Paper recommendation for two HP inkjets

[Richard Steinfeld]

After years of using laser and LED printers, two HP inkjets have dropped
into my life: an 850c and a 940c. I'm not interested in printing photos
on these machines due to a recent test report that indicated that HP's
inks have poor permanence.

So, I want results that are as good as what I've always gotten from the
Xerography-based printers just for ordinary non-photo printing on
regular paper. I'm experiencing a bit too much black ink bleed and
micro-blotched characters with two papers I've tried:

- Good quality name-brand laser/copier paper.
- Staples "all purpose" paper.
Both papers are 20 lb.

This is happening even with the driver set for slightly lighter density,
and the lowest ink quantity. I'm in "normal print" mode.

I'm not having the problem so much with the 850, which has OE
cartridges. The 940's got aftermarket refilled cartridges that came
well-recommended (InkGrabber, in Simi Valley, CA; which also uses at
least two other business names).

Can some of you recommend any good inexpensive papers for use with these
machines and their ink? I don't need the cheapest rotgut stuff out
there, but it should be affordable (and none of this "boutique" stuff).

I'm enjoying learning this process. However, compared with the
toner-based printers, the cost of HP's OE ink is so insanely usurious
that the only way that I'll use these machines is with off-brand ink.
HP's ink is more expensive than Chanel #5. I'm not comfortable paying
their CEO's equally-insane salary, so if there's no way around this,
it's off to the landfill with the lot of them and I'll be looking for an
honest printer from an honest company.

Unfortunately, HP has shot themselves in the feet rather grossly:
between their profiteering ink prices, the $2.50 per minute "award
winning support," and the ultra-stingy 90-day "warranty" (a policy that
admits that it's junk), they've lost me as a customer for everything
forever, and we've hardly even met!

Richard

 

[CWatters]

After years of using laser and LED printers, two HP inkjets have dropped
into my life: an 850c and a 940c. I'm not interested in printing photos
on these machines due to a recent test report that indicated that HP's
inks have poor permanence.

So, I want results that are as good as what I've always gotten from the
Xerography-based printers just for ordinary non-photo printing on
regular paper. I'm experiencing a bit too much black ink bleed and
micro-blotched characters with two papers I've tried:

Is that with new carts? I've been refilling my carts and get good results on
most papers but after refilling the cart many time I find the output does
get a bit scratchy. Perhaps the carts in the printers have been refilled too
many times and are getting a bit worn?

 

[CWatters]

Is that with new carts? I've been refilling my carts and get good results on
most papers but after refilling the cart many time I find the output does
get a bit scratchy. Perhaps the carts in the printers have been refilled too
many times and are getting a bit worn?

I guess I should have read the rest of your post

 

[Edwin Pawlowski]

- Good quality name-brand laser/copier paper.
- Staples "all purpose" paper.
Both papers are 20 lb.

Laser/copier papers are coated differently than inkjet paper. I like
Hammermill 24# stock myself with a brightness index of 96. There are many
good brands of inkjet paper, but be sure it is inkjet, not an all purpose or
you get bleeding.

 

[William R. Walsh]

Hi!

So, I want results that are as good as what I've always gotten from the
Xerography-based printers just for ordinary non-photo printing on
regular paper. I'm experiencing a bit too much black ink bleed and
micro-blotched characters with two papers I've tried:

I don't think an inkjet printer is really up to the task of laser/high end
Xerox machine output quality.

That said, have you pulled the cartridges and looked at the output ends of
them? (Be very careful, try not to touch.) Over time I've found that almost
all of my HP printers from a 600C to an 870CSE tend to build up some gummy
dried ink on the bottom of the cartridges. You can take it off with a
nonabrasive soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol. Again, be careful.

Can some of you recommend any good inexpensive papers for use with these
machines and their ink? I don't need the cheapest rotgut stuff out
there, but it should be affordable (and none of this "boutique" stuff).

I've used the Staples paper with good results in my HP inkjets, so I'm
surprised you're having problems with it. Right now I'm using OfficeMax
paper and it too seems to work well. Between the OM and Staples paper, I've
been using Hammermill 24 pound inkjet paper and it works well, though I
don't see any real advantage other than the heavier weight.

I'm enjoying learning this process. However, compared with the
toner-based printers, the cost of HP's OE ink is so insanely usurious
that the only way that I'll use these machines is with off-brand ink.

There's no comparison to toner and ink. Ink is much more expensive almost
every time. You'll find that's true of almost any ink-based printer.

HP's ink is more expensive than Chanel #5. I'm not comfortable paying
their CEO's equally-insane salary, so if there's no way around this,
it's off to the landfill with the lot of them and I'll be looking for an
honest printer from an honest company.

I'm not so sure I'd do that! Even if HP's printers don't do the greatest job
out there (and I think they can certainly hold their own in many respects)
they are generally very long-lived printers. Older models especially have a
great reputation for longevity, and a lot of that is because the HP printers
are built in a relatively simple way.

If you find what HP is doing to be so unreasonable, think about those who
buy Epson printers. I wouldn't have one of them...I've seen too many over
the years with blown heads and sloppy print engines...while my DeskJet 560C,
original DeskJet, ThinkJet and a QuietJet are all still going along nicely.

I don't know as much about Canon printers. I have an early BubbleJet, but I
don't use it much. A friend of mine has one and it has given flawless
service.

As for Lexmark, I wouldn't touch those with a ten foot pole...at least not
any more.

Unfortunately, HP has shot themselves in the feet rather grossly:
between their profiteering ink prices, the $2.50 per minute "award
winning support," and the ultra-stingy 90-day "warranty" (a policy that
admits that it's junk), they've lost me as a customer for everything
forever, and we've hardly even met!

You're right on the support. I wouldn't call it award-winning, but then
again, I've only ever called when support was free of charge. As far as the
warranty goes, I don't think it always tells you the whole story.

William