Need an all-in-one Printer...

[Javert]

Hi guys,

I need suggestions on a good all-in-one printer (printer, fax, scan, copy).

I have my eyes set on the Canon Pixma 530 or 600. Both got high marks on CNET. The thing is, I won't be printing photos off it, I'll go to Wal-Mart for that. So it's mainly going to be for office stuff. And I want it to last forever, nevermind the ink usage or printing speeds.

My price range is anything below $149. Any suggestions? Anything you have or I should avoid?

Thanks a plenty!

 

[Asus]

The MP600 looks good. I know previous Canon models the large pigment black for text and individual dye colors worked well. Cost per text page was really low for an ink jet too, like somewhere around 22 cents a page.

The MP530 looks like it favors more business uses with the feeder to the scanner on top. Put a multi-page document in there and it will scan them all one by one without you having to lift up the scan lid.

The MP600 has the viewer. Probably has a memory card reader or USB port if you want to dab in printing pictures.

Within the last couple of years I've stayed away from HP printers. Their newer ink rubs off. I remember someone trying to highlight a document they printed with it and the ink went away. Both canon and epson have 'water proof' inks meaning they won't rub off easy unless you soak em.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

HP PSC 1510xi

It's what I have and it's doing great for over a year.

 

[Javert]

HP PSC 1510xi

It's what I have and it's doing great for over a year.

Hmm, can't find it, but I do see the 1610 model, that's a pretty good one too.

My friends say that Epson's break easily. I kind of agree because my last Epson broke down on me (simple inkjet printer), which is why I'm looking for a new one.

 

[Asus]

Yeah, Epsons are more trouble. Only get an Epson if they offer something that really stands out (which they do for certain uses but not for the masses).

I will say the canon models you looked at are better than the HP 1610. Better ink prices/size (check how much ink is in each cartridge) and a lot more features/quality/resolution. But they are in different price segments. The HP's is probably better than what canon has competing with it at the lower price.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

omg I had an epson too, it started printing blank pages even after I installed new ink, I think they jacked it up on purpose...

 

[Javert]

Fry's now has a Pixma 830 (It's big!) for $149.99. The only catch is that it's refurbished and has no warranty. 2-yr warranty goes for only $24, so the salesman said. He also proceeded to put a rather positive spin on "refurbished". What does that mean exactly?

 

[Asus]

It can really vary what it means but basically it's a fixed unit.

Could be a unit that was used, sent back for repair and then reboxed. Or it could be a new unit that was simply missing a part which got shipped back to the manufacturer, was fitted correctly and is now back on the sales floor. And sales people generally don't have a clue about the history behind the refurb part they are trying to sell. They known if they fixed it in-store or got it from the manufacturer. About it.

You would have to open it up and see if it looked used. If it was used you would probably see signs on the printer itself (stickers, dust and marks).

But that model is good. Has the scan feeder for multi-page documents and flatbed scanner. Viewscreen, memory card reader, usb port, 2 paper slots and dual side printing without flipping the page.
I bet if you had multiple 2 sided documents it could scan then print a copy just like the original.

 

[lePobz]

In my own experience, HPs are trouble, Epsons are trouble and Lexmarks are trouble. Canons are the way to go.

Canon Laser printers are top notch, Inkjets are top notch, and scanners are top notch too. The combis are good too, although I have noticed that the paper feed system on their all-in-ones goes a bit dodgy sometimes if the paper isnt absolutely perfectly flat, and the only way to stop it crying about a paper jam is to remove both the paper tray and the front cover and sometimes even the carbon cartridge itself. This is a rare occurrence though and apart from that, they're perfect machines.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Hmmm I had a Lexmark back from 1998, it still ran as good as when we got it. Last time used was last year though. (don't know where it is now, probably threw it out since we got better ones).

 

[Javert]

Fry's has the Canon Pixma 530 on sale for $139.99. I can't resist, I'm going to get it this afternoon. If anyone finds a lower price, tell me. Thanks.

 

[Asus]

Cool. Tell us how it is.

Every place I've seen lists it at ~ $180.