Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

virtualcreative · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

I need to buy a new printer. I would like an all in one - scanner, copies, etc. I used to have an HP all in one, but I had to get rid of it when I moved. I'm thinking about getting that one again, since I think it is under $100.

Ink price is also important to me. I almost feel like I need to go price out all the ink before I buy a printer.

Any recommendations? Or good places to buy one?

ChristinaVOS · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

I bought a Canon Pixma MP530 last yr and it works great. No problems and ink at Walmart is about $18 for each small cartridge-large is around $21. It takes 4 small (3 colors & a black) & 1 large(black). They don't all run out at once though.

I think I average replacing all of them maybe 2x a year, maybe the black 3x, but I mainly print any mailings I decide to do (graphic intensive). Anything else I just keep a digital copy.

virtualcreative · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

That's funny you mention Walmart. I wanted to say in my post that I will likely be buying my ink (and maybe even the printer) there, but I hate to admit I am a Walmart shopper. Haha! Thank you for the info!

ChristinaVOS · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

As much as I hate to admit shopping there myself, they are the cheapest I've found for the ink. The printer I bought online from Circuit City just as the "liquidation" sale was starting last yr so I got a fairly good price and free shipping.

leedrozak · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

I have a wireless HP inkjet that I use for everyday times which prints really well and the ink is cheap. It also has XP cartridges which are double the price (Staples $35.99) but prints 3 to 4 times as much.

I have a laser printer for "better" jobs and docs but I got this from someone who was closing up an office.

Business-Bytes · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

I hate to say it, but I would go with a laser printer all-in-one. Toner is a lot less expensive in the long run, and the print quality is better. Plus, if your document should get wet, toner won't run like ink does.

I have a Canon imageCLASS MF4150 Laser Duplex P/s/c/f 21PPM Adf that I got from Amazon, but there is a newer model out now (it runs a little over $200 on Amazon). I love this printer! Toner runs about $65, but lasts a long, long time. (You can get refurbished toner cartridges cheaper - around $25.)

Just my 2-cents

JoCarole · #7 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

I have two lasers which I love. But I have to say I really love my colored Xerox Phaser 6125. I bought this colored laser since it was on sale last Black Friday. I use it just to print from my PC.

My Brothers DCP 7020 black and white laser I mostly use now for copying documents which I can't do in my Xerox. This is a good printer, never given me any problems. The down side is I can't scan documents in it w/o special software.

For scanning, I use my All in One Lexmark. I don't like the ink cartridges, too costly and sometimes it gives me problems. *Tip* if you put the extras in a baggie and store in your fridge they last longer. I learned that last year in computer school, so maybe that will make them last a little longer.

I like what I have now, I like backups if possible. I always buy an extended warranty too. But if you are going to stick with one printer, I would go for one of the All in Ones. That's what I started out with until I got used to the lasers. Usually they have these on Hsn or Qvc. I got mine from Hsn. It was warranteed for one year and the price is very reasonable. HTH

Olinda Services · #8 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

If you need a copier, scanner and fax then by all means get an AIO printer. I have found Brother mono laser devices to be the most cost effective with purchase price and toner price. I actually purchase my toner and refill my toner cartridges which brings my price per page down considerably.

GalFriDee · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

For what it's worth from a newbie, I have been using HP Deskjets (5500 series) for years, and I've gotten excellent service from them. I find that the inks are pretty reasonable from either Costco, BJ's or Walmart. I also have an all-in-one hp that I really like, and it uses the same ink cartridges as the deskjets. (Tried refilling the cartridges, but didn't care for the color quality. Haven't tried this for about 5 years, though, so the quality might be much better.) I did recently purchase a used hp laser (1200 series) that I use for non-color printing.

Sorry for rambling. Hope you find something useful here.

virtualcreative · #10 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009

Dang, this is a lot of great responses! I'm going to look into each one of these and decide which one is best for me. Thanks for the two cents, everyone.