Which printer fits this bill?

  • Thread starter Thread starter HonestMath
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HonestMath

I'm looking for a printer, either an inkjet or laser, that can fax and
print high quality in color. Quality printing is the absolute priority,
though, and I will only scan/fax occasionally. I am an individual, not an
office, so I will not need high volumes and I don't have room for 37
machines. My budget is around $350.

Things I already know:
Lasers are lower cost over time and higher quality on cheap paper.
Inkjets are lower upfront, but have better photo capability on photo paper
or special inkjet paper.

I just want a printer to use for
1) printing high quality stationary and letters
2) scanning/faxing

I used to go to ZDNet to get my reviews, but they seem to review so few of
the printers out there. I was looking at the Epson R800 but it doesn't
scan (though it does print DVD's), but the review on Zdnet referred me to
the Canon iP8500
http://review.zdnet.com/Epson_Stylus_Photo_R800/4505-3156_16-30608012.html
Even this review is 2 years old, and I know a lot of stuff has come out
since then.

So what do people think? Is there a site that accurately reviews a lot of
printers now?

Thank You!
Math
 
HonestMath said:
I'm looking for a printer, either an inkjet or laser, that can fax and
print high quality in color. Quality printing is the absolute priority,
though, and I will only scan/fax occasionally. I am an individual, not an
office, so I will not need high volumes and I don't have room for 37
machines. My budget is around $350.

Things I already know:
Lasers are lower cost over time and higher quality on cheap paper.
Inkjets are lower upfront, but have better photo capability on photo paper
or special inkjet paper.

I just want a printer to use for
1) printing high quality stationary and letters
2) scanning/faxing

I used to go to ZDNet to get my reviews, but they seem to review so few of
the printers out there. I was looking at the Epson R800 but it doesn't
scan (though it does print DVD's), but the review on Zdnet referred me to
the Canon iP8500
http://review.zdnet.com/Epson_Stylus_Photo_R800/4505-3156_16-30608012.html
Even this review is 2 years old, and I know a lot of stuff has come out
since then.

So what do people think? Is there a site that accurately reviews a lot of
printers now?

Thank You!
Math
Click to expand...

Your problem is that new printers come out all the time.
FWIW I have seen Canon stuff favorably reviewed recently.
You are looking for an AIO - All In One device.

Hope the Arthur E comments cause he is very knowledgeable.

Lou
 
HonestMath said:
I'm looking for a printer, either an inkjet or laser, that can fax and
print high quality in color. Quality printing is the absolute
priority, though, and I will only scan/fax occasionally. I am an
individual, not an office, so I will not need high volumes and I don't
have room for 37 machines. My budget is around $350.
Click to expand...

If you do not want to print too many photo's direct from the printer
(without first loading them to a PC and then printing them) I would
suggest the Officejet 7210, see:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/18972-238444-410635-12019-f51-391152.html

If you will want to print a lot directly from camera cards the Officejet
7310 may be a better fit, it has a color LCD that lets you preview, zoom
and crop directly from the front panel. See:
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/18972-238444-410635-12019-f51-391181.html
The 7310 also has an automatic duplexer for two-sided printing, this is
an option on the 7210.

If you do not mind taking a risk on a used unit you might take a look at
the Photosmart 2610 or 2710. They go for ~$100 on eBay. They have
similar features as the 7210/7310 except they are single sheet, there is
no automatic feeder.

The print quality of the above is excellent. They use a black cartridge
good for ~ 800 pages of text. If you are in the US drop me an email with
your address and I will send you a few print samples from the Photosmart
2610 (which is the same print quality as the others listed).

Regars,
Bob Headrick, MS MVP Printing/Imaging
 
The Canon is a superior printer in that the reults are clearly more
vibrant. The R800 has a tendency to clog if left unused for a while.
The Canon inks cost less also.
 
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