Looking for a Good Printer:

[Kittywolf13]

Hey everyone. i got a random question for all of you. I'm looking for a printer. Something to do black and white text, and color. Ideally id love it to be able to print drawings, and perhaps even photographs.

I know what i don't want. I don't want one of those all in one units...that has scanner and copier built in. (although admittedly a copier would be kind of useful.) but i already have a flat bed scanner and i love it...so i don't want to compromise what im used to getting quality size for the sake of convince.

Must NOT be huge. I have limited space and was thinking about putting it on top of my computer tower sideways.

my brother has an epson photo r200...and i haven't used it in a long while, but i remember not being impressed with the quality of a simple color print out. its capable of doing glossy images, and even has a feature to print on white label cd's directly. (not a piece of paper that sticks on, but special cd's that have a white side for the purpose of printing on.) but when it came to "hey i have an image on my computer that i want to take somewhere as reference." i was highly disappointed with its output.

i was at office max today and saw an epson workforce 30 color. it seemed nice and the specs are nice...but i looked for some reviews online and got some very varied reviews. most were not happy...some were ecstatic. i never know how to feel about reviews like that...its like will i be lucky and buy one thats awesome? or unlucky and get the one full of problems?

but yeah...throw me some suggestions please! OH! and preferably under the $100 mark. However if you have something so amazing and its over...do tell and i will consider. :D im just so tired of going over to my bf's to do something like print a coupon out. >_<

Thanks a bunch to all who read this!

[Kittywolf13]

yes, no, maybe so? anyone?

[jhofferle]

I would take a look at Canon's iP4600 in that price range. I have an iP6600d I bought a few years ago and I've been happy with it.

[Viridis]

I have an Epson Stylus C66, which I use to do all my digital prints. It does really good quality stuff if you use the heavier matte paper, it's pretty small (the paper tray folds up) and it cost about $80 new.

[Flake]

I've had a Canon Pixma IP1500 for years, you need to use decent paper to get good results but I'm pretty happy with it.

The official Canon ink cartridges are expensive though so your best bet is to find an online source selling generic copies or a local shop that does refills.

These chaps are pretty good for UK people, I don't know what the US equivalent would be.
http://www.cartridgemonkey.com/

[freiheit]

and the epson ink is the cheapest I think (I meen, the price) but it's also programed to stop and say you have no ink left before you're accually dried out (I think it leaves 10 to 15% of the ink)

[Kittywolf13]

thanks for the heads up guys! My friend suggested the HP Photosmart 7150, though im sure there are newer models now...any opinions?

[Kittywolf13]

after bouncing around today, i think i like this printer: http://www.officedepot.com/catalog/search.do?fkey=ATWZYqJfdS3cBUtuVNQIDrb&Ntt=hp+photosmart+c5580

[jhofferle]

after bouncing around today, i think i like this printer: http://www.officedepot.com/catalog/search.do?fkey=ATWZYqJfdS3cBUtuVNQIDrb&Ntt=hp+photosmart+c5580

One thing to consider with that model is that it uses a single ink cartridge for all the colors.

[Bill]

This (http://reviews.cnet.com/inkjet-printers/hp-officejet-pro-k5400/4505-3156_7-32331448.html) is $100 at the HP store, on sale from $150.

[Kittywolf13]

One thing to consider with that model is that it uses a single ink cartridge for all the colors.

really? hmmm...

[Viridis]

On cartridge refills: see if there's a Cartridge World (http://cartridgeworld.com) in your area. They refill almost all cartridges for about 50% the cost of new, and I've had very few problems with them: even if something doesn't work, you can go back with your receipt and get a replacement for free.

Personally, if you're looking at quality color prints, I still prefer Epson over any other brand. HP just never impressed me all that much. You need to use higher-quality paper, but honestly that's true of most any printer. And who wants a copy of something nice on cheap, flimsy copy paper?

It's your choice, of course.