^^^ thanks for the input Lainey, John and Kitty

I looked at a bunch of stuff at Staples today....probably narrowing down to Canon or HP...."sale" prices around 100 bucks.

 

You sure you want to spend that much Jerry? You might be able to find used ones on Craig's List.

 

This is mine Jerry....

http://www.everythingusb.com/hp_phot...180_13243.html

 

I've got the HP Officejet 7600, purchased at Costco. Printer, FAX, Scanner and ethernet-ready. Good machine, low ink use, holds LOTS of paper, but the automatic feeder for FAX/scanner stinks. It's also hooked up by wire to our ethernet, so the computer it sits next to doesn't have to be on in order for it to print from another computer in the house.

Consider getting a printer that has wireless connectivity, as it can sync with your home wireless router (assuming you have one) and act as printer for all your home computers.

 

Just print anything you need at work.

FWIW, all those empty ink cartridges are worth $3 each at Staples.

 

Printers are all disposable. Think through what you really need and buy accordingly. For pictures, we take the card to the pharmacy and use the self service machine. I find the quality is much better and the cost is less. I have an HP Deskjet F2210 all in one. I use it to scan on a rare occassion, copy docs before we mail them, and print. Barbara has a unit that came with her Dell that has the dell label on it. She just uses it to print docs.

For photos, I really think you need to buy a better printer with a screen built in andthe ability to accept cards. Cost of machine, ink and paper is high for good quality pictures.

 

I voted Canon - seems to be the best line of 3-1, with best features. Currently own Canon MP620, and I like it. the ink cartridges are about $15 apiece, and they are single ink cartridges (printer holds six), so you only buy the ink you are out of, not like the HP color cartridge that runs $30 to $45 depending on what printer you have. Canon quality print is superb, my previous Canon was a 9800 series large format - very pricey, but oh so good on printing anything up to 13 x 19.

Now having said all that, I bought my wife a Kodak all in one for her work. It prints well but is very slow compared to the Canon, but the ink cartridges are only about $9 apiece.

Don't buy HP! While they are the most inexpensive printer out there, the ink costs are probitive, if you do much photo printing, and the quality of printer is substandard. (Very bad personal experience on that one).

My suggestion would be to appraise what you use a printer for. If you print alot of documents vs photos, get the Kodak. If you print alot of multiple page documents or large numbers of documents, like news letters, etc, get the Canon. It has better paper handling and faster ppm rates.

 

Jerry, my HP is a 1315, and I'm with Bill on printing pics elsewhere. You get plenty of edit options, size options and some edit/creative options are easier too.

I don't find I print many pics these days. Grandchild #2 is going to feel slighted some day. I have albums of his sister...not so many pics of him.

 

I wouldn't bet on that lainey,
20 years from now he'll have lots of pics becuase they are online whereas the grandaughters will have been on paper right?

 

Interesting that almost 50% voted for HP....yet there are folks who have strong negative opinions about that brand?

What to do....