I have no idea how my handle got warped into "hfyfyd." I was listed as "Roger" -- I like my name, it works fine, not ashamed of it -- but it looks as though I must have leaned on the keyboard while in the username field. So we'll live with "hfyfyd" for this thread, but never again. Mea culpa for that.
- Roger!!!
For years, we've relied on laser jets for our printing needs. Color would be nice, but not necessary, so we've stuck with monochrome machines like the Brother 5250DN. Problem is, with the Brothers the drums die, and actually cost more to replace than simply buying a whole new machine. Crazy! So this weekend I was out shopping, and leaning toward the HP P2035N. Nice, solid business printer. But the gal helping me starting pitching the OfficeJet Pro 8000 (for just $25 due to a promotion, so I can certainly try it for almost nothing). I remain dubious about anything inkjet for a high-volume B&W office use, but here's her argument: these PIGMENT-based inkjets are relatively new technology (versus old dye-based inkjets) and the industry is actually slowly phasing out lasers (gone by 2015). The print is water-fast and near-archival. Speed equals the lasers. The pigment is non-toxic versus serious carcinogenic issues with laser toner. Machines use a 20th the electricity. Actual cost of supplies -- even if using brand names -- is LESS than laser printers, plus low-cost refill kits can be ordered via internet. She noted she also works at Kaiser Pemanente, and her department there switched entirely from lasers to pigment inkjets 18 months ago, realizing about a 40% savings/year.
Thing is, until last night, I'd never heard of any of it. To me, an inkjet was an inkjet was an inkjet, great for Grandma and rotten for a business environment. Bleed you dry on refills. But I must say the specs on this HP Pro8000 are impressive. I've now hunted for news releases or reviews of pigment (versus old-fashioned dye-based) inkjets, and can't find anything. Can anyone provide more info on this? Like when the pigment-based machines first appeared, and whether or not they really ARE significantly cheaper to run? Do they pose any unique maintenance problems? Thanks!

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