Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

I need a new printer...

Nov 5, 2006 1:57PM PST

I need a new printer. Right now I have an old Canon BJC-2100 that I got about 6 years ago. It's worked great up until now but the print quality is starting to go and I think it's time I got a new one. I really like Canon because I've never experienced any problems with this one. Practically everyone I know has had printer problems, especially with HP printers (mostly paper-feeding issues).

I mainly print text documents. Not many graphics, I don't need to print photos. A scanner would be nice, but is not necessary. Separate color tanks are preferable, especially since I don't do much color printing. Basically, I just need something that will print good-quality text documents. I'd prefer a Canon, but may be willing to change if there's something better that's also reliable. I also have USB 1.1 on my computer, it seems that most printers now only use USB 2.0. I do have a parallel port - are those even used anymore? (I have a PC card 2.0 adapter but I don't use it often, as I have a wireless connection and pretty much always have my wireless card in.)

Yes, my computer is old and out of date. It's hard drive is the size of my iPod's. But it still works. Happy

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
I suggest...
Nov 6, 2006 12:32AM PST

Well, the news isn't that good for an old computer. The plain fact is just about all new printer models are USB. As you mentioned, you have USB1.1 may not work, it just may but at 1.1 levels. That can be corrected using a pci USB card having USB2.0. Install one and now you have the latest USB, provided you have the spare pci slot. Next, you should consider besides inkjet, if a basic laserjet will fit the bill. Yeah, its more expensive up front but it will be less expensive to operate, probably have a LPT type port, if B&W(monchrome) offer quick and easy output. Basic lasers are offered at great low prices, but even a laser is better than a basic inkjet printer in speed and basic text quality. If you have to have inkjet, then consider a Canon or HP printers. They offer similar costs and usualy provide decent service once you get beyond the simplest of offering, don't settle too quickly for something ''cheap'', as step-up models are better at only slightly more cost and many M/F types with print, scanner & copy functions are cost wise easy to consider. So look them over at any decent size office outlet or big elect. store and see they them operate.

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
Some good news. USB 1.1 is fine for printers.
Nov 6, 2006 12:49AM PST

In fact if a printer notes USB 2.0 it's a safe bet USB 1.1 is going to work too.

The problem printers are likely those new consumable printers. It's a new world where people like us may have trouble accepting a printer is a consumable and not something with a 5 to more lifespan. Once you get past that and relegate any 99 buck or less printer to a 2 year consumable the picture looks a lot better.

To avoid the 2 year printer issue I picked up the HP k550. It's not that expensive and is more along the lines of such you put into a business.

Bob