Need guidance - multifunction printers

  • Thread starter Thread starter mairysnshine
  • Start date Start date
What
matters to us is that 1) both computers (Mac and PC) can use it 2) it
scans, faxes and prints to the best quality an all-in-one printer can
muster 3) it's reliable and 4) hovers no higher than the $300 range.
Click to expand...

Get a Brother. Their software is tremendous, without being overbearing
like HP's software.

Brother software encompasses Mac OS9, Mac OS X, and all relevant flavors
of Windows--all at once. Truly, the Brother software is worth the price
of admission alone. It's like they give you the hardware for free,
that's how valuable their software is.
 
OK...you have all been great with your input. Here's where I stand:

I still don't know if I should get an HP or a Canon. I've narrowed it
down to the Canon PIXMA mp830 or an HP all-in-one, of which there are
a number of models to choose from through Apple. I think we're
leaning towards the 5140 or the 6180.
Click to expand...

In most cases HP only comes with trial size ink carts and Canon comes
with full carts. If photo results matter more than Canon is the better
machine. If business printing matters more than look closer at the HP.
Actually the HP Office Jets in many cases provide better business printing.
This, however, is where I'm stuck. I mean....I'm at the point of just
drawing a name out of hat! It seems as if every set of reviews out
there says the same thing about each of 'em.... on Amazon, for every 4
people saying a printer is great you have 1 saying it's the worst
thing they've ever used! I haven't seen anything that really
distinguishes one from the other.
Click to expand...
Do not put that much emphasis on personal reviews. Many are set up. PC
Mag has good review on printers. Also look at PC World.
I am just kind of lost. So....if
any of you helpful computer people out there have a final opinion on
which one of these things to get I would appreciate the input. What
matters to us is that 1) both computers (Mac and PC) can use it 2) it
scans, faxes and prints to the best quality an all-in-one printer can
muster 3) it's reliable and 4) hovers no higher than the $300 range.
Click to expand...

Both meet those requirements.
 
OK...you have all been great with your input. Here's where I stand:

I still don't know if I should get an HP or a Canon. I've narrowed it
down to the Canon PIXMA mp830 or an HP all-in-one, of which there are
a number of models to choose from through Apple. I think we're
leaning towards the 5140 or the 6180.

This, however, is where I'm stuck. I mean....I'm at the point of just
drawing a name out of hat! It seems as if every set of reviews out
there says the same thing about each of 'em.... on Amazon, for every 4
people saying a printer is great you have 1 saying it's the worst
thing they've ever used! I haven't seen anything that really
distinguishes one from the other. I am just kind of lost. So....if
any of you helpful computer people out there have a final opinion on
which one of these things to get I would appreciate the input. What
matters to us is that 1) both computers (Mac and PC) can use it 2) it
scans, faxes and prints to the best quality an all-in-one printer can
muster 3) it's reliable and 4) hovers no higher than the $300 range.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...


Let me give you a piece of practical advice.
But first, you'll not be able to tell the difference in the printing
output of either one of these.
Secondly, you'll not be able to tell the difference between the scanning
output of anything between the two of these.
So the only thing to consider is the long term cost of use...the ink.
You need to know what each manufacturer estimate their number of printed
sheets is before an ink cart change is necessary. Then compare the
output with the cost of oem cart replacement. Then compare the cost of
after market cart replacement. Trust me, you won't be able to tell the
difference between oem and replacement carts printing.
Then you can make your decision...which as I can gather ...is based
solely one economics.
Frank
 
OK...you have all been great with your input. Here's where I stand:

I still don't know if I should get an HP or a Canon. I've narrowed it
down to the Canon PIXMA mp830 or an HP all-in-one, of which there are
a number of models to choose from through Apple. I think we're
leaning towards the 5140 or the 6180.

