Replacing my old workhorse LJ4 with a LJ4si

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Engineer

My HP Laserjet 4 (not 4-something, just 4) that I bought
new the first week it came out (Ouch! Expensive!!) is
spending too much time in the shop -- repeated accordion
jamming. I am thinking about a getting used 4si unless
someone has a better idea. I do a lot of printing, mostly
PDF equipement manuals and web pages, and single sided B&W
is fine. I need a reliable, non-jamming printer with a low
cost per page. Is the 4si a good choice or should I go for
some other moled? BTW, I use Windows 2000 and Slackware
Linux. Price is a minor consideration.
 
I have two of these that every couple of years start the accordion jamming
(love that term:-) I simply take the paper feed roller assemblies out of
the back and soap them up in the kitchen sink then dry off with compressed
air. Works well for a while but I did also find a company online that sells
replacements if they're too far gone. I can have a look in my favorites if
you'd like the link.

Peter
 
Engineer said:
My HP Laserjet 4 (not 4-something, just 4) that I bought
new the first week it came out (Ouch! Expensive!!) is
spending too much time in the shop -- repeated accordion
jamming. I am thinking about a getting used 4si unless
someone has a better idea. I do a lot of printing, mostly
PDF equipement manuals and web pages, and single sided B&W
is fine. I need a reliable, non-jamming printer with a low
cost per page. Is the 4si a good choice or should I go for
some other moled? BTW, I use Windows 2000 and Slackware
Linux. Price is a minor consideration.
Click to expand...

As Peterf advised, the delivery (output) assembly causes concertina or
accordion jams assuming the paper stops just after the fuser. Replacing this
assembly nearly always fixes the problem and it is quite easy to replace.
If you decide to replace the printer maybe you should look at a LJ4000 or 4050
or maybe a LJ2100. They are more modern and faster than the 4si and are quite
cheap second hand. If you can get one with less than 50,000 pages printed you
should be pleased.
Tony
 
My HP Laserjet 4 (not 4-something, just 4) that I bought
new the first week it came out (Ouch! Expensive!!) is
spending too much time in the shop -- repeated accordion
jamming. I am thinking about a getting used 4si unless
someone has a better idea. I do a lot of printing, mostly
PDF equipement manuals and web pages, and single sided B&W
is fine. I need a reliable, non-jamming printer with a low
cost per page. Is the 4si a good choice or should I go for
some other moled? BTW, I use Windows 2000 and Slackware
Linux. Price is a minor consideration.
Click to expand...

If you consider new.

Check out http://www.linuxprinting.org/ for compatibility (not real updated
unfortunately)
I only own 1 laser, Canon LBP3000 (which I doubt will ever run out of toner
at the rate I use it), it works with canons own drivers..
http://software.canon-
europe.com/software/canon_capt_printer_driver_for_linuxs22362.asp?model=
as do all canon lasers I beleive.


--
 
Tony said:
If you decide to replace the printer maybe you should look at a LJ4000
or 4050 or maybe a LJ2100. They are more modern and faster than the
4si and are quite cheap second hand. If you can get one with less
than 50,000 pages printed you should be pleased.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Those do look like good choices.
 
I second the HP4000 recommendation. I've had one since it came out (replaced
my dead 4M) and it has never given me a single problem with 10s of thousands
of sheets run through it. Swallows a ream at a time and the toner lasts
forever.
 
My HP Laserjet 4 (not 4-something, just 4) that I bought
new the first week it came out (Ouch! Expensive!!) is
spending too much time in the shop -- repeated accordion
jamming. I am thinking about a getting used 4si unless
someone has a better idea. I do a lot of printing, mostly
PDF equipement manuals and web pages, and single sided B&W
is fine. I need a reliable, non-jamming printer with a low
cost per page. Is the 4si a good choice or should I go for
some other moled? BTW, I use Windows 2000 and Slackware
Linux. Price is a minor consideration.
Click to expand...
The feedrollers can be given a treatment with wd40 or replaced inexpensively
(assuming exit jams)

Replacements:
Similar, HP4+ or 5

Hp 4000 or 4050 even better.
Same HP excellence but later model before the quality reductions.

The 4100 has a problem if you print envelopes or narrow sheets with any
frequency. Otherwise fine also.

I have a spare 4050t in a box not being used that I am willing to sell (bought
2) Email for discussion removing NoSpam.
 
If you haven't bought anything yet, the LJ4000 or 4050 is a great
choice. They are faser, smaller, and lighter than the 4. You can easily
do most of the maintenance on them yourself. Avoid the LJ2100 and
smaller printers as these are much harder (and more expensive) to
service even though they cost less.

Chris
 
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