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Just a Simple, Reliable Printer, Please

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Ok, I need a new printer. I bought an HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 in 2018 and it has been fine. Now it appears to have "crapped out".

The newer model of that printer is about $300. Not a whole lot, but I think it's for more than what I need. I am a casual user; this isn't for business or school. I guess that I print recipes more than anything but of course other documents and forms get printed, too.

Here are my "must haves":

- Works with a Mac

- Color

- 2-sided printing option

- Relatively simple setup

- Printing, copying abilities

My "nice-to-haves":

- Ability to choose quality of job (draft, normal, fine, for example)

- Not terribly slow

There are probably other things I'm not thinking of right now. I've looked all over Amazon and, of course, everything has good and bad reviews.

Can you give me some names/models of printers you'd recommend, and why?

Featured Answer

Elmer J Fudd

3 years ago

I long ago decided I was unwilling to futz and deal with inkjet printers. I'm personally very happy with the quality of cheap black and white laser all-in-ones (~$100). When absolutely necessary to have color prints, I can take a scan or the document to a Fed Ex type place and have them print it.

Sorry, I have no suggestions. It's having color as a must have that's steering your direction.

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Comments (12)

Suzieque
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks, Elmer. You're right - our "must haves" don't align.
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I have an HP 3210 PhotoSmart and there is a problem with the driver included in Windows XP. This glitch only happens under a certain set of conditions. Here's my work-around. It may work for you, too. After the computer has thoroughly finished booting, install the printer again. (Wait until your security software has finished its startup checks. Often, this runs in background, but will interfere with many operations until it has finished.) Install your printer as a second printer. 1. Open the Control Panel, then open "Printers" 2. Right click in the printer panel and choose install a printer. 3. Follow the Wizard. 4. When asked, use the existing driver (if it is the correct one). 5. After the new install is fnished, there will be two printers of the same kind showing in the printer panel. The one with the check mark is the one you just installed; The other one was the first install at boot up. 6. Right click on the unchecked printer icon and delete it. Close all panels and try the printer/scanner. One possible cause is the communication link between the computer and printer. This has to be a 2-way data link. You are probably ok on this item if you are using a USB cable. If you have an older printer with a parallel port, the parallel port on your computer must be a 2-way port, and the 2-way capability must be enabled. Another possibillty: The scanner software has not been installed. Software for the printer and scanner should have been included with the printer. If this was missing or damaged, you may be able to download a copy from the printer manufacturer. Beware these files are big and will take considerable time over a dial-up connection.
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acraftylady
3 years ago
I went HP color laser several years ago and don't regret it at all. Buy toner twice a year if that. No waiting for ink to dry if i print a lot of 2 sided copies. Mary
Suzieque thanked acraftylady
Elmer J Fudd
3 years ago
What do each of you use color printing for?
acraftylady
3 years ago
I do some stuff for my church and the big copy machine at church is black and white only. Honestly this HP all in one was such a good deal at the time I figured what the heck, $300 and it did color and had everything else i needed. We always had HP ink jet printers before that. I just liked having the option of color when I went laser but really unless you print a lot in color black and white is fine. Mary
Suzieque thanked acraftylady
Suzieque
Original Author
3 years ago
acraftylady, would you please give me the model of your printer?
acraftylady
3 years ago
This one, have had it about 5yrs now.

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-color-laserjet-pro-mfp-m281fdw
Suzieque thanked acraftylady
dadoes
3 years ago
Color laser printers are great. Toner cartridges don't dry out or clog as do inkjet cartridges. The cost of toner is up-front higher but long-term less compared to inkjet. A quick search on MFP M281fdw found a package of three (yellow, cyan, magneta) HP standard-capacity (rated 1,300 pages) cartridges at $227 (I didn't check black). High-capacity (2,500 pages) is also available.
Suzieque thanked dadoes
Suzieque
Original Author
3 years ago
Ok, thanks, all. I guess I wasn't clear enough that I think $300 for what I need is too much. The suggestions given here are close in price or much more. IIdeally I'll spend $100-150. But that's not locked in. Less or a bit more is ok. Elmer, why does it matter what I use color printing for. I do, and that's why it's a must-have.
Elmer J Fudd
3 years ago
It doesn't matter at all, I asked out of curiosity.
Suzieque thanked Elmer J Fudd
Suzieque
Original Author
3 years ago
Ok, Elmer, fair enough. As mentioned, I often print recipes and I find the pictures much more attractive in color than in black and white. I also print documents (from my volunteer activities, memberships, etc.) that are clearer when in color as certain areas are highlighted (links, for example). Sometimes I print notices to laminate and post in our neighborhood (I'm on the Board of our neighborhood Association), and the like. So - yes, color is important to me.
Elmer J Fudd
3 years ago
I see. I have no uses regularly requiring a color printer.

Pre-retirement, I had access to a large and fast floor model color printer. Always preferring the convenience and durability of toner cassettes for laser printers, that's what I've always had at home.
Suzieque thanked Elmer J Fudd

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