Printer recommendations???

[djf]

OK I have an HP V40XI and it all a sudden like decided to stop feeding the paper. When it works, this is a great printer, it also has built in scanner, fax, and copier. But over the couple years I've had it, it has been pretty much nothing but a major pain everytime I go to use it.

Picture quality is excellent. But it constantly complains about the color cartridge. And it gives almost NO indication what it doesn't like, just repeatedly saying "remove and check "color cartidge"...

So I think it's time to bite the bullet and get a new printer.

What I would like: Same capabilities, printing, scanning, copying. I can live without fax.

GOOD DIAGNOSTICS AND SUPPORT!

Something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg for cartridges. (Yes, I've gone the re-fill route, it can work, but it is not particularly reliable)

Windows XP support

Either USB or standard D25 connection

Most of all, rock solid dependability.

I am sure there are FReepers out there who have had a wide variety with good (Rare!) and BAD, CRAPPOLA printers(much, much too common).

Thanks in advance!

[SeaHawkFan]

Not exactly on topic, but get your cartridges refilled at Costco. Either $7.99 or $9.99 on the ones they service. Excellent quality and great prices.

[TomGuy]

Even if you DON’T print a lot - get a laser printer.

I would say 'ESPECIALLY if you don't print a lot...' The laser doesn't dry out like inkjet printheads and cartridges do.

I bought an Xerox color laser about 5 years ago during a Black Monday online sale for $150 shipping paid. I am still on the original cartridges, as I don't print a lot at home. I recently did buy the 4 color cartridges just in case. All 4 colors cost about $50 total through 4inkjets.com.

I previously had inkjets. The Lexmark lasted just passed the 60-day warranty. I had printed a total of 20 pages when it locked up and would not work.

[Dick Bachert]

Have had Epson, HP, and a few others.

Bought a refurbished BROTHER MFC5890CN combo printer, scanner, copy machine, fax machine from Tigerdirect for around 80 bucks about 2 years ago and LOVE IT. It just works!!

And one of the best things is it uses INDIVIDUAL CARTRIDGES that are cheap from Brother and DIRT CHEAP from the several non-OEM suppliers!

[djf]

UPDATE!!!

Opened up the HP. More than opened it up, got the top covers off, and main board removed.

A fine piece of wire - well, not electrical wire, more like a fine cable, about 2 1/2 inches fell out.

I surmise this has something to do with raising the paper till it meets the main rollers that do the feeding SO...

I think it’s junk. I’ll strip out the motors and any usable parts. But looks like it’s Office Max time!

Not a super great loss. Printer only cost me ten bucks at a G-sale. But over the 4 or so years I had it, I prolly spent 150 bucks or more on cartridges.

And when it worked, it DID print really, really well!

Whatever I end up getting, I just don’t want any headaches with it.
PERIOD!!!

So thanks to all for the advice. More and more, Brother is sounding good.

[djf]

UPDATE!

Back from the store.
Office Depot, sells most all the major brands.

Asked the guy working there “Which brand has the best tech support?”
He said as far as he knew, Epson. He had heard alot of good things about Canon.
He said HP was good if you got someone local, and not somebody in Somejerkistan.

Asked him “Which one has the fewest problems?”
He said HP, usually, but sometimes you get a lemon and there’s nothing you can do. He also recommended Brother.

Asked him “Which is the sturdiest construction?”
He said HP.

Asked him “Out of all the brands, which ones are the customers the most happy with?”

Hands down, he said Brother.

So... I’m unpacking and reviewing the doc on my new Brother J870 all-in-one scanner/copier/printer/fax.

It can run on USB or wireless, I am hoping I can finagle it to do USB when my desktop is turned on, and wireless if I’m using one of my laptops somewhere.

Kinda exciting buying a new thing! I usually buy used stuff and fix/upgrade it...

Thanks to all for the advice! Will post a thumbs up/thumbs down later.
Total cost, $125 for item + tax + 2year extended...

[Jeff Chandler]

That one is the big brother of mine.

>>> It can run on USB or wireless, I am hoping I can finagle it to do USB when my desktop is turned on, and wireless if I’m using one of my laptops somewhere. <<<

I’m running both.

[djf]

That’s what I’m setting up now. I got it printing w/USB under XP on my desktop, just configured the printer to talk to my access point router.

One very, very kool thing: the glossy photo paper that came with it... you can print your pics so they look like actual pictures!

Two big advantages, the cartridges are way, way easier to install on this machine than the HP.
Also, it runs MUCH faster and quieter!

I’m impressed. Printer tech has gotten much better. But no matter what, I’m still glad I spent the xtra 15 bucks on the extended warranty.

One drawback: The USB connector is inside, and enters from the right side of the machine... not good, because I was stretching my USB to reach the HP, not sure if I will be able to put it where I want it w/o a USB extension...

[Jeff Chandler]

it where I want it w/o a USB extension...

Monoprice.com

[Some Fat Guy in L.A.]

Newer HP printers don’t allow you to use refilled cartridges. Run away!

[Jeff Chandler]

I’ve had a lot of printers made by just about every manufacturer and I like the Brother the best.