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Printer selection help

5 years ago

I have a love-hate relationship with printers. My most recent ones are the 8-cartridge inkjets which give beautiful results, but the cartridges die and they are expensive. I'm in the market for a new large format (tabloid or super-tabloid) printer and can get either an Epson Inkjet or a Lexmark laserjet for about the same price ($300), but, of course, the laserjet cartridges are more expensive. I would expect they wouldn't "dry out" as easily, and that printer requires only 4. What do you think? PS I already have regular letter-size printers so this new printer won't see much activity. Or, I could just drive an hour to Staples and have them do my printing!

Featured Answer

Elmer J Fudd

5 years ago

I have no experience nor have ever had need (neither at work or at home) concerning a large format printers but in general, I've long stayed away from ink jet printers.

How frequent is your need? In addition to Staples, of course Fed Ex offices (formerly Kinkos) offer printing services too, as do some of the large drug store chains. If it's more than once a month, it's probably more sensible to have a printer. If not, then you can decide the approach. Driving 2 hours isn't free from either a time or gas standpoint, having something at your work location you can use right away would save you both.

Good luck.

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Comments (10)

mtvhike
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks, Elmer, you always give good advice! It will probably be in spurts - that was my problem; I'd print maybe 20 topographic maps or photos in a couple of weeks, then none for 6 months, by which time the cartridges would be dried out1
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badabing2
5 years ago
Love my Epson EcoTank - no more buying expensive printer cartridges. Just a bottle of ink.

https://www.costco.com/epson-ecotank-2760-special-edition-all-in-one-printer-with-bonus-black-ink.product.100504185.html
mtvhike
Original Author
5 years ago
How well does the EcoTank system work when the printer is not used for months at a time?
badabing2
5 years ago
I have two - one that was unused for several months and had to run through the "clean heads & nozzles maintenance routine a few times" but was fine after that. Worst case is cleaning heads with alcohol. It's just a cost-saver compared to the cartridge models. Watch for memorial day sales if this is your pick.
acraftylady
5 years ago
Don't have a large format but switched to an HP laserjet a few years ago and wish I had done it sooner and ditched inkjet. Only need toner about twice a year for the printing we do. Prints a lot very fast and no wiating for ink to dry so it can flip the paper. Mary
Richard (Vero Beach, Florida)
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I don't use or need large format either but wouldn't hesitate to go to laser.

When I was using inkjet, I printed so seldomly that the ink would dry or the heads would clog and I'd have to clean heads and/or replace ink far too often. The printers were cheap but the ink was expensive.

The last time I bought a basic monochrome Brother laser and it seems to always be ready to print anytime I am. I just looked it up and I see that I bought the last (generic, less that $30) toner cartridge back in March of 2016. Today, after not printing for a few months, I needed to print a couple things and it printed fine. I wouldn't have given my older inkjets a chance in... ? :)
acraftylady
5 years ago
Yes that was our problem. My husband retired and was not using the printer as much at home and ink I think dried up and printer broke so switched to laser and so far no issues after 2yrs. Very economical if I do need to print a lot at once.
mtvhike
Original Author
5 years ago
Maybe I didn't make it clear that I want a color printer, so it will need at least four cartridges (my old Epson one used 8, at $30 each!).
Richard (Vero Beach, Florida)
5 years ago
Yes, you made that clear. I was only adding agreement that switching to a laser is likely a good idea. :)

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