Cheap to run colour printer

[Chris Wilson]

I am sick of unreliable ink jet printers that clog up when not used for a few weeks and cost a fortune in consumables. What's a good buy that's:

 

A: Totally reliable, even if unused for weeks on end.

 

B: Cheap to get consumables for.

 

It doesn't have to do stunning glossy photos, just colour from lots of documents and reasonable photos on normal paper.

 

Cost is definitely an issue, used is fine. Size is not an issue, nor is noise or the environment

[ronttuk]

we have got a epsom dx8450 with a continuous ink system haven't bought ink for 3 yrs and its still going strong

[stevie_b]

I would try to pick up a 2nd hand HP colour laserjet. We've got one and it was only a bit over £100 when new. It only gets occasional use but never fails when we do need it. I've given up with inkjet printers: they're expensive to buy ink for, and if you don't use them they clog up. Lose-lose situation.

 

Laserjets are more expensive to buy but the ink lasts a lot longer. They're cheaper to run in the long run.

[Pixelfill]

I bought a HP 1215 laserjet from PCWorld just over a year ago, and it only cost circa £150 quid - I'm still on the same toner cartridges, and have done loads of black and white prints. and the colour is pretty good - even for photos. Would definitely recommend - though it is now a discontinued model. The toner cartridges are not cheap to replace, but they will last when not being used. Unlike inkjets.

 

Mike

[AndrewOW]

A4 or A3?

 

I use an Epson Stylus Office B1100 A3 (£140+VAT), and the inks are cheap if you get them from a compatibles online store.

 

It's a great printer, and very reliable too.

[Iky]

I have an epson R300 photo, prints on cd's as well from pc world for £85 posted a few years back. I hardly use it but have never had a problem with dried up ink etc.

compatible Inks are dirt cheap from ukdvdr.com and have always had top class service.

[Chris Wilson]

I have now had three new Epsom ink jets. OK, they are cheap to buy, but the drying up nonsense is a PITA. I think I'll try a colour laser. I use a black and white laser I got from a forum member, and it's been great. Commercial quality thing, big and heavy, but has never failed. HP Laserjet 4000N, probably a dinosaur, but dinosaurs are welcome here Only need A4, but A3 might just be of use for wiring diagrams, given my eyesight!

 

Thanks, any more suggestions for a cheapish used colour laser?

[Guest ugp]

Only problem with the colour lasers is the price of the toners, some are over £100 each!

 

I would look at something like a sx218 with a CIS system. The one I've got goes 6 months a time without being used, a quick head clean and it's off again.

[stevie_b]

I think mine's a Laserjet 1215 as well. Not the fastest of printers, but super reliable in my experience.

 

Laser cartridges can be expensive, but you get many more prints out of them than an inkjet cartridge.

[Chris Wilson]

I can live with the toner costs, my black and white HP laser has been warning of low toner for over a year, and it still prints adequately. My last laser had one cartridge change in 10 years. I think these used commercial sized jobbies are good value if you don't mind their size, as a toner cartridge is huge and lasts a SOHO user ages and ages. I went on Ebay and found a firm with loads of used colour lasers in easy travelling distance, anyone able to spot a good buy here, if it exists? :

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/ncsltd93/m.html?_nkw=colour+laser&_trkparms=65%253A12%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1%257C72%253A5251&rt=nc&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_sop=2&_sc=1

 

Max budget £200.

[Heyrick]

Totally agree with the ex commercial route - the cartridges are about the same price as the home ones but have about 5x the capacity. I bought a s/h HP b/w printer on ebay - £1000 printer with loads of features (networked and duplex printing etc.) for £200 and it's gone on and on (print about 50-100 a day).

 

I'm interested in getting a colour as well though so hopefully someone will have an opinion for you.

 

Only use the ebay sellers with a really good feedback rating though as you may find you need some support when you first have it - I had to swap out the fuser twice with mine but the seller was excellent about it.

[Guigsy]

Our hp inkjet gets used about once every few months when the mrs prints photos. Never clogs or drys up. The cartridges can be pricy but when it gets used it gets used a lot and uses a lot of ink for the photos. Normal every day printing lasts ages. And that's with the small black cartridge not the xl you can get.

 

Lasers are great but still have plenty of potential issues. Toner going lumpy. Developer running out. Transfer sheet/rolers getting covered in toner, fuser units packing up...