Printer recommendations

[Scott]

On 05/07/2006 01:13 PM, * Alan McKinnon spake thusly:
> Hi all,
> 
> I would like some feedback on current printers. I need a new one, 
> here's my ideal specs:
> 
> Nice middle range inkjet for home use. Doesn't have to be super-fast.
> Individual ink tanks (I do a fair amount of colour printing but not 
> photos) at reasonable prices.
> Must cope with 160gm card stock.
> Combo with scanner would be nice (I can live without it though)
> Works on Linux out the box. Doesn't matter if I have to use CUPS or lp 
> or foomatic, I'm happy either way. Just because I CAN write a driver 
> doesn't mean I WANT to or WILL :-)
> Budget is 1000ZAR
> Postscript??? (OK, I'm taking a fat chance on that, I know)
> Current model, on sale in South Africa right now

As everyone has stated, HP works "out of the box" in Ubuntu. That's
because a) HP writes open source drivers and b) most Linux distros
(including Ubuntu) include them by default.

I did have a problem recently getting it to work this time (I've
reinstalled Ubuntu several times over the past year), but I know it's
because I've done something wrong.  I've not worried about it at this
pring, because I';ll be reinstalling (yet again) in the next few weeks.


> 
> My research shows that photo printers tend to have one colour cartidge 
> (expensive if you mainly use red) - is this a reasonable assumption? 

It depends on the printer. You're generally correct but i seriously
considered a top-rated, reasonably priced HP Photosmart Printer with 6
individual ink tanks.

http://tinyurl.com/en4po

I believe one of their all-in-one models has 6 ink tanks as well.

I decided against the photosmart because I don't print enough photos to
warrant such a printer.


> I'm happy to pay more for the printer if I pay less for refills - 
> buying a new el-cheapo printer every time the tank runs out just 
> isn't an option. I like Canon but I know their Linux support sucks. 
> HP make some good stuff but compatibility is a throw of the dice, 

Most HP printers these days are Linux Compatible.  I went with HP
because of that and they've always had a good reputation when it comes
to printers.

I ended up with the HO 6840 Deskjet, which I've been very happy with.

http://tinyurl.com/h9s7t

I wrote a review of it if you're interested:

http://tinyurl.com/f63bn

> 
> Can anyone confirm or deny these impressions, and state a model that 
> fills my requirements?

This printer isn't an all-in-one (I actually have one of those also,
it's a Brother Monochrome Laser/Copier/Fax/Scanner), but it's an
excellent inkjet that also prints very good photos.  It's not considered
a "photo-printer" since it doesn't have all the memory card slots.  It
does have PictBridge capability though (but I never use it).

Just my $.02


-- 
	Scott
www.angrykeyboarder.com
©2006 angrykeyboarder™ & Elmer Fudd. All Wights Wesewved