Need a fast all-in-one inkjet/scanner

[ScottReeve]

Currently, I've got an Epson R200 (for photo printing) and an Epson
scanner (forgot the model number).

I'm looking to be able to get decent photo printing, but where I
really need improvement is in fast color text printing. My son loves
to print out documents from games and kid web pages, but the R200
(even when I use draft mode) is slow.

I considered getting a color laser, but the cost of the toner
catridges scared me off.

Do any of the new HP all-in-ones have the ability to print out in a
"draft, fast" mode?

I know enough about HP's photo print quality - that's not the real
issue.

I'm also looking to get rid of the scanner to save desk space.

Any suggestions?

 

[measekite]

Currently, I've got an Epson R200 (for photo printing) and an Epson
scanner (forgot the model number).

I'm looking to be able to get decent photo printing, but where I
really need improvement is in fast color text printing. My son loves
to print out documents from games and kid web pages, but the R200
(even when I use draft mode) is slow.

A Canon IP4300 in standard model is faster. To go faster than that you
may want to look into a Laser.

I considered getting a color laser, but the cost of the toner
catridges scared me off.

Do any of the new HP all-in-ones have the ability to print out in a
"draft, fast" mode?

I know enough about HP's photo print quality - that's not the real
issue.

I'm also looking to get rid of the scanner to save desk space.

If you need to save that desk space (separates are better) a Canon MFP
would be more economical than HP

 

[Andrew Rossmann]

[This followup was posted to comp.periphs.printers and a copy was sent
to the cited author.]

Currently, I've got an Epson R200 (for photo printing) and an Epson
scanner (forgot the model number).

I'm looking to be able to get decent photo printing, but where I
really need improvement is in fast color text printing. My son loves
to print out documents from games and kid web pages, but the R200
(even when I use draft mode) is slow.

I considered getting a color laser, but the cost of the toner
catridges scared me off.

Do any of the new HP all-in-ones have the ability to print out in a
"draft, fast" mode?

I know enough about HP's photo print quality - that's not the real
issue.

Most HP printers have a Fast Draft mode that runs at 300dpi. Depending
on the model and cartridges used, the color is very light. Going up to
Fast Normal is slower (600dpi), but looks very good.

My older PSC2410 (56/57 carts) had decent black in FastDraft, even with
color on the page. My newer OfficeJet 7310 (9x series carts) prints
black VERY light in FastDraft if there is any color or shading. Pure B&W
prints fast and has good blacks.

 

[jerry_maple]

Do any of the new HP all-in-ones have the ability to print out in a
"draft, fast" mode?

I have a 6 month old HP 5180 AIO, was about $200 when it first came
out, think it can be found for under $150 now. Printer/scanner/copier,
no fax. Has memory card slots on the front. Built-in network
interface, or USB connection. Separate paper tray for 4x6 photo paper.
Uses new O2 ink tanks, print heads no longer in the tanks. Chipped
tanks getting more big-brotherish, threaten your warranty rights if
you fail to change them when they're almost empty, or heaven-help-you,
use them past their shelf-life date.

Getting back to your original question, if you're not too fussy about
the print quality, the fast-draft mode will shoot the paper through so
fast it usually ends up on the floor.

Jerry

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Most inkjet printers will supply you with specifications on the
manufacturer's website indicating the speed of printing of different
size images, color versus black & white, and image quality mode. They
continue to get faster all the time. I suggest you do a bit of research
from some webpages.

I am not big on all in one units, because for one thing if one part of
it breaks down, you need to ship the unit to some depot for repair, and
during that time, you have lost your printer, scanner, etc. Also in
general, the all in ones are not built ruggedly, so they can become
vulnerable to over heating, and other difficulties.

I do recognize the desk real estate is important.

In the Epson line, I would be cautious with the CX series printers.
They use Durabrite inks, which although waterproof, tend to clog easily,
especially due to the extra generated heat in the enclosed all in one
unit. If you do not need long term fade resistance, consider the RX all
in one printers or R printers like the R 360. Some are using the new
Claria inks.

Of course, there are other brands of inkjet all in ones, Canon, Lexmark,
Brother, and HP.

Art