This, however, is where I'm stuck. I mean....I'm at the point of just
drawing a name out of hat! It seems as if every set of reviews out
there says the same thing about each of 'em.... on Amazon, for every 4
people saying a printer is great you have 1 saying it's the worst
thing they've ever used! I haven't seen anything that really
distinguishes one from the other. I am just kind of lost. So....if
any of you helpful computer people out there have a final opinion on
which one of these things to get I would appreciate the input. What
matters to us is that 1) both computers (Mac and PC) can use it 2) it
scans, faxes and prints to the best quality an all-in-one printer can
muster 3) it's reliable and 4) hovers no higher than the $300 range.
Click to expand...

Whether you get HP or Canon I don't think you can make a bad decision.
My advice is based on my own personal experience. Many of the reviews
you read on the web are not that well done and the reviewers have never
touched the machine themselves or used it long enough to have an
accurate opinion. You will get some of the best recommendations in this
newsgroup from people who have lived with a specific printer for years,
like me.

Also, I advise that you read the specs for each printer carefully. A
quick review of the HP printers you referenced was vague as to duplex
printing as a standard option and there was no mention regarding duplex
copying. The Canon also has two full size paper trays verses the HPs
one full size and the second a 4"x6" tray. Maybe these options aren't
that important to you but I find the duplex printing very useful and
wish my MP780 would duplex copy. Also, check on the price for
replacement cartridges and how many pages per cartridge set you should
expect.
 
Your point about people making remarks after a very short span of
ownership is so true - so many reviews are one week in or after just a
few months of use. I do appreciate when someone has used a particular
printer for more time and can legitimately remark on its longevity.
 
Brother is a second tier mfg as far as quality and reliability when compared with HP, Canon and Epson.

Elmo P. Shagnasty wrote:

What matters to us is that 1) both computers (Mac and PC) can use it 2) it scans, faxes and prints to the best quality an all-in-one printer can muster 3) it's reliable and 4) hovers no higher than the $300 range.



Get a Brother. Their software is tremendous, without being overbearing like HP's software. Brother software encompasses Mac OS9, Mac OS X, and all relevant flavors of Windows--all at once. Truly, the Brother software is worth the price of admission alone. It's like they give you the hardware for free, that's how valuable their software is.
 
measekite said:
Brother is a second tier mfg as far as quality and reliability when
compared with HP, Canon and Epson.
Click to expand...

Horseshit! You have no idea what you're talking about.
Frank
 
Your point about people making remarks after a very short span of
ownership is so true - so many reviews are one week in or after just a
few months of use. I do appreciate when someone has used a particular
printer for more time and can legitimately remark on its longevity.
Click to expand...

I can't say the MP830 is as bullet proof as my MP780 has been but both
printers are very similar. I have had ZERO problems with mine. The
document feeder always works and it has never let me down. HP makes
some very good and dependable printer too. IMO, it comes down to which
printer has the highest number of features you want or need at the price
you are willing to pay.
 
Elmo said:
Get a Brother. Their software is tremendous, without being overbearing
like HP's software.

Brother software encompasses Mac OS9, Mac OS X, and all relevant flavors
of Windows--all at once. Truly, the Brother software is worth the price
of admission alone. It's like they give you the hardware for free,
that's how valuable their software is.
Click to expand...
Elmo,

Please tell me more about Brother -- it's inkjets, right?
How are they regarding OEM ink cartridge costs, feeding costs in
general. Are refilled cartridges available? Supplies and quality of
aftermarket DIY refilling? Anything.

I like companies that are underdogs: they have to try harder. Well,
that's what we like to believe, anyway.

Richard
 
Brother software encompasses Mac OS9, Mac OS X, and all relevant flavors
of Windows--all at once. Truly, the Brother software is worth the price
of admission alone. It's like they give you the hardware for free,
that's how valuable their software is.
Click to expand...
Elmo,

Please tell me more about Brother -- it's inkjets, right?[/QUOTE]

Or laser. Take your pick.


How are they regarding OEM ink cartridge costs, feeding costs in
general. Are refilled cartridges available? Supplies and quality of
aftermarket DIY refilling? Anything.
Click to expand...

I have a monochrome laser unit myself. My brief research into their
inkjet inks showed that they weren't very expensive for OEM, and that
there are aftermarket inks out there.

I know I paid ten bucks for a refill for their toner...
 
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