Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Time for a new printer

Collapse
This topic is closed.
X
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
    #1

    Time for a new printer

    I've used a Canon MG5350 , A4 printer / scanner/ copier which has been fine for 5 years or so, if expensive on ink cartridges. It seems to have failed permanently now with a message coming up saying printer head is defective. So time for a new one.
    My main use for printing is colour photos, A4 documents, and reports and charts from Reunion.
    I was thinking of getting another Canon multifunction machine but thought I'd ask two questions.
    Is it practical and feasible to buy a printer from Amazon ?
    And is this a good time to buy a standalone flatbed scanner ? i find it frustrating that if anything goes wrong with the printer, usually an ink cartridge to be replaced, that I lose the other functions in the machine until the replacement is done.
    Thanks for any help in advance.
    Rupert

    Researching Large; Cuddon; Ford, Gadsdon and Fletcher
    Tags: None
    #2
    Re: Time for a new printer

    Unless you get into high end scanning with a high end flatbed scanner, there is absolutely no advantage in having a separate device for scanning. And, currently, one can do some darned good scanning with a smartphone or tablet's camera.

    Idea for you. I don't know if this is available where you live. I have two HP combos (me and the wife's at different ends of the house). HP offers a program named Instant Ink. What happens is that the printer, when a cartridge reaches a certain level, sends a message over the Internet to HP and a replacement cartridge is immediately shipped. While there is a monthly charge, I have found, with about one year's experience, that I am actually spending less on ink and always have the next cartridge ready when the printer sez "I'm hungry!"

    While I haven't looked into it specifically, I believe a couple other of the major printer manufacturers offer like programs.
    Bob White, Mac Nut Since 1985, Reunion Nut Since 1991
    Jenanyan, Barnes, White, Duncan, Dunning, Luce, Hedge and more
    iMac/MacBookAir M1 - iPhonePro/iPadPro - Reunion13 & RT

    Comment

      #3
      Re: Time for a new printer

      If you're simply scanning photos, then a multifunction flatbed should be fine. If however, you scan a lot of documents, consider a document feeder (scanner). They are light years ahead of a flatbed scanner. The Fujitsu ScanSnap ix500 is outstanding.

      Comment

        #4
        Re: Time for a new printer

        Thanks so much , 2 good ideas to consider
        Rupert

        Researching Large; Cuddon; Ford, Gadsdon and Fletcher

        Comment

          #5
          Re: Time for a new printer

          IMHO, printers are basically a 'throw away' these days. 5 years is quite good.

          Having gone through all the majors over many years, I far prefer Canon. They last longer.
          rMBP, 15", 2.8GHz i7, 16G RAM, Reunion 12.0, iPhone 12 Pro Max, ReunionTouch

          Comment

            #6
            Re: Time for a new printer

            You should really spend a little time thinking about what you want to do. If you plan to archive your photos for scanning, you probably want to go with a flatbed scanner and a good place to start is looking at the Epson Perfection Photo scanner line. Also think about your printing needs. If you plan to print a lot of photos and want photo quality prints, your Canon ink jet is probably a good choice. For me, I don't print a lot of photos that I care look photo quality. When I want that, I run to Walgreen's or Sams. But I do print a lot of documents and photos that quality is not top priority. So I got rid of my ink jet printers that eat up ink several years ago and went for a color laser printer. I usually buy replacement cartridges every couple of years, and the last time I just traded up for a better printer, because it was less than buying new cartridges and it was getting older. (Your flat bed scanner should last you a long, long time. Keeping it separate from your printer will mean you can keep using it even if the printer breaks.)
            Researching DEBEE, FRERICHS/FREDERICKS, HAHNENENKAMP, JANCO, KOLK, PETRINI, WEISS

            http://familytreesandbranches.weebly.com
            http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.....com/~ilrootz/

            Comment

              #7
              Re: Time for a new printer

              I concur with Kim. One needs to carefully think about what one wants to do. The main benefits (as I see it) of an All-in-One are they take up less space and the initial cost may be lower than buying a scanner and a printer.

              While I have neither unlimited space or money, I believe separate units are best and may not cost any more over time. My scanner is an Epson Perfection V500 Photo and I am not aware of any 'All-in-One' that has its capabilities or quality. I also have an HP P1606dn Laser Printer that has many nice features including the ability to turn itself on when I print and off when done. Documents are far nicer than with my Epson 880 Color inkjet that I use for printing photos on occasion.

              I've spent far more on ink cartridges for the Epson than on laser cartridges for the HP. The savings were more than my scanner cost. Your mileage may vary. But that's why it's important to analyze your total situation first.
              John McGee Leggett, Jr.
              Late 2014 MacMini, MacOS Mojave 10.14.3, Reunion 12, Safari 12.0.3
              Leggett Booth McGee King Coulter Morton Ashley Douglas Ranard Maners

              Comment

              Previous template Next
              Working...
              X