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I'm in the process of getting a new printer that I can use for my business. I need a color printer that can print photo quality pictures/images for scrapbooking, cards, favors, invitations, etc. but can also accomodate various sizes (cards, envelopes, etc). In regards to budget, well since I'm unemployed and just starting out, I need to keep it on the practical end and try not to spend a fortune. I'm not familiar with WiFi or wireless, haven't a clue what I should know about that. I just need a good, decent printer.
I've looked at HP printers and they seem pretty reasonably priced. Has anybody had any experience with any particular model? Any other brands anybody able to recommend?
We've had very good luck with Canons. They seem to take a while to run into the ground as well, even with a lot of use. Epsons tend to be a little more testy and easier to kill.
Are you looking for a laser printer or an ink jet? Quality is usually better with laser, but the cost is higher. Also, ink is higher for laser, but the cartridges last a lot longer. You really have to price it out by page (of how much ink you think you'll use) to properly compare the costs.
__________________ I'm a natural blonde. God just dyed my hair brown. -me My Blog
Not a recommendation, just a thought - keep the cost of ink/cartridges in mind as well. I have an HP and I know the cost of cartridges - even refills- can add up with lots of use, especially color. I've seen the commercials for the new Kodak printer that's supposed to be less expensive to maintain as far as ink goes. I've not actually seen the quality or compared the costs, though. Just something to also keep in mind.
__________________ Randa Trying to be a Breast Cancer Survivor Follow me on Twitter @craftjunkiesc
I recently got a Dell Color Lazer printer/fax/copy/scan machine and I LOVE it. The black cartridge alone can print 1500 pages. That is a lot of printing...lol I understand that a lazer printer can be used for digital images so the ink doesnt smear when you color.
blessings.
We bought a Canon PIXMA 330 from Best Buy for 4*0 - works GREAT with card stock if you are printing out Timeless Templates or something. Goes through ink pretty quickly, but I like that I can copy with a push of a button without the computer being on.
For most of our document (non craft printing) I recommend a Brother printer - cartridges last about a year with us (using toner saving mode), the quality is great and it has never jammed (at least not yet - hope I am not jinxing myself).
Personally I have always used HP printers and have never had a single problem with them. Mine is very old but if I were going to replace it, it would be with an HP. I also have an Epson wide format printer and while I like the quality, I do not like the fact that once you replace one cartridge it does this recharge thing and pretty soon you end up having to replace them all. I don't know if all Epson's are like that but it's quite aggravating.
My HP also uses separate cartridges for each color which I like. My daughter has a less expensive version and she has the one cartridge for black and one for color. Since she doesn't print a lot of color, that isn't an issue but if she were printing a lot of color I would think it might get expensive since it would have to be replaced once one color ran out regardless of whether the other colors were out.
You might want to check out cnet.com. I have always found their information to be reliable.
Another vote for HP... I've had them in the past but my kids inherited my old one so I recently decided to upgrade to a color laser. I bought the HP Color LaserJet CP1215. It was around $300 in the spring (I saw it advertised for $150 at Staples last week). I print quite a bit and have so far only had to replace the black cartridge (and this is using the started ones that come with the printer).
It prints great for digital images, text looks crisp and clean and photos turn out nicely too. I don't think you can go wrong with it at the discounted price!
__________________ Anjou My Gallery * My Blog - Dreaming in Color "Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so." - Belva Davis
If you want to print on cardstock, be sure to pick a printer than can handle it. I was really disappointed with my Samsung (B&W laser) that cannot do that.
Thank you all so much for your feedback, much appreciated!!
I was actually considering an HP printer, saw a few that were reasonable, but wasn't sure if anybody had any good experiences using them for crafty stuff. I'm going to look into the Laser Jet mentioned.
Looking for new printer, any recommendations?
