Trying to decide between 3 printers

[gonzocanuck]

Hi group,

I was wondering if anyone could help me out. A relative works for an
office supply chain and offered to get me a new printer as a Christmas
gift. The three models I can choose from are:

HP Q3482A
Epson R300
Canon IP2000

My current printer is a Lexmark Z32 that I am fairly happy with, except
it doesn't seem to be doing such a good job on colour anymore. From
what I have read about these three printers, they all seem very good
for photos. I'm a hobby artist and I would also be using the printer to
print out copies of my work as well. So far, after reading various
reviews, I'm leaning towards the HP Q3482A because it uses 8 colours.
However, if anyone has any other opinions, I would love to hear them


Thanks,
Christine

 

[zakezuke]

HP Q3482A

Epson R300
Canon IP2000

The ip2000 is not that i'd pick if I was going for a photo printer.
This model takes thimble sized tanks that cost more per print but give
you no perks except the printer is dirt cheap. You'd be better off
with an ip3000/ip4000/ip5000 or the new ip4200 / ip5000... The very old
i960 (6 tank light cyan/magenta 2pl ) is a very decent photo printer as
well and still can be had on closeout and is prefered by many to the
model that replaced it the ip6000D. The i6600D (6 tank 1pl) is the
current one. Main benifit is the fast drying of the ink. Downside is
the ink isn't very light nor gasfast. Pretty reliable though. Oddly
enough on the right papers they are reasonably waterfast, we're talking
running under the tap level of waterfast.

The r300 while being a very good photoprinter I wonder about it's
relibility. The r200 is basicly the same thing without the screen or
card slots. But in all fairness it's a fab photo printer and costs
only a little more than the OEM ink... so it going bust after year is
no great loss. I can't speak for the r300 but the r200 lacked a frame.
Strong point is it tends to look good on most photo papers without
tweeking. This is one of the few cases i'd consider the extended
warranty... perhaps if enough people claim it then perhaps epson would
see fit to release printers with frames that are designed to last
beyond a year. Both the r200/300 waste much ink which gets stored in a
diaper... and a estimate is kept on it's fullness. You can't print at
all once you hit this value unless you either "service" it or run the
SCC utility. But end users can't replace the diaper on the r200... not
without a jig to keep everything in please as it has no frame, not sure
on the r300. There is a trapdoor that you can route your waste ink to
to resolve this issue and many feel the output quality is worth it.

I think the Q3482A is the Photosmart 8450. Those cartridges are not
cheap but at the very least they give you "something" for your hard
earned cash... in theory the vivera inks while having an insainly long
dry time are reported to being very light fast on the right papers.
Multi level grey is very spiffy. There is also the photosmart 8250
(iirc) which offers a tank approach similar to canon and epson... and
actually the last time I crunched the numbers it was very close to
canon for raw cost per page... but is only a 6 tank printer lacking the
grey inks of the 8450.

 

[Dan G]

Forget the IP2000 and get a Canon IP 4000 or 4200.
The results will amaze you, and the savings on ink will more than pay the
difference in printer price.

 

[Davy]

I agree with zakezuke comments, be better off with a ip4000 or ip5000,
I was going to suggest the ip3000 as a bare miniumum, not sure on the
ink tanks though, I do have a feeling they are the same ones in the
ip4000 & ip5000.

I feel pretty confident in saying that the ip3000 uses only one dye
black for text and photo printing where the ip4000 & ip5000 uses
two blacks, a dye black for photo and a larger ink tank containing
pigment black for text.

If you scour various forums, user comments on various shopping sites
there are issues with Epson printers, clogging is one and they do
seem to drink ink where as the Canon is far more economical, I say
this because I had a Epson C62 and was dashing out for ink on a
regular basis with the Canon I'm dashing out far less, I'm gonna
stick my neck out here and say the C62 that I had used ink three
times faster than the Canon ip5000, I reckon I am not far out in
that estimation.

I have the ip5000 its about five months old or just over and not one
single problem to complain about, no clogs nothing, just pure 100%
reliable to date.

Davy

 

[gonzocanuck]

Forget the IP2000 and get a Canon IP 4000 or 4200.
The results will amaze you, and the savings on ink will more than pay the
difference in printer price.

Thanks Dan! So far people seem to like the IP, but not the IP2000. I
read the review on C|Net and it seems pretty iffy since they always
mention the higher up model. I'll steer clear of that one.

