Question (probably rhetorical)

[Hawkmoon]

Out in the garage I have two or three H-P inkjet printers. They are probably at least fifteen years old, parallel interface, color Deskjets. They worked when tested a few years ago but haven't been used for several years.

I have no need for them. I'm going to be calling the Salvation Army about taking some furniture out of here. Does it make sense to even donate these clunkers to the Salvation Army when you can buy NEW color, multi-function printer/scanners at Wal-Mart for under 50 bucks?

[KD5NRH]

Makes a lot more sense to play around on Instructables.com and see if you can find something cool to do with their guts.

[41magsnub]

They are likely junk, ink will be dried out in the print heads and that is not really fixable.

[lee n. field]

Out in the garage I have two or three H-P inkjet printers. They are probably at least fifteen years old, parallel interface, color Deskjets. They worked when tested a few years ago but haven't been used for several years.

I have no need for them. I'm going to be calling the Salvation Army about taking some furniture out of here. Does it make sense to even donate these clunkers to the Salvation Army when you can buy NEW color, multi-function printer/scanners at Wal-Mart for under 50 bucks?

Nope

[Perd Hapley]

What's the downside of donating them?

[Ben]

Even if they were still functioning, by the time somebody buys ink and a parallel port adapter (if they even still make them), they're out the money for a new printer.

Despite that, it's good of you to have considered donating them to the SA. I give them most of my functional older computer stuff, and appreciate that the money they get for it is put to good use.

[Ben]

What's the downside of donating them?

Extra crap that the SA has to haul away to the recycler?

[Hawkmoon]

Even if they were still functioning, by the time somebody buys ink and a parallel port adapter (if they even still make them), they're out the money for a new printer.

That was pretty much my thought process, which is why my question is probably rhetorical. Yes, they do make USB-to-parallel cables (and converters), but they aren't cheap. $13.95 plus shipping, which would probably bring the total to at least $20, maybe $25. So even if the SA could sell the printer for $25, to make it run the buyer would be into it for $50, plus ink (I think I have new cartridges for one of them, but not for all of them).

https://sewelldirect.com/usbtoparallel

The newer printers are faster and more flexible. So as much as it bugs me to toss anything that still works, I think I'll just haul these to the local transfer station and put them in the electronics recycling container.

[Hawkmoon]

What's the downside of donating them?

The possibility that someone who doesn't have a lot of money might get an old printer that's not reliable, or that buys the farm soon after they bring it home. I wouldn't donate them without testing them first to be sure they work, but who knows how long they'll continue to work?

[Perd Hapley]

Oh, parallel ports. Now I'm trackin'.

[bedlamite]

Makes a lot more sense to play around on Instructables.com and see if you can find something cool to do with their guts.

This. 3d printer, laser engraver, etc.

[Jamisjockey]

Yes, because you can claim the donation on taxes.   

[Boomhauer]

Complete utter junk that no one is going to want

[zahc]

I render them down for their stepper motors and motion control hardware. The old printers were built to a high standard and have heavy duty timing belts  land so on. Then I throw the rest away.

[Hawkmoon]

I already have too many parts from old machines around here. The printers are gone.

These both had external power bricks. One of them is 19 volts, which means in a pinch I can use it as a spare/backup for any of my notebook or netbook computers, although the output is lower. The other is 24 volts. I saved it, but I don't think I have anything else around here that needs 24 volts. I suppose I could wire a couple of mower batteries in series and use it as a maintainer over the winter.

[HankB]

Donate them.

Get receipts.

Assuming you itemize, use the receipts to document charitable contributions for the 2016 tax year.  Keep the value of the claimed deduction(s) below whatever requires an appraisal.

[Hawkmoon]

The only year in recent history I've had enough deductions to itemize was the year when my wife died and I had open heart surgery.

I dumped the printers. I didn't want to saddle the Salvation Army with dreck. Later this afternoon I was in a Wal-Mart and I looked at printers. You can get a NEW H-P unit that prints, copies, and scans for $39.95 -- including ink. You can get a very similar Canon unit for $34.95.

[charby]

shitcan the printer

[French G.]

Give it the Office Space treatment, or a Demolition Ranch style tannerite send-off.

[Mannlicher]

personally,  I'd junk 'em.  Inkjet printers have always been disposable, and HP has always made it's money on ink refills.