BG said:
what about an IP4200? Just saw one advertised at Buy.com for $78.
If you are focused on using inexpensive ink, the previous generation of
Canon pixma printers have bci-6 and bci-3ebk cartridges that can be
refilled. There are also aftermarket cartridges that are widely available,
although you would be well advised to use only cartridges that others have
reported as being of good quality. There are a few vendors whose products
have been used successfully by participants of this newsgroup. The ip4000
and ip5000 were very decent general purpose printers that used the
above-mentioned cartridges. You may be able to find an ip5000. The ip4200
and ip5200 are the newest generation of Canon printers that are the updated
version of the 4000 and 5000 but with what Canon describes as improved inks.
They use a different cartridge that is slightly more expensive and has a
computer chip in it. There are currently no aftermarket compatable
cartridges due to the computer chip. There are a few vendors who sell bulk
ink to refill them but the printer recognizes when a previously empty
cartridge is reinserted and "nags" you about it! The chip is used to
provide better monitoring of ink levels as it is important to not run the
cartridge dry. If you refill the cartridges you will have to visually
monitor the ink levels - not a big deal. By the way, Measekite, our
resident troll, will come back with his usual diatribe against considering
aftermarket products. Pay no attention as he has no experience with these
products. Many participants on this NG have years of positive experience
refilling cartridges and/or using aftermarket compatable cartridges for many
manufacturers and many models of printers.
