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General discussion

Best Monochrome Printer for Personal Use

May 11, 2010 11:40PM PDT

I'm a home user. Occassionally I require to print B/W A4 size document. I've no need for color text or photo printing. Please suggest a standalone printer for my use keeping in mind best value for money. Cost of consumables should also be on lower side. I live in India. The printer should be available in my country.

Discussion is locked

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Try this.
May 12, 2010 1:07AM PDT

What laser printers are available in your city?

I don't live there so what I can find here may not be there. Now you have your list, make a spreadsheet with columns for your criteria and sort it according to your wants.
Bob

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General advice...
May 12, 2010 7:28PM PDT

Ink cost here as well anywhere else will limit looking at "ink cart" type monochrome but if you check then I'm sure HP, Canon and Lexmark can be considered. As for "laserjet", then look for HP, Brother and Samsung being offered good in cost and operation. Sorry, I mention no model#'s, it's up to you to figure what falls into you cost and usage. The best advice I always impart is "cheap is cheap" so don't decide on cost alone. This is a broad answer as frankly, I don't know what's available in India as I do here in USA. good luck

Check the reviews here at CNET and possibility the "deals and bargains forum" as well.

tada -----Willy Happy

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How will be these models?
May 13, 2010 1:13AM PDT

As per CNET, I've shortlisted these models: please choose one for me.
Xerox Phaser 3117 - Rs.4000/-
Brother HL-2140 - Rs.7000/-
Canon LBP 2900B - Rs.6395/-
($1 = Rs.45/-)

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I've had very good luck with HP but I'll make one more
May 13, 2010 2:08AM PDT

suggestion. While you'll get far more copies from a laser toner cartridge then with any inkjet, eventually you'll need a replacement. If you have any office supply stores nearby, I'd check to see what toner cartridges they tend to carry. I'd not buy any printer if I thought I was going to have difficulty getting a replacement cartridge. I'll also say to avoid generics and refills with any new printer. If you've a mind to do so later when the printer is considered to be expendable, that might be ok. Good luck in your search.

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All good, but like...
May 13, 2010 6:32AM PDT

It appears I like the Brother 2140 model, the others are good too. Here in the USA you rarely find end users using any Xerox lasers but tend to be more business used. That alone may make it a more robust or better laser int he long run for those I have come across. I rarely ever had to fix a Xerox model. However, I don't know what you consumer supply issues are over there and all these models may have supply problems or you need to really look for them.

One feature I found to avoid in any laser printer is the paper feed from a bin located on the back and/or top slot in any configuration not flat. Over time they tend to cause misfeeds and/or jam error because they don't pick.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Thanks all!
May 13, 2010 6:42PM PDT

Thanks Tada. It seems Brother unit will not be available here in India. I find another option in Samsung ML-2571N which is $100 only. Please comment on this.

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Review
May 13, 2010 11:35PM PDT

No experience on this model but some googling provided low pricing on toner carts and the small footprint doesn't hurt. What Samsung models I have worked or come across had good print output and generally easy to install. In fact, it was cheaper to replace one Samsung early model rather than fixing(parts cost).

If you can see this model in action either by office demo or local office supply center, it maybe worth the visit. Offhand, if you want "networking" abilities buy it already installed/optioned in.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Finally...
May 18, 2010 2:25AM PDT

I've decided to go in for the Canon LBP 2900B model as this printer along with its consumables are available in the local supply stores. I'll get it here at Rs.5850/- ($130). Replacement Toner 303 is available at Rs.2850/-($63), which I hope will give 2000 pages of simple text print.