Which computer printer to buy?

moneyistooshorttomention

I can't really afford to buy a computer printer, but it seems I need one, so had better do so.

I don't know much at all about them.

What I need it for is:

- to print any text I want off the Internet (ie emails and interesting articles)

- to be able to copy off photos (both ones I have received attached to emails I get and actual physical photos in my hand)

- as a photocopier

I am guessing that that means I need a pretty all-purpose printer that scans and copies as well and that will do colour (as well as black and white). Would that cover all my needs?

Whichever one I get will have to come via an Amazon buy, as I'm in Wales (and not near Swansea or Cardiff), so shopping facilities are very limited by that and not having a car.

Add the fact, I have very limited ability to use a computer...so it has to be one that is very easy to attach to a computer (standard desktop one - not a laptop) and then very easy to use.

Any recommendations please?

moneyistooshorttomention

Further thought =

My computer isn't a wireless one. Its a traditional wired-up type computer.

(Better add that fact in, as I've just been studying details of a printer and then came to reading the bit about "will connect to your Wi-Fi network", followed by text saying not to bother if I don't have Wi-Fi network, as it will print from ".....a computer with a Wi-Fi connection".)

Think that printer probably wouldn't work anyway on my set-up...

jbainbridge

HP Officejet 8610 is very good and will do everything you want. £130 on Amazon. However HP are doing £40 cashback and also 3yr warranty (both require registration).

If you can get to a Costco they are currently £90 ... so £50 once you've got the cashback. I got one yesterday!!

moneyistooshorttomention

Thanks for the recommendation.

Am wondering whether I can manage to get a suitable printer for around the £30-£50 mark if possible. Am I being over-optimistic or is that possible?

jbainbridge

OK - Canon MX395 - £43 on Amazon. Seems to get ok reviews.

On the whole as the printer gets cheaper the ink is more expensive and comes in lower capacity cartridges. If you don't do huge amounts of printing it is less of a problem.

wannabehermit

I've always had problems with HPs, they seem to work well for the 1st year, then pack up pretty soon after. We currently have an Epson Stylus which I'm really happy with. The inks are quite expensive on face value, but they last for ages, so really good value. We've had this one a couple of years and it's been really reliable, no problems with it at all. It is a wireless one, but I would recommend any Epson tbh.

wannabehermit

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/epson-computing-accessories/printers-ink/printers-scanners/all-in-one-printers/319_3065_30087_11_xx/1_20/price-asc/xx-criteria.html

Looks like all the Epson printers in Currys are wi-fi, but I would imagine any of those would work via usb, I know mine can be either, and also runs via ethernet cable so it doesn't matter whether you have wi-fi at home or not.