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Question

Printer Suggestion

Dec 16, 2014 11:15AM PST

I have been using a HP Printer that was very inexpensive when I bought it. I only use the black ink for printing and never use the color. I have never had to change the color inkjet, just the black inkjet. It prints great like this.

Can anyone recommend a printer that will do the same for me? I heard that some printers use the color ink and you must purchase another on or else it will not even print using the black inkjet. Maybe the color ink evaporates over time.

I am looking for a printer that has an inexpensive black inkjet. Some of the inkjets cost so much that I would be afraid to print anything. Currently my HP is around 3 years old and maybe will not be in use for another year. I am asking ahead of time so I will not be without a printer when this happens.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
(NT) So if you want black and white, why not a laser?
Dec 16, 2014 11:53AM PST
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The Cost of a Laser
Dec 16, 2014 8:43PM PST

Due to the cost of the laser refills. My friend has a laser and she
complains about the $65 every time she has to refill it. She is
in the process of selling the laser and buying an inkjet printer.

Does anyone know of a printer that uses black inkjet only?

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Re: laser printer
Dec 16, 2014 8:56PM PST

The consensus is that - per printed page - a laser printer is cheaper than an inkjet printer. But it could be that this is only true when using the original cartridges in stead of third-pary ones.

However, black-only inkjet printers are rare and I doubt if they even exist. A color inkjet printer will use some colored ink indeed for maintenance. Let's say that add 5 to 10 procent to the costs per page.

Kees

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So death by a thousand cuts or a guillotine
Dec 17, 2014 3:28AM PST

The laser per page cost has for decades won over inkjet printing costs so my bet is that the single large charge is what chafes them versus getting hit with more frequent smaller charges.
Bob

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Brother Laser Printer
Dec 17, 2014 9:36AM PST

I read that the Brother Laser Printer is the way to do. Not that expensive
to purchase and someone said a 3rd party refill costs around $15. But
will the 3rd party refill mess up the printer? I know it will ruin the warranty.

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Coin flip time.
Dec 17, 2014 10:03AM PST

Given the awful downsides I don't cheap out on my laser or ink supplies.
Bob

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Brother laser b/w
Dec 17, 2014 10:08AM PST

The brother laser mono printers are pretty decent, Office Depot has them for around 79.00. A word of advice, don't use after market refills, stick with OEM ink unless you want to have problems.

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Thanks Everyone Brother Laser Is My Choice
Dec 17, 2014 1:24PM PST

I will start to investigate the Brother Laser and find out which one to purchase and
the prices for refills. I will stick to official Brother Laser refills.

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Brother model suggestion
Dec 18, 2014 12:25AM PST

Well, now is a good time to buy any printer due to Xmas season and outright end-of-year deals coming. I have the 2270DW that is reasonable on toner costs and generally does everything I ever wanted to do and has wifi as well plus being b/w printing.

http://www.brother-usa.com/Printer/ModelDetail/1/HL2270DW/Overview#.VJL_CSA7_A

You find what you like if you check any local office center or buy there or online, but don't disregard local, because if in the short time you may have it you can return it locally and get replaceemnt or warranty issues resolved quickly. Of course, many offcie centers have online sales too, as well as Amazon type vendors. Free S/H maybe included in the deal. good luck -----Willy Happy

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Oh, Brother!
Dec 29, 2014 7:36AM PST

I'll echo the recommendation for Brother laser printers. For light print requirements the HL-2270DW should do very well. For heavier duty cycles (as in small offices) I'd recommend the HL-5450DN; it's more expensive at around $150 these days, but it comes with a standard 8,000-page toner cartridge instead of a low-capacity "starter" cartridge; that brings the total cost down a bit. While it doesn't have Wi-Fi built-in, mine prints wirelessly using my home network's Wi-Fi router.

I also use an Epson WorkForce WF-3530 all-in-one inkjet, and it doesn't seem to use color ink (or perhaps just not very much) when printing black-only; but black ink for it costs a lot more per printed page than the laser does. I love both printers, just for different reasons.

And I never use third-party ink or toner. Brand-name supplies don't void warranties, and that means I'll know exactly who to blame if/when something goes wrong.