Multifunction Printer Running Costs

What_a_rip_off

so I came here looking for reader views on running multifunction printers long term with original parts, inks and consumables, whilst also gaining some insight into the general all round view of the most reliable printers on the market.

Thre are plenty of review sites on products and test prints, these are all well and good, but I'm more interested in running costs of the printer over its life. The complete package.

I'm not one for running compatible inks, I have done this a couple of times in the past only for the heads to block up or for the print quality to be adversely affected.

So I decided to start this thread. I'm looking for user views on running costs by printer / brand using original inks and consumables.

I'd be interested to hear your views. Please also use the Poll to vote for your most reliable / cost effective printer brand (for home or small business use).

Hopefully this will help others to make an informed decision in the long run.

Mr_Toad

I stopped using ink jets a few years ago. I bought a Samsung CLX-2160 colour laser with scanner. I've had it over two years and it gets average home use. It has only just started giving low toner warnings on the original black and yellow toners.

When I bought it it was a half price managers special at Staples and cost £149 and it came complete with a full box set of replacement toners as well as the ones in it.

I suppose average use is difficult to quantify but I will never go back to ink. It's expensive and from the issues many friends have experienced it is also not as reliable laser.

What_a_rip_off

Lexmark

I came here looking for a current view on whats the most reliable and cheapest to run long term.

I have been running a Lexmark 805 for over a year. I run it in a small business capacity.
I run this printer in draft mode as standard and the printer produces the quality I need for the documents I need to print. As a result I performed my own test and can confirm I did get this printing at 1p per print using original inks.
I can write on and on about this and if anyone has any questions drop me a line.
The big 'win' for me is th 5 year warranty as standard.

I do need an additional printer and after reading around I think I will opt for the newer version the Lexmark 901 unless anyone can convince me otherwise.

My review is based upon use in a small business environment mainly printing documents and / or diagrams and brochures.

What_a_rip_off

Lexmark

masonn wrote: »

I stopped using ink jets a few years ago. I bought a Samsung CLX-2160 colour laser with scanner. I've had it over two years and it gets average home use. It has only just started giving low toner warnings on the original black and yellow toners.

When I bought it it was a half price managers special at Staples and cost £149 and it came complete with a full box set of replacement toners as well as the ones in it.

I suppose average use is difficult to quantify but I will never go back to ink. It's expensive and from the issues many friends have experienced it is also not as reliable laser.

I did look at the samsungs last year. I'm doing about 500 sheets a month on inkjet and having looked a the samsung ink toner predicted usage the cost comparison was comparable to the Lexmark... I didn't like the thought of having to fork out over £130 for a cartridge at any one time so decided to go for the ink cartridges...

I think for 1p a sheet I'm happy with ink...