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Multipurpose Printer Recommendations

Discussion in 'Community Broadband & Computers' started by Audrey, Jun 8, 2007.

  1. Audrey

    Audrey Member

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    I want to get rid of a phone line and use efax and would like recommendations on a desktop-size scanner/printer/copier, preferably with network capability. Any suggestions? Thanks!
     
    Audrey, Jun 8, 2007
    #1
  2. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    We have an HP 2700 series printer/fax/copier/scanner/coffee maker/dog groomer.....

    One complaint: HP allways installs this "monitor" software that checks the printer & checks for updates. It's easy to disable but still a pain.

    Also - remember to buy ink WHEN you buy the printer.
     
    Kaosdad, Jun 8, 2007
    #2
  3. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    A co-worker of mine just bought this one:

    http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...35&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

    He LOVES it, and as an added bonus, you can scan through the network, even if you're using a Mac or Linux (or Windows).

    I was never a 'Brother' guy until I bought a new printer about a month ago. I'm sold on Brother now. Printers are affordable and have great features.

    Shop around though, I've seen big swings in prices on Brother printers.
     
    Mr. Linux, Jun 8, 2007
    #3
  4. neilz

    neilz New Member

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    Eric,

    I've got a Brother DCP8040, which is basically the same as the one listed, but without FAX capability. I've got Winfax on the WinXP box, and I just scan from the Brother into that, and fax out through the fax modem.

    I've had it for over a year now, and it was a great purchase, at a very reasonable price.
     
    neilz, Jun 9, 2007
    #4
  5. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    My buddy just got this one
    http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/printers/all_in_ones/1/storefronts/Q8181A%23ABA

    He really likes it, it's a photo one. Has wireless, seperate 4x6" photo paper feeder, auto doc feeder, etc.

    It didn't review as high as I would like.. so I found this one

    http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/printers/all_in_ones/1/storefronts/C8189A%23ABA

    Higher speed, duplexer, legal size scanner, but not photo printer (still has separate color cartridges, just not 6 like a photo printer). I really like it so far - has just about everything imaginable..
    all the major card readers, pictbridge USB, ethernet, 250 sheet feeder, duplexer, ethernet, one touch scanning to computers from the printer, scanning via the web from computers, 2.5" color LCD, legal size scanner with auto feeder, and a REALLY fast print engine. This one is more expensive ($335+) but I guess it's the speed and scanner size that really push the price point up.

    The Canon Pixma MP series also seems to be a strong contender - but the comparable ones I were looking at did not have networking at the time - that might have changed. The photo Canon printer we use at the events in the community certainly prints fast and nice.

    I have a separate photo printer we intend to use for photo prints.. so my main use of the HP is for quick copies, quick scans and color prints from the computer and in those cases its been awesome.
     
    flynnibus, Jun 9, 2007
    #5
  6. Audrey

    Audrey Member

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    Thanks for your recommendations!

    I'm between the HP OfficeJet L7650 or Pro L7680 or else the Brother MFC 8460N.

    I'd go for the HP but I'm concerned about user reviews complaining about bloated software, and the post on this forum about the annoying update feature. Its specs are all great for my needs.

    The Brother on the other hand has great user reviews. I'd go for that one but its scan resolution is only 600x2400. I was told that we needed 1200 minimum for scanning things to be professionally printed in a newsletter - is the 600x2400 going to be adequate?

    Also the Brother comes with less memory than CNet said was the minimum to look for (32 expandable versus the recommended 64). Is this really a problem? How hard is it to add more memory?

    So, any more help would be great! Thanks,
    Audrey
     
    Audrey, Jun 21, 2007
    #6
  7. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    Audry -

    Don't fret too much about the software. When you are asked to install - choose "required" or "minimum" then I'll tell you how to use msconfig to stop the cruf from loading.
     
    Kaosdad, Jun 21, 2007
    #7

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