember..if you don't use epson cartridges you void the warranty

Ooooo that is something that I will NEVER do again. I decided to give a refurbished cartridge from Staples for my HP LaserJet 5MP and BOTH of them freaked out on me. One worked for a couple of hundred copies and then decided to just print 100% black on the page. The other one did this but only on half of the page. I thought the printer was dying on me but I got an HP cartridge and all was fine again. Never again. It's just not worth it.

[Damned Angel]

Originally posted by geoscomp
Looks like a good printer..6 color..and I like the roll paper capability if you use 4x6 prints a lot. Just remember..if you don't use epson cartridges you void the warranty

Not 100% true. Yes the printer mfg' will not give you warranty, but only on damage caused by the 3'rd party ink cartridge.

so lets say your power module goes south, its got nothing to do with the ink cartridges, therefore it would still be covered under warranty.

now if ink leaks all over components or the carrage assy (usually requires replacement less costly than the labour to clean it) and you have a 3rd party ink in the unit, no warranty for you.

[geoscomp]

True..but as a former Espon Authorized service center manager..I've got to tell you..there are a lot of problems that can be traced back to bad cartridges..most likely a power module will not, but the primary cause for warranty repair is the head assembly and the various things that can happen to it. (after lack of lubrication on the bar causing the timing ribbon to skip)...So..anything like a clogged head that can't be reclaimed by soaking in the (very expensive) non-alcohol based cleaner..which sometimes takes two or three tries or head contacts that malfunction after using a non epson cartridge..etc. etc. won't be covered.

[Stalemate]

Originally posted by geoscomp
Yeah..that's the way most of the printer companies are operating these days..there's a lawsuit, i think maybe in the UK, about it..and about the computer chips in the cartridges that don't allow you to refill them. Nothing in the us yet though

True. I think Lexmark was leading the way in this "copyright and patent infringement" project.

They argue that since the cartridges contain proprietary software and hardware, opening them (refilling included) is tantamount to reverse engenireeing the thing.

My current printer, a Lexmark X83, will probably be the last I purchase from them. I've been a client since 1997, but this is just sad.

[meatwad]

Get the c82. Sweeeeeeeeeeet netcar.

[hudsonsmith]

I have the Canon S630 (now replaced by the S750) and have been quite happy. Canon allows you to replace the ink cartridges individually, rather than all at once. In addition, Canon does not incorporate the print head in the cartridge, so you are not paying for a new print head every time you replace the cartridge.

Take a look at some of the reviews on this page. It looks like Tom's has reviews of almost all the printers you are considering. http://www.tomshardware.com/consumer/index.html

[Orangeman]

I am using the Epson C60. It has the same anti-refill protection mentioned here.

For an extra $30 you can buy a 'bios resetter." It will reset the anti-refill chip so you can use and use and use it.

Epson cartridges for my printer cost about $60.00 a refill (color & BW) Generic cartridges, without the chip cost about $30.00.

However if you get the bios resetter you can refill it with bulk ink for pennies on the dollar. I've been using the same cartridge since April of 2002, about a year now, and have no problems.

- and I still have tons of ink left to go!
http://www.misterinkjet.com/