I use the older model Samsung CLP-300N Color Laser Printer. It can be had for under $100. For both models you can get complete Toner kits (three color and black) for under $50.
I have an HP color laserjet (model CP1215) and I like it a lot, but it may not be the best fit for your needs since it’s a printer only. I seriously think you’re going to have trouble finding an all-in-one or a multi-purpose printer of decent quality for your price range. But I wish you the best of luck.
And something to remember: A laser printer will cost you more up front, but you’ll save a lot on replacement toner cartridges as compared to ink jet printers and their replacement cartridges. After about a year or so of average use it will have paid you back in savings.
Oh, buy a separate scanner...
Monocrome. Regular price is $299, but has two $50 rebates.
Free shipping. You may be able to save another $50 by trading in your old printer (didn't check the details). That would be a heck of a deal.
Look at the Canon MX850 (or a current version). This was a Consumer Reports Best Buy and after my experience during 3 months of usage I know why. It’s a multifunction and yes it’s an inkjet but a damn fine jet. A great included software package. Definitely in your price range. Bluetooth and NIC card standard. Seems to be pretty ink efficient. It is however BIG, think personal copier circa 2003.
I want it to last for a long time; be very reliable, and not drain my wallet by having to feed it cartridges all of the time.
YEAH! LOL! And, I want a pony.
2600n is what I have, great color network printer, and comes with full cartridges which has lasted over two years for me. Had it repaired under warranty which took a day with no hassles. My usual favorite is Brother, but only for monochrome.
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Best prices, best shipping, best website, most informative reviews for anything computer and media related.
I have had *really* good luck with my little Lexmark x1240 printer/fax/scanner/copier.
I got mine at Wally World, on sale for under $30. I’ve had it for about a year and a half and only had one small issue. I run Windows XP and it requires Vista. I fixed it easily by downloading the driver at the Lexmark site in about five or ten minutes.
It prints photos (slowly) and scans beautifully.
If you overload the paper feeder, it might jam, but that’s only happened to me twice. (And I *really* stuffed it.)
The cartridges run me about $17 each at WalMart. I typically buy black every two months and a color every three or four.
Here it is, on sale. (I found it by Googling, then clicking the “shopping” button on the Google page.)
http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?c=217&s=1109&ID=80170&P=F
Sorry! I didn’t see that you wanted Laser. Ignore my post.
It depends entirely on what you plan to do with it. Printers good for color business graphics are not good for color photography and vice versa. Inkjets tend to run through color cartridges very fast, while color laserjet cartridges can last through several cartons of paper.
Ya. Buy one that prints color. Women like colors.
I think you are on the right track getting a better B&W laser, and a color inkjet for light color use.
I am a huge fan of Canon printers. Their inkjets are great. Their office digital copiers are great, but I don’t have much experience with their desktop laser printers.
I have heard good things about Samsung laser printers.
I’ve had an HP Deskjet 970Cxi for 5 years now - hasn’t missed a beat - probably prints 30 to 40 pages average
per day. Probably out of production...but ask if there is
something comparable - a no frills B&W plus Color HP should do it. Also, lots of neat new HP stuff at Costco if you can go there.
I get ink cartridges at 123Inkjets.com - never had a problem there either. Cheaper than any local store
and no refill-em-yourself problems.
Ha! No pre-research needed. Just do or get whatever she wants/suggests/demands.
That way, when it all goes to shits, she's the one to blame. Though one must not verbalize that.
I've been married for 23 years and THAT is the key to success.
As for printer... I'm an HP C4120 inkjet guy. Can't help ya in the laserjet area.
That's what I use. I use a HP LaserJet P1006 monochrome laser and a Canon Pixma iP3500 color inkjet photo printer. The Canon came for free with a digital camera I bought last year. The HP can be had for $100 if you look hard enough. (Newegg prices it at $79.99 with free shipping.)
As for the P1006, no problems at all here. Cartridges (CB435A) are $58 (Newegg). If you have light to moderate printing volume, as I do, then you should be fine with the starter cartridge for a while before buying a second one.
The HP LaserJet P1505 has better specs at $145, and the HP LaserJet P1505n adds Ethernet networking for another $45. Look on Newegg for both.
Good luck with your printer purchase.