Best,
Christine

 

[Gary Tait]

(e-mail address removed) (Davy) wrote in @fe01.news.easynews.com:

I agree with zakezuke comments, be better off with a ip4000 or ip5000,
I was going to suggest the ip3000 as a bare miniumum, not sure on the
ink tanks though, I do have a feeling they are the same ones in the
ip4000 & ip5000.

I feel pretty confident in saying that the ip3000 uses only one dye
black for text and photo printing where the ip4000 & ip5000 uses
two blacks, a dye black for photo and a larger ink tank containing
pigment black for text.

The 4000/5000 use the same carts as the 3000, yes, with tha addition of
the BCI6-BK dye black.

If you scour various forums, user comments on various shopping sites
there are issues with Epson printers, clogging is one and they do
seem to drink ink where as the Canon is far more economical, I say
this because I had a Epson C62 and was dashing out for ink on a
regular basis with the Canon I'm dashing out far less, I'm gonna
stick my neck out here and say the C62 that I had used ink three
times faster than the Canon ip5000, I reckon I am not far out in
that estimation.

I have the ip5000 its about five months old or just over and not one
single problem to complain about, no clogs nothing, just pure 100%
reliable to date.

I have that one too, excpet have been using it trouble free for a few
weeks, still on the included OEM tanks.

 

[gonzocanuck]

Hi Davy,

Thanks for your response. I really would like something that is
reliable, and anecdotal reviews often have the best advice! My previous
printer to the Lexmark was a Canon (can't remember the model number)
but it was a very unhappy experience. It was also a big ink sucker too,
but I am always willing to try Canon again. I always thought Epson was
the best of the best, but since you mention the clogging problem, I'll
look into that as well. I'll look into the IP5000 more, maybe my
relative can order that one in for me instead.

Thanks again,
Christine

 

[zakezuke]

I feel pretty confident in saying that the ip3000 uses only one dye

black for text and photo printing where the ip4000 & ip5000 uses
two blacks, a dye black for photo and a larger ink tank containing
pigment black for text.

The ip3000 uses one pigmented black, composite black for photos. Trust
me I own one.

I can't honestly say what the ip1500 or ip2000 uses, other than bci-24
IIRC.

 

[measekite]

Hi Davy,

Thanks for your response. I really would like something that is
reliable, and anecdotal reviews often have the best advice! My previous
printer to the Lexmark was a Canon (can't remember the model number)
but it was a very unhappy experience. It was also a big ink sucker too,
but I am always willing to try Canon again. I always thought Epson was
the best of the best, but since you mention the clogging problem, I'll
look into that as well. I'll look into the IP5000 more, maybe my
relative can order that one in for me instead.

Thanks again,
Christine

Here are the facts:

Lexmark is pure garbage.

Epson dye printers (the R300 in particular) are good quality printer but
have a greater tendency to clog and ruin the fixed printhead in the
printer. More frequent printing and nozzle clearing (at the expense of
guzzling more ink) seem to help mitigate this. The risk is much higher
when using Aftermarket Ink.

The Canon, the IP series of printers are great, have a removeable
printhead, full duplexing with twin paper feeds, and use less ink that
is cheaper than its competitiors. However, the risk of clogging goes up
with Aftermarket Inks.

HP would be a good choice (the top of the line so you do not have to
keep switching carts for text or photo printing) if there will be long
periods when the printer is not used. While their carts are more
expensive they do included a new printhead with each cart. Using
Aftermarket Remanufactured carts you are subjecting your printer,
furniture, and carpets to leaks plus printing irregularities.

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT. GEE MY KEYBOARD BROKE AGAIN. OH WELL

 

[measekite]

(e-mail address removed) (Davy) wrote in @fe01.news.easynews.com:




The 4000/5000 use the same carts as the 3000, yes, with tha addition of
the BCI6-BK dye black.




I have that one too, excpet have been using it trouble free for a few
weeks, still on the included OEM tanks.

I HAVE HAD NO TROUBLE WITH THE ip4000 FOR A YEAR USING CANON OEM INK.
NEVER HAD A CLEANING CYCLE. IF I WERE IN THE MARKET NOW I WOULD LOOK AT
THE IP5200. THIS IS AT THE SAME PRICE POINT AS THE PREVIOUS IP4000.
THE NEW IP4200 IS SLOWER THAN THE IP4000 BUT CHEAPER. IT SEEMS THAT
CANON REPLACED THE IP4000 PRICE POINT WITH THE IP5200. BASED ON PRICE
ONE CAN CONCLUDE THAT THE IP5200 REPLACED THE IP4000 FOR THE SAME MONEY
BY MAINTAINING THE SPEED AND IMPROVING THE BUSINESS QUALITY WITH THE
SMALLER DROPLET SIZE.

