Need a new crappy B&W laser printer: HP vs Epson?

  • Thread starter Thread starter _R
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R

_R

I'd be happy with my old crappy laserjets (II and III series) , but
alas, they have been repaired a couple times now and I'm hesitant
to keep throwing $ at them.

BUT I went to check out printers today and man! what misshapen
hunks of plastic! It's not just that they're mass-produced plastic,
but it seems like the part tolerances are bad. Of course they're
cheap.

I've gained a new respect for the build quality of my old II's and
III's. Tough choice: Do I repair my old printers once again, or
get used to the new disposable look? (Usually feed roller problems
with the old guys)

Re new printers: Does HP still hold up to Epson, etc? I'm looking
for something that will print about 100 to 300 pages per day with
relatively cheap toner carts. Prefer Postscript. It would be great
if it lasted a while, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.

The HP LJ1320 looked, well OK. I'm not sure what the equivalent
Epson model is (Epson fans?) Or are there better choices in
that range?

_R
 
You might want to check out the duty cycle of Brother. I hear good
things from their owners but am unsure of the duty cycle and what models
to consider. In all probability the replacement for the LJ IV should
meet your requirements.
 
I'd be happy with my old crappy laserjets (II and III series) , but
alas, they have been repaired a couple times now and I'm hesitant
to keep throwing $ at them.

BUT I went to check out printers today and man! what misshapen
hunks of plastic! It's not just that they're mass-produced plastic,
but it seems like the part tolerances are bad. Of course they're
cheap.

I've gained a new respect for the build quality of my old II's and
III's. Tough choice: Do I repair my old printers once again, or
get used to the new disposable look? (Usually feed roller problems
with the old guys)

Re new printers: Does HP still hold up to Epson, etc? I'm looking
for something that will print about 100 to 300 pages per day with
relatively cheap toner carts. Prefer Postscript. It would be great
if it lasted a while, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.

The HP LJ1320 looked, well OK. I'm not sure what the equivalent
Epson model is (Epson fans?) Or are there better choices in
that range?
Click to expand...
The problem with cheap lasers is usually the cost of the cartridges.
For example, we have a Samsung B&W laser. It prints well, and is no
trouble, but is a bit flimsy. It cost £49. The refills cost £45. ;-)

--

Hecate - The Real One
(e-mail address removed)
Fashion: Buying things you don't need, with money
you don't have, to impress people you don't like...
 
_R said:
I'd be happy with my old crappy laserjets (II and III series) , but
alas, they have been repaired a couple times now and I'm hesitant
to keep throwing $ at them.

BUT I went to check out printers today and man! what misshapen
hunks of plastic! It's not just that they're mass-produced plastic,
but it seems like the part tolerances are bad. Of course they're
cheap.

I've gained a new respect for the build quality of my old II's and
III's. Tough choice: Do I repair my old printers once again, or
get used to the new disposable look? (Usually feed roller problems
with the old guys)

Re new printers: Does HP still hold up to Epson, etc? I'm looking
for something that will print about 100 to 300 pages per day with
relatively cheap toner carts. Prefer Postscript. It would be great
if it lasted a while, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.

The HP LJ1320 looked, well OK. I'm not sure what the equivalent
Epson model is (Epson fans?) Or are there better choices in
that range?

_R
Click to expand...

If you really want a *crappy* laser printer then your best chance of
getting one would be to go with Epson (or Samsung or Lexmanrk or
Brother).

If you want a reasonably reliable decent quality laser printer then
your best chance of getting one would be HP.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm
 
There are a heap of old HP 4s around here. I wonder if it would be
better to get a 4M or something rather than a new printer. I suppose
it depends on the price...
 
HP's reputation for laser printers that hold up forever is more history
than reality today, sadly. Their products tend to be similarly flimsy
and sloppy, and there are design flaws that come up which can lead to
repeated visits back to the repair facility.

I suggest not dismissing any brand based upon its past history. Some
have caught up or surpassed, others have become weak in their build or
service.

Art
 
If you can get your hands on an LJ4 that's been treated kindly, grab it. The
one on my desk at work runs and runs and runs. Not fast or sexy, but it is
most definitely the Honda of laser printers.
 
The old LJII's, Canon engine flatbeds, are easier to fix and parts are
still
available. The only problems I've had are Error 50, which turned out
easy to fix, and the feed tray delivering 2 or more sheets, which
a bit of lubrication, and a small mechanical mod seem to have
improved from frequent to occasional. Fixing seems cheaper
than disposable.
 
The old LJII's, Canon engine flatbeds, are easier to fix and parts are
still
available. The only problems I've had are Error 50, which turned out
easy to fix, and the feed tray delivering 2 or more sheets, which
a bit of lubrication, and a small mechanical mod seem to have
improved from frequent to occasional. Fixing seems cheaper
than disposable.
Click to expand...

Yes, Error 50 is the usual, and I've fixed them in the past. I'd love
to have the LJ III back in top shape, but it has just come up with a
new error. I forget the number, but it's more expensive <g>. Still,
all the new laser printers I've seen look horrible. Tough call.

How did you manage to fix the Error 50's? I've always replaced the
roller. I've never heard of a 'lube + mechanical mod' fix. Can you
elaborate? Do you know of a source for parts to do that?

_R
 
If you can get your hands on an LJ4 that's been treated kindly, grab it. The
one on my desk at work runs and runs and runs. Not fast or sexy, but it is
most definitely the Honda of laser printers.
Click to expand...

I've lately been thinking about buying a lightly used LJ4 or 4M, or
perhaps the color LJ 5, for home use. I see quite a few of them on eBay for
reasonable prices, and also note that toner cartridges and replacement parts
are available. If I went with a used laser printer, I'd figure on replacing
fuser, rollers, etc. soon if not immediately.

I can live with the slower speeds. I guess the major downside would be
the limit of 600 x 600 dpi, vs. 1200 x 1200 from newer printers. I'm not sure
how much difference that makes in practice.

Chris
 
I'd be happy with my old crappy laserjets (II and III series) , but
alas, they have been repaired a couple times now and I'm hesitant
to keep throwing $ at them.

BUT I went to check out printers today and man! what misshapen
hunks of plastic! It's not just that they're mass-produced plastic,
but it seems like the part tolerances are bad. Of course they're
cheap.
Click to expand...

The desktop lasers today, even from HP, are mostly consumer crap, as
you have discovered.

I'd go for a 4M+ on eBay. These use the 98A cart, which are ass cheap.
(Also get them on eBay.) They will run forever. HP sold gazillions of
these printers, so parts and toner will be available longer than I
will.
 
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