Mike Chaney's Tech Corner

Hi Guys!

I'm simply in the process of laying an old HP 930C printer to rest!  I'm turning to the people of this forum, to recommend a quality replacement.  I'm open to suggestions for models that could be more pricey than was the old printer, if the overall economic advantages outweigh the slight pinch initially.  I'm also interested in user friendliness of the new machine, as well.  I want a printer, that is suited to all different tasks (all purpose), but one that also gives the best possible results in printing my photos.  Is this possible, or is a dedicated photo printer the best solution for getting the most out of photos?  And what are the tradeoffs, in terms of the cost of buying toner (etc.) and how long they will last, when matched against the goal of high quality printing?

If any of you have questions, that you feel need answered, because I was too vague in my original question, please feel free to ask.

Thanks very much for all of your help and advice!

Darius

Darius,
I waited for someone more on point than I to answer, but it looks dry to me.
Your question is so worded that each one who might answer will be giving a subjective opinion based on personal experience.
I think that is precisely what you want.
Otherwise you would be pounding the internet for specs on a variety of possibilities.

So here's my 2 cents.
I would get an Epson R 1900 printer for my printing needs.
Then I would get the absolute cheapest combo machine that does faxes, copies, prints, and even scans.
I bought a BROTHER brand. Cheap third party ink, and well under 100 dollars.
If my memory serves, it was 69 or 79 dollars,

Let's hear other opinions for Darius.

Fred

Fred, thanks for your reply.  I know that responses will be subjective, but I'm basing these answers on people who (I hope) are in the know, because of the forum I'm posting to.  And I say I want to milk the printer for what it's worth, with respect to doing justice to high quality scans and digital photos (assuming the upper tier of consumer digital cameras).  I'm no expert on knowing what are the best specs, but I could be helped by tips and pointer by people who know and can advise me. 

Also, you say I should just go the way of an "el cheapo" for my printing of documents or simple photos, faxes, etc.  What's wrong with using the Epson R1900 for these tasks as well, because I wish for something that can accommodate all my needs, so that I don't have a bunch of Mickey Mouse gadgets cluttering up my space. 

And correct me if I'm wrong, about an assumption I have regarding Epson inkjet type printers, in general:  I had an Epson (albeit years ago) that I decided to get rid of, because after 6 months or so of printing, I started to get banding in the prints, as there was wear and tear on the print heads.  This did not happen with HP printers, as the print heads were effectively replaced, each time I change the printer cartridge.  You can give your 2 cents on this issue. 

Should I go with another ink jet type printer, as the Epson R1900 has a high retail price of roughly $ 550.00, or is it advantageous to opt for a laser printer?  And finally, although the retail is pricey on this Epson, can I expect to get a better deal, depending on how I purchase, which raises another issue, that of do I have to worry about getting a reject, if I get it cheaper from someone like Best Buy. 

Thanks to all who advise and offer their time and opinions! 

I believe you'll find that laser printers are nowhere near the quality of even a cheap inkjet for color prints. I have had 5 or 6 Epsons, and I hated them all, but they make such beautiful color prints that I keep buying them.
Jeff Jessee

I went Fred's way and got a R1900, I already had a Canon Laser for text printing.  Using the R1900 for text would be very costly in ink.  In fact I fitted the R1900 with a CIS
( the speed of the ink usage was not good for my wallet or heart).

Prints by the way have exceeded all my quality expectations.

Jeff 

I think you have found a bloated price somewhere on the R 1900
Epson has them Brand New for 299.99.  See snap.

I use my R1800 a lot. Once in 6 months I might see banding, (or my friend tells me he sees some) and I run a cleaning cycle and it is perfect again.
I have never had to replace a head in any Epson.
Of course you can use the 1900 for printing anything, but as I mentioned earlier, in the El Cheapo All in One, I use 3rd party inks so when my wife prints out one of her 30 page lists, is eating the cheaper ink.
It's not a big deal either way.

I've had Canon printers and *they* burn out heads. I have had and still have an HP printer, and I find decent quality, but the software is so bad that I have no hair left.
I have worn out Epsons... worn them out.... and even though a clogged nozzle is reported perhaps more often than other brands, the WOW factor of print quality, the consistency of the prints, the beauty of well written software, that match profiles with names that make sense, the paper that they make for their own inks is a superb match too.
Other paper companies respect Epson's quality and provide their paper with an eye toward making sure a print on their paper rivals Epson's paper and profile.

When my Epson 1280 passed away. We cried at the funeral. That's how good that printer was.

Ok I am done....
Let's hear it!
 ::)
Fred

Due to Qimage Ultimate!!
 :D