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General discussion

Which printer should I get? Canon MP730 or Dell A960????

by jonmck Feb 21, 2004 6:01AM PST

I am not sure which printer to get?

The Dell A960 (for $132) or the Canon MP730 ($285)?

I just need a good printer with scanner, fax, copy, and sheet feeder/document feeder. I want it to print fast with great quality, etc (of course).

However, it seems that I will only be able to get the Dell cartridges and not any compatible ones instead. Those cartridges will run me about $25-$30 each.

On the Canon MP730 I can get the compatible cartridges for about $5.50 each. It also separates the colors into a black cartridge, a Magenta one, a yellow one, and a cyan one.

The Dell A960 is really a Lexmark with the Dell name on it.

Which one shoud I get? They are both rated great!

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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Re:Which printer should I get? Canon MP730 or Dell A960????
by drutherford Mar 18, 2004 10:09AM PST

Get the Epson Stylus CX5400. It is a better multi-function printer than Dell or Canon. As you figured out, only Dell sells ink for their printers...no generic compatible brands are available. I own the CX5200 model which is the same printer as the CX5400 only older. I can buy all 4 ink cartridges for less than $35 through eBay. Although you can buy generic compatible branded ink cartridges for the Epson, I only buy Epson brand ink cartridges because I think it performs better. The price of the Epson CX5400 is around $150.

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Re:Which printer should I get? Canon MP730 or Dell A960????
by thescats Mar 28, 2004 9:39AM PST

Do not buy the Dell, if for no other reason than the ink cartridges which are only made by Dell. The cartridges are inferior and expensive.

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I like my Canon MP730
by t3645 May 4, 2005 6:07AM PDT

I know it's probably too late to influence your buying decision.

One reason I bought it is that ink cartridges are relatively cheap.

Another reason I bought it is that I've been through two mid-priced Epson printers. Both died after a year or so.

I don't do a whole lot of high rez color printing. For a home office printer/scanner/copier/fax the Canon has been bulletproof so far (a year).

It was a little pricey ($299 when I bought it) but if it lasts a few years the price is worth it.

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(NT) Get the Canon you will thank yourself many times over
by jcd May 5, 2005 7:05AM PDT
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A Follow-Up
by t3645 Jun 17, 2005 4:55AM PDT

And a reply to my own post!

I have had several compliments from professionals on the text printing of the MP730. Prints very good photos on photo paper, card reader is somewhat useful, still absolutely no problems with it.

I just ordered some aftermarket cartridge replacements. 15 cartridges (6 Black, 3 of each color) for $40 plus $4 shipping. (4inkjets.com)

It's not the newest or coolest thing but is built like a tank and almost as big as one!

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