Lexmark Printers - are they really worth avoiding?

vtmil

Hi all,

I've been search for a printer for the last month, having originally bought and returned a lexmark after being scared off by the ink cost replacement warnings on this site. However, I'm tempted by this; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190492535928 after realising the black ink is actually quite cheap - it's the colour thats expensive.

Would you buy it? If not, what brand should I be looking at? I've had two epsons over the last 4 years that have been rubbish, only printing when they want too etc, don't know if its because I've been using compatibles. I was looking for another epson but it seems that the newer models don't take compatibles any more!

Thanks in advance,

Vtmil :beer:

free4440273

I have a Lexmark laser of nearly 4yrs and the quality is very good/ so maybe the criticism affects only inkjets?

John_Gray

Do you simply want a printer, or maybe an all-in-one device? If the latter, then Canon seem to make the best-regarded ones.

JasX

No strong opinion either way but unless you're planning ALOT of printing I find inkjets all eventually die/get gummed up so avoid anything over and above a cheap printer with adequate resolution and minimal 'gadgets' in tow.

Currently have a Canon MP180 I bought brand new on ebay for £10 delivered without cartridges (it was compatible with ink I had left over from my old printer I was able to continue using).

I'd definitely recommend not overspending on a printer for occasional/home use and you should be able to get one for alot less than £100.

....also printer cartridges are good items you'll need 'eventually' to use free/discount vouchers on, I used the £5 off/no limit ones PC world were giving away just before xmas to restock on 'official canon' ink cartridges at below internet prices

vtmil

Thanks all, lots of food for thought. It is the all-in-one type thing I'm looking at, I'll go look at Canon's selection now! Cheers x

Sublime_2

Just to muddy the waters, I recommend a HP all-in-one. I've had lexmark, Epson, and HP.

HP is the best , and still going strong after a few years. Epson was buggy, and Lexmarks ink was too dear.

vtmil

Ha ha, thanks Sublime! Too much choice, I'll never buy one!!!

david39

You might like to resurrect your existing Epsons with the advice on :
http://www.mwords.co.uk/catalog/articles_info.php?&articles_id=100
and the other pages on the same web site.


The main problem with Epsons are that the feedlines between the ink cartridges and the head get blocked by solidified ink. This is usually because:

• The printer is left switched on for hours when it is not in use.
• The printer gets switched off at the wall socket and not at the switch on the machine (the machine switch ensures the tubes are sealed by a closing down routine).
• When a cartridge runs out, it gets removed from the machine while the user sends off for a replacement.

By following the detailed instructions on the above pages, most clogged Epsons can be revitalised. If you need the isopropyl alcohol, you can get it from Maplins or, sometimes, your local large chemist.

Raksha

I used a Lexmark printer at work - spent a lot of time on the help line........

OH works for the Gov and they use HP Printers - with HP, although the print inks are more expensive - the print head itself is part of the cart - which means it is replaced each time you use a new cart.

vtmil

"The printer gets switched off at the wall socket and not at the switch on the machine (the machine switch ensures the tubes are sealed by a closing down routine)."

Ooops, this is what I've always done, didn't realise my mistake, thanks for pointing it out dave39, and also for the maintenance tips, I might give that a try!

hubert_cumberdale

i always use epsons as i print quite a lot

i find the epsons are cheaper and the ink is cheaper but there is an issue with the head not being part of the cartridge but i find that buy the time it packs in i want a new printer anyway. also i think printing more actually lengthens the life of the head by keeping the ink moving.

i had a HP but didnt like the cost of the ink

i had a lexmark and didnt like the build of it as it felt a bit tacky it was very quiet tho and seemed to print well but again after market ink seemed hard to get.