 

[measekite]

Dan G wrote:



Thanks Dan! So far people seem to like the IP, but not the IP2000.

THE CANON IP2000 IS A PIECE OF OVERPRICED TRASH.

 

[measekite]

Forget the IP2000 and get a Canon IP 4000 or 4200.

CONSIDER THE IP5200, THE PRICE POINT REPLACEMENT FOR THE IP4000. THE
IP4200 IS NOW AT A LOWER PRICE POINT BUT SLOWER THAN THE IP4000.

AND BE SURE TO USE OEM CANON INK

 

[Woody]

The people that are having clogging problems are using third party ink or
using the printer very little which cause all inkjet printers to clog. I
have had Epson printers for over 10 years and never had a clog. The C80
(Frameless)I replaced went through about 30 sets of cartridges in three
years without a clog. I now have the r200 and love it. It prints cd/dvd's
well and pictures look like they came from the photo lab. I get OEM ink
cartridges at Sams Club at about 30-40% off. I have had it for about six
months with no problems. Keep in mind all inkjet printers will clog if not
used or incorrect ink is used. Small jets and fast drying ink which are
needed for high resolution will always have this problem.

 

[measekite]

The ip2000 is not that i'd pick if I was going for a photo printer.
This model takes thimble sized tanks that cost more per print but give
you no perks except the printer is dirt cheap. You'd be better off
with an ip3000/ip4000/ip5000 or the new ip4200 / ip5000...
IP5200

The very old
i960 (6 tank light cyan/magenta 2pl ) is a very decent photo printer as
well and still can be had on closeout and is prefered by many to the
model that replaced it the ip6000D.

THE I960 IS 2 GENERATIONS OLD, DOES NOT HAVE DUAL PAPER TRAYS, DOES NOT
DUPLEX, DOES NOT USE CANON'S NEW LONG LIFE INK, AND COSTS MORE TO RUN.

THE IP6X00 MODELS ARE FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT USE A COMPUTER AND WANT TO
PRINT ALL OF THEIR PHOTOS. NOT WORTH IT AND SLOWER WITH LOWER QUALITY

The i6600D (6 tank 1pl) is the
current one. Main benifit is the fast drying of the ink. Downside is
the ink isn't very light nor gasfast. Pretty reliable though. Oddly
enough on the right papers they are reasonably waterfast, we're talking
running under the tap level of waterfast.

The r300 while being a very good photoprinter

THE R300 SHOULD ONLY BE A CONSIDERATION IN THE USA IF YOU WANT TO PRINT
DIRECLY ON A CD. AFTER TESTING THE PHOTO QUALITY IS NOT QUITE AS GOOD
AS A CANON BUT THE BUSINESS DOCUMENTS MAY BE A TAD BETTER. THE
PERMANENT PRINTHEAD AS A HIGHER RISK OF CLOGGING EXPECIALLY WITH
AFTERMARKET INK. THE PRINTER IS ALSO MUCH SLOWER THAN THE CANONS

I wonder about it's
relibility. The r200 is basicly the same thing without the screen or
card slots.

NOT WORTH THE MONEY

But in all fairness it's a fab photo printer and costs
only a little more than the OEM ink... so it going bust after year is
no great loss. I can't speak for the r300 but the r200 lacked a frame.
Strong point is it tends to look good on most photo papers without
tweeking. This is one of the few cases i'd consider the extended
warranty...

IDIOTS PAY FOR EXTENDED WARRANTIES. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY CONSUMER
REPORTS THAT EXTENDED WARRANTIES ARE A TOTAL RIPOFF.

perhaps if enough people claim it then perhaps epson would
see fit to release printers with frames that are designed to last
beyond a year. Both the r200/300 waste much ink which gets stored in a
diaper... and a estimate is kept on it's fullness. You can't print at
all once you hit this value unless you either "service" it or run the
SCC utility.

BY THE TIME THAT HAPPENS YOUR PRINTER WILL LONG BE IN THE TRASH. THAT
IS NOT A CONSIDERATION.

But end users can't replace the diaper on the r200... not
without a jig to keep everything in please as it has no frame, not sure
on the r300. There is a trapdoor that you can route your waste ink to
to resolve this issue and many feel the output quality is worth it.

