Selecting a multifunction printer

[mrcartman]

Hello:

My Epson Stylus Color 980 printer heads seem to be bad, since no amount
of cleaning can fix the problem. So I am looking for a new printer.
Since I have an occasional need for a scanner and a fax machine, I am
considering a multifunction machine. I have done some research and I
have narrowed the choices down to 3 models:

Epson Stylus CX6600
HP PSC 1315 All-in-One
Canon MultiPass MP390

The problem with magazine reviews is that they do not discuss
reliability issues. Every company have their own technology and each
technology has its own pros and cons. The best opinion comes from
technicians and people who own these (or similar) units. Does anyone
have any suggestions or comments (either positive or negative)? I will
appreciate any inputs you can provide. Thank you

mrcartman

 

[measekite]

Multifunction devices are poor choices since you do NOT get the best of
breed of either of the devices. The Canon IP4000 is the best all around
printer for photos and business documents featuring 5 carts, duplex
printing with dual paper feeds. I have an Epson 4180 flatbed scanner
which is good despite poorly designed software that comes with it.
However, the software does the job. As for a fax, you can use fax
software and you printer and scanner or you can get an inexpensive
dedicated device.

 

[mrcartman]

measekite:

Thanks for your reply. I have heard the same thing in the past, but
recently I have also read reviews on PC Magazine, PC world, and CR
which indicate that the output quality gap between multifunction and
dedicated devices have diminished. I don't need a great scanner or
copier, but would like a good printer with a decent price per page.
That said, I am going to look into the IP4000. Once again, thanks.

mrcartman

 

[Arthur Entlich]

The Epson 980 is a great workhorse printer, that was well designed, had
down to 2 picolitre dot size, with, as I recall six different dot sizes,
large inexpensive cartridges and was pretty fast. More often than not,
the heads can be cleared of clogs. If you are interested in fixing the
printer, email me and I will send you a free guide that explains how to
do it with household cleaning materials which will cost you about $2.

Art