Low running cost printer?

Chorlton · 03-05-2010, 20:02

Not been here for a while, but I'm back to ask for advice.
My daughter is after a new printer and wants one that is reasonably inexpensive to run - any suggestions?
She's prepared to pay a little extra for the printer if the running costs make it worthwhile.
Thanks in advance.

Hom3r · 03-05-2010, 20:27

In the long run a laser will be cheaper than a inkjet.

You can get a laser for around Â£100, and mono refills are around Â£100

Inkjets can be bought for around Â£50, and the refils about Â£10 each

But if you look at the life of a toner cartridge it can do around 4-5000 pages, inkjets will do a lot less, plus inkjet ink is the most expensive liquid on the planet.

IMHO I would get a laser, the finished quality will be far better than an inkjet

Ben B · 03-05-2010, 20:30

I have a HP Deskjet F4180, was Â£30 from Wilkinsons and for a black and colour compatible from Tesco it's like Â£14 and they last a decent amount of time

xpod · 03-05-2010, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben B

I have a HP Deskjet F4180, was Â£30 from Wilkinsons and for a black and colour compatible from Tesco it's like Â£14 and they last a decent amount of time

We have one of those too although we definitely need to get a laser printer i think because no matter how efficient an inkjet it might be or how cheap i can pick the ink up the kids seems to go through cartridges like there`s no tomorrow. I`ve done the refill thing but that`s just a pia. Having the thing on the network doesn`t really help either i suppose, not when the young un`s like printing off every squiggly line they create.

Tony. · 03-05-2010, 21:11

In my experience Epson have the best choice of cheap compatible cartridges.
Have ONLY had Epson for about 5 years.

swoop101 · 03-05-2010, 21:43

You can always get a tank system for the ink
http://continuous-ink-systems.co.uk/

I use one and it is rediculously cheap to run.
I can get 6 100ml refill bottles for Â£10 ish

roger skillin · 04-05-2010, 10:46

Have a look on Ebuyer.com there normally have Laser mono printers for around Â£50, i brought a laser for home use around 11 years ago and still havn't changed the toner, the good thing is that the ink can't dry up as it's a powder and also jets can't get blocked either

Chorlton · 04-05-2010, 14:27

Thanks for the input. I was considering advising her to go for a laser, but she needs colour so I found this
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/149330
Anyone had experience with it or samsung lasers generally.
Going to check other online shops as well

Ta

Kymmy · 04-05-2010, 14:52

Remember that with the cheaper color lasers you can expect to pay MORE for the refills than you did for the original printer

They are worth it if you are doing bulk, if not then stick with a cheap epsom inkjet (get one that has 4 or more ink carts in other words avoid if the color cartridge is a 3in1) and cheap cartridges (we've found that pro-jet are cheap and good quality)

---------- Post added at 13:52 ---------- Previous post was at 13:50 ----------

Watch out as well for chipped devices such as the Samsung from ebuyer, to use cheap refills you need to solder/chip the main board to reset the toner levels..
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4P-COLOR-TONER...item335cb73ea6

Dai · 04-05-2010, 15:40

I binned a Samsung 315 a few months ago because they've worked so hard to stop you using generic refills.
Bought an HP CP1515n which is a fine piece of kit and does all I need. One delightful thing is that HP allow you to override the 'toner empty' warning. My black toner reported 'low' a couple of months ago. I used the override and it's still going strong today.
Yes, toner is dearer than ink but equally it lasts much longer and doesn't force you to throw it in the bin before it's empty like some inkjets.

Kymmy · 04-05-2010, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

Yes, toner is dearer than ink but equally it lasts much longer and doesn't force you to throw it in the bin before it's empty like some inkjets.

Depends on the cartridge and whether it contains toner or a toner/developer mix..

As for inkjets a worth while buy is a chip resetter

roger skillin · 04-05-2010, 16:14

if it's colour you need, do not go for a laser printer, a full toner set of all 3 colours plus black will set you back Â£150+ colour lasers either don't come with toner or very small amounts of it, for mono i would choose laser but colour i would choose ink jet although if it's for photo's i would advise to not use a home printer at all

Dai · 04-05-2010, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger skillin

although if it's for photo's i would advise to not use a home printer at all

Agreed. That was one of the reasons I chose a laser. For photo-quality I'll use a pro shop. For everything else laser colour quality is good enough for me.

Hom3r · 04-05-2010, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chorlton

Thanks for the input. I was considering advising her to go for a laser, but she needs colour so I found this
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/149330
Anyone had experience with it or samsung lasers generally.
Going to check other online shops as well

Ta

Yes the toner carts are more expensive, but of you add the cost per page, you will never beat laser.

I nearly bought a colour laser but at the time it was outside of my budget, I now regret not waiting.

soup dragon · 04-05-2010, 22:14

Not sure if I have a lemon or just don't use it enough but my Epson Stylus SX200 has issues!! Namely jet blockages, if I don't use it for a few weeks then I run the risk of the jet blocking and being unable to print. There is nothing more galling than throwing away a half full cartridge because it has blocked. And it is always the night before a school project has to be handed in!!

I must say I am tempted by the refill system posted earlier in the thread, anyone tried that system?