new printer

stephssjr

Hi I'm getting really confused and can't work out what printer I should buy. I was looking at a Kodak as they advertise cheap ink as I have a lexmark atm which costs the same in ink cartridges as a new printer:eek: I'm looking to get a printer which I can use for printing work stuff so ideally need one which prints on both sides but it doesn't have to. I also want to be able to print pics as I have just had a baby so want to have actual pictures rather than computer files! The only thing is I don't really want to spend a lot and I need it to be cheap to run. Any ideas would be great.
Thanks:)

callistris

Do you require and functions like scan, copy or if you need it to be wireless?

stephssjr

I do need it to scan and copy but I don't need wireless

stephssjr

anyone? any help would be gratefully received thanks

HughSpencer

I am running an Epson Stylus SX415 on genuine cartridges. I am getting them through Amazon at around £7.50 per cartridge which is much more than compatibles but they contain a liquid which keeps the heads flowing, even after a long period of non-use. For me it has been worth it because of the lack of hassle.

callistris

Epsom printers are pretty cheap to run as they seem to be able to work ok with compatible carts, never owned one so not sure how good they are as a printer.

I had a canon mp252 all in one which did excellent photo's printings and excellent printing overall, just felt it was slow as it seemed to take an age to get going. Carts not that cheap though, and I couldn't get compatibles to work!

I now have an HP3050a which is a wireless all in one, cheap at about £35 and carts (genuine) about £15 and print quality very good, and so far a very good printer:)

santer_2

Have you got a budget for the printer, and will you be able to claim against tax for the work related output?

You will get better results with photos using a machine which has 6 or more cartridges.

This will do most of the things you are looking to do

http://www.epson.co.uk/Printers-and-All-In-Ones/Inkjet/Epson-Stylus-Photo-PX730WD/Tech-Specs

Check for prices but here for £123

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Epson-Stylus-Px730Wd-Printer-Printing/dp/B005H36OV4/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1327688179&sr=1-1

If you will be using the printer daily then compatibles are worth considering

These compatibles have 19ml of ink per cartridge, genuine ones will likely have 6 - 7ml of ink per cartridge

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/printsolution/Replace-for-T0801-T0806-T0807-/_i.html?_fsub=330480519&_sid=742048059&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Check for prices but this site has good rates for photo paper

http://www.photopaperdirect.com/

stephssjr

Thanks guys I'll have a look at the Epson and HP. An ink cartridge that doesn't dry out appeals as mine is always doing that and it drives me nuts my budget is about £50 max unfortunately I won't get any money as its for training courses they are paying for me to do in my own time. Thanks santer for the sites I've not used the photopaper one but will check it out

santer_2

Some options

£6 over budget

http://www.electrical123.com/products/ProductDetail.asp?ProductCode=EPS-PRI-SX445W-BK

£3 under budget

http://www.electrical123.com/products/ProductDetail.asp?ProductCode=EPS-PRI-SX435W-BK

Seems one is just newer than the other

http://www.epson.co.uk/Store/Printers-and-All-in-Ones/Epson-Stylus-SX435W/Tech-Specs

http://www.epson.co.uk/Store/Printers-and-All-in-Ones/Epson-Stylus-SX445W/Tech-Specs

If you use the printer on an almost daily basis, drying out will not arise. If you do not use the printer for a week, run a nozzle check, if it needs a head clean, increase the frequency of the nozzle checks, as they are much cheaper to run than head cleaning.