Armed Polite Society
Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: zahc on October 20, 2012, 01:35:36 PM
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I have a Deskjet all-in-one inkjet that I got for $20. It does everything that I need, seriously. But it's out of ink, and I just refuse to spend $40 on cartridges.
Is there any way to obtain basic, simple document printing without playing the inkjet cartridge game?
I use Linux exclusively, so I need something that either has Linux drivers or works over the network with CUPS, or whatever.
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get a Postscript laser printer. I have a Brother HL-1650N on the network and it has worked flawlessly for about 10 years. I think its on the 2nd or 3rd cartridge. I refilled it myself last time.
Watch out for printers that only work with Windows. Some Sharp models (like AL-1655CS, don't ask me how I know) cannot even be used with Mac.
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Before you give up on it, check ink prices at Monoprice.
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Laser printer. Hit craigslist. Cartridges are still $40-60 but you get a couple thousand pages vs a couple hundred with mist inkjets. Plus, the toner never dries up.
Brad
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Inkjet printers are a scam. The cost of the printers is next to nothing, but they whack you for the cartridges. The cost-per-print is FAR less with a laser, and if you don't need color there are basic models today that are pretty affordable.
Color laser is still a bit pricey, but worthy of consideration.
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I have a Deskjet all-in-one inkjet that I got for $20. It does everything that I need, seriously. But it's out of ink, and I just refuse to spend $40 on cartridges.
Is there any way to obtain basic, simple document printing without playing the inkjet cartridge game?
I use Linux exclusively, so I need something that either has Linux drivers or works over the network with CUPS, or whatever.
How much are you willing to spend?
My HP Laserjet P1006 works fine directly connected (believe HP when they say it does not work across a LAN. I never got it reliable, and gave up), and cost me ~$100, years ago. The P1102w appears to be the current equivalent.