I think the Q3482A is the Photosmart 8450. Those cartridges are not
cheap but at the very least they give you "something" for your hard
earned cash... in theory the vivera inks while having an insainly long
dry time are reported to being very light fast on the right papers.
Multi level grey is very spiffy. There is also the photosmart 8250

IF YOU WANT TO ENDURE PLAYING MUSICAL CARTS EACH TIME YOU CHANGE FROM
BUSINESS PRINTING TO PHOTO PRINTING

(iirc) which offers a tank approach similar to canon and epson... and
actually the last time I

crunched the numbers

IS NOT NEEDED TO MAKE A CHOICE

 

[measekite]

Hi group,

I was wondering if anyone could help me out. A relative works for an
office supply chain and offered to get me a new printer as a Christmas
gift. The three models I can choose from are:

HP Q3482A
Epson R300
Canon IP2000

THE BEST CHOICE IS THE IP5200 OR A LEFT OVER IP4000. OF THESE THE R300
IS NOT A BAD CHOICE IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE EPSON INK

 

[measekite]

The people that are having clogging problems are using third party ink

THAT IS TRUE

or
using the printer very little which cause all inkjet printers to clog.

IT DEPENDS WHAT VERY LITTLE IS. VERY LITTLE IN A CANON IS MORE
INFREQUENT THAN WITH AN EPSON.

I
have had Epson printers for over 10 years and never had a clog. The C80
(Frameless)I replaced went through about 30 sets of cartridges in three
years without a clog.

I now have the r200 and love it. It prints cd/dvd's
well and pictures look like they came from the photo lab. I get OEM ink
cartridges at Sams Club at about 30-40% off.
GOOD

I have had it for about six
months with no problems. Keep in mind all inkjet printers will clog if not
used or

incorrect ink

MOST AFTERMARKET INKS

 

[gonzocanuck]

The people that are having clogging problems are using third party ink or
using the printer very little which cause all inkjet printers to clog. I
have had Epson printers for over 10 years and never had a clog. The C80
(Frameless)I replaced went through about 30 sets of cartridges in three
years without a clog. I now have the r200 and love it. It prints cd/dvd's
well and pictures look like they came from the photo lab. I get OEM ink
cartridges at Sams Club at about 30-40% off. I have had it for about six
months with no problems. Keep in mind all inkjet printers will clog if not
used or incorrect ink is used. Small jets and fast drying ink which are
needed for high resolution will always have this problem.

Thanks for the advice Woody. I have never used third party inks (thanks
to my relative at the office supply store, can't beat that staff
discount :-D) . This is getting to be a hard decision!

Best,
Christine

 

[zakezuke]

Thanks for the advice Woody. I have never used third party inks (thanks

to my relative at the office supply store, can't beat that staff
discount :-D) . This is getting to be a hard decision!

Well... when your paying well under the equilivent of $1.50/tank when
OEM is $12 even a huge employee discount can hardly match that. Still
there are perks to OEM that are sometimes not matched with the third
party products. But with a big enough discount i'd consider buying OEM
my self. It's a matter of choice really. But epsons do tend clog on
OEM ink... mine certainly did. It actually had less issues on 3rd
party ink oddly enough.

But as far as making your decision just print off the images on your
paper your self and weigh in what has been said about the printers.
That's the nice thing about models that support pictbridge, and you can
plop your own images onto a memory card and print that. When dealing
with photo printers it's less about the hard core specifications...
most of which are so vastly vastly exaggerated they are quite
meaningless, but more what works best for you. Some people prefer the
canon even the 5 tank models... though I don't know any who choose
canon for B&W. Some prefer Epson even at times for B&W... many
actually even if they are a tad fickle. Still others prefer HP. What
ever works the best for what you are printing is the most important
factor IMHO.

 

[gonzocanuck]

Thanks for the advice zakezuke. You're indeed right, the Q3482A is the
Photosmart 8450...once I knew that, it was easier to find reviews on
it. I really appreciate the time you took to write such a detailed post


Christine

 

[measekite]

Well... when your paying well under the equilivent of $1.50/tank when
OEM is $12 even a huge employee discount can hardly match that. Still
there are perks to OEM that are sometimes not matched with the third
party products. But with a big enough discount i'd consider buying OEM
my self.

BECAUSE IT IS BETTER AND LESS RISK OF A CLOG.

It's a matter of choice really. But epsons do tend clog on
OEM ink... mine certainly did.

It actually had less issues on 3rd
party ink oddly enough.

BUT HE USUALLY DENIES THIS AND ADVOCATES TO THE NEW MORONS ON THIS NG TO
REFILL THEIR OWN CARTS