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General discussion

Advice on multi-function printer for small dorm space

Jul 28, 2009 1:34PM PDT

Can anyone provide a recommendation on a multi-function printer which would be relatively small in size but provide adequate printing, copying and scanning? My daughter will not have much space for extra items in her dorm room. It does not need to be wireless but should be as economical as possible in ink costs. I realize that there will be some tradeoffs in the attributes I am seeking. However, I would appreciate guidance since there seems to be so many choices.

thanks for your help!

Discussion is locked

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Try lexmark or kodak
Aug 7, 2009 11:16PM PDT

I use a lexmark 9575 professional. By being careful on checking ink prices (I watch staples and usually use a rewards coupon, a $10.00 coupon and turn in cartridges for more rewards points. If you watch carefully you can usually get 50% return on rewards points by buying the ink jet paper from staples and also get the paper on sale. I do not use 3rd party or compatable cartridges in this machine.I also do most of my printing in draft mode to save on ink. By following these practices, I have been able to get the cartridges for less then $15.00. It also comes with extra capacity cartridges, not starter cartridges!! and a USB cable and a Phone cable.
Kodak is suppose to be the cheapest on ink but I do not kmow about its quality or what it comes with.
Do not get the lemark 7675 if you plan on using it in draft mode. It has a software bug that they have not been able to fix (I tried 2 machines and had numerous talks with their engineers before lexmark admitted that they had a problem and replaced them with the 9575(a much better printer). In normal mode the 7675 printer is fine.
Watch for sale prices on the printers, I have seen mine for as low as $150.00 and as high as $350.00. If you get a lexmark on e-bay, lexmark may not honor the waranty.
Be careful on your choice for a printer and good luck!

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HP all-in-one printers are great!
Aug 7, 2009 11:24PM PDT

I have long used hp printers--the all-in-one variety. They last forever (given good care and feeding, of course) and are multi-functional. My current hp is the HP Photosmart C4280 All-in-One, which is an "older" model (I bought it about 1.5 years ago). Check Newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828115512) for a similar hp--in fact, it may be the updated version of mine that I've provided the link to. These all-in-one printers are wonderful if you want to scan, print, and/or photocopy. Most inkjet printers today can print photos, but I don't use mine for that.

As a college English prof, I know generally what you are looking for, as my students are also looking for good, versatile, cost-effective, and reliable printers. These printers are getting smaller, so a corner of the desk or dresser would be just the right size.

I have bought several things from Newegg.com and highly recommend their service, speed, prices, and professionalism. Buyers rate products on their site, so you should have lots of good info before purchasing. Price is also right when under $100.

Good luck; hope your daughter has a good year at college!

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HP all in one printers
Aug 7, 2009 11:45PM PDT

Sorry, I have had 3 hp all in one printers. They print fine, however, the copy function of all of them died with in 6 months and the ink got to be more expensive then the cost to replace the printer and hp printers come only with starter cartridges. They have a short printing capacity. Please note, my last hp all in one was over 2yrs ago. They may have improved by now. Carefully check the reviews!

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HP printers and ink usage
Aug 8, 2009 1:28AM PDT

Yes, ink is definitely a cost issue, but seems to be a constant headache for most printers. There's always that nagging question about whether to buy the brand-name or refills. I have tried both, with Office Depot's brand of remanufactured ink cartridges to be fairly reliable, but not always. I usually just suck it up and buy the brand name ink, even though it's more expensive. I would rather not damage my printer by using questionable ink sources. All printers are much less expensive than their toner or ink cartridge refills--which is the whole point when purchasing one. My belief is that quality of printing and affordability/reliability of printer should be top considerations, since there is no way to avoid the costs associated with keeping the printer in working order, i.e., replacing the toner or ink.

I always use the "fast draft" setting unless I'm printing something that absolutely must have better quality, which is rare. I also rely heavily on my hp laserjet 1022 printer, since color is not always something I want/need. Toner doesn't smear like ink, so the resulting copies are clean, clear, and neat. I actually prefer it to using an inkjet printer. At some point, once I've researched it more, I may purchase a color laserjet, but I can just imagine how expensive the toner will be to replace on that!

I have never had any trouble with the photocopying function of any hp all-in-one, so perhaps that is a personal use issue. I use my hp all-in-one for the following, in this order: printing, copying, scanning. So far, so good! I think that one should always consider what uses one has for a printer before purchasing. An all-in-one is fine, but isn't a "one-size-fits-all" answer.

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To Conserve Space - Consider a Network Capable Printer
Aug 8, 2009 12:36PM PDT

Hi Osgood70,

To be sure, space comes at a premium in dorms. Even more so when everyone has similar needs for equipment. So here's something to consider regarding printers.

In my office, I use a Brother MFC printer for printing, scanning, copy and fax. It's network capable too, but not wireless. If you shop around you can find one in the $110 to $130 range. This and many similar printers meet all of the needs you mentioned. They have a small footprint at a low cost and support multiple users.

The multiple user's part is why I recommend a network capable printer. In this way, it can be shared by many users in the same area requiring only one printer instead of two, three or more. You simply set up the printer from a port on the wireless router and load the software on any computer that shares the wireless network and printer. It sounds complicated, but it's really not.

As far as ink goes, there are many providers on the internet that give you huge discounts. For my Brother Printer I ordered Four cartridges for each of the four colors (16 total) and combined and shipped they cost less than $50.00. I don't think we're supposed to advertise for anyone here so I won't mention their name. But there are several sources out there that beat the pants over these stores that offer the big "Discounts" if you bring in your old cartridge. You're big money ahead with internet providers.

Most dorms these days have wireless internet in the rooms, or at least access to the internet. By hooking up a network capable Printer to the Wireless Router, you save space and eliminate wires and their clutter. Brother makes a nice line of small footprint printers to do just what you're looking for.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!!!

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MFP small space/economical
Aug 8, 2009 2:25PM PDT

For best overall quality/value, check into Canon products. I would
also get one with separate ink cartridges. If you have a multi-cartridge and
use all of one color, your entire cartridge is useless.
Also, check the ml of ink in the cartridges. Some companies
try to give you number of printed pages but that is SO variable.
Ask the stores which printers don't get returned-that's your best bet!

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Thanks for your help!
Aug 10, 2009 12:28PM PDT

Thanks to everyone for your recommendations. This provides a lot of great advice on which I can use to focus my search.

Thanks again!