Printer recommendation - inkjet or Laser?

[Raj]

Experts,

I need a printer for home use (kids projects, a few flyers for
local sports teams, etc), not heavy use. I occasionally print
pictures, but that is not high on the list of priorities. I do need a
color Multi function machine for scanning and faxing.

My dilemma is - should go inkjet or laser? Color laser toners
seem to be very expensive, but am not sure how long they last. Inkjet
cartridges, though slightly cheaper, do not last too long, and dry up
before I ever finish one (yes, I don't print too much).

Given such usage, what would your recommendation be - inkjet MF or
a color laser MF machine? Any brand and model recommendations?

Thanks, and Best,

Raj.

 

[Bob Headrick]

I need a printer for home use (kids projects, a few flyers for
local sports teams, etc), not heavy use. I occasionally print
pictures, but that is not high on the list of priorities. I do need a
color Multi function machine for scanning and faxing.

My dilemma is - should go inkjet or laser? Color laser toners
seem to be very expensive, but am not sure how long they last. Inkjet
cartridges, though slightly cheaper, do not last too long, and dry up
before I ever finish one (yes, I don't print too much).

Given such usage, what would your recommendation be - inkjet MF or
a color laser MF machine? Any brand and model recommendations?

I would recommend a low cost inkjet AIO. The Officejet J5780 may meet your
needs. It comes standard with rather small, low cost ($15 black, $18 color
in the US) good for a couple hundred pages. If your usage needs change in
the future there are larger cartridges available with 3x the yield for about
2X the cost. See
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/printers/all_in_ones/1/storefronts/Q8232A%23ABA

Regards,
Bob Headrick, MS MVP Printing/Imaging

 

[Arthur Entlich]

Although color lasers are getting less costly to acquire all the time,
the toner costs are going up to compensate for that. Color laser
PRINTERS are getting cheap, but the multifunction machines are still
rather costly and more bulky than the same type in inkjet.

Color laser definitely have better shelf life as likely will they be
more reliable, and for what you are doing, the quality may be better
because the regular printing paper is quite cheap.

When you do need consumables replacement both will get you, and the
laser will be major shock in most cases. Often the cost of replacement
toner is more than the printer costs.

Art

 

[ggreekx]

I would recommend a low cost inkjet AIO. The Officejet J5780 may meet
your needs. It comes standard with rather small, low cost ($15 black,
$18 color in the US) good for a couple hundred pages. If your usage
needs change in the future there are larger cartridges available with
3x the yield for about 2X the cost. See
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/printers/all_in_ones/1/storefronts/Q8232A%23ABA
Regards,
Bob

Headrick, MS MVP Printing/Imaging

I agree with you Bob.But he should watch out the cartridge yield first.
200 pages for the black cart,aren't a bit..few?How many cc are in the
cartridge?




HP 74 Black Inkjet Print Cartridge
Specifications
Standard cartridge for everyday printing.
Cartridge yield: Approx. 200 pages (actual yield depends on printer and
specific use; more information)



HP 75 Tri-color Inkjet Print Cartridge
Specifications
Standard cartridge for everyday printing.
Cartridge yield: approx. 170 color pages (actual yield depends on
printer and specific use; more information)

 

[Bob Headrick]

I agree with you Bob. But he should watch out the cartridge yield first.
200 pages for the black cart,aren't a bit..few?How many cc are in the
cartridge?

The OP said he normally uses little enough printing that his cartridges
usually fail of old age before they are used. I suggested the J5780 because
it has relatively small and inexpensive cartridges for usage such as the
OP's, but it also has the option of using "XL" versions of the cartridges
that cost nearly twice as much but give more than 3X the yield if is
printing needs should change or he underestimated his usage. See
http://h10060.www1.hp.com/pageyield/us/en/OJJ5700/index.html for yield
details.

The 74 cartridge gives 200 prints, the 74XL is rated at 750.

I do not recall the mL size of the 74 or 74XL. It does not seem to be
listed on the web site:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...WN#140&lang=en&cc=us&I1.y=0&I1.x=0&aoid=34853
but it is printed on the box.

Regards,
Bob Headrick, MS MVP Printing/Imaging