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andreas_g4 · Dec 26, 2003, 11:49 AM

Since I try to do everything school releated on my iBook, and since I download A LOT of information PDFs from the Internet - which I don't want to read all on my iBook - I want to get a cheap laserprinter. The cheapest model I could find is the Brother HL-1430.
Does anyone have experience with that printer or a model in the same price range (approx. 200 �)?
How's the print quality text/graphics of that kind of printers?

Hash · Dec 26, 2003, 12:00 PM

Well, I had this printer since April and we continuously print hundreds of pages, all with crisp text, very fast. I increased it memory (it uses 72 pin SIMM), took from an old LC 630 and put 12 mb ram stick to its default 2 mb and had no problems whatsoever in printing pdfs and illustrations in addition to text. Indeed, a real workhorse machine and fastest black/white laser printer, i guess, in its class, about 15 ppm. Also works fine with Windows XP and Classic mac os.

andreas_g4 · Dec 26, 2003, 01:54 PM

Thanks for the info. Sounds good. If I don't find a way to share my father's Laserwriter 320, this will most probably be my way to go.

sideus · Dec 26, 2003, 02:29 PM

I got an HP LaserJet 1012 for Christmas. Not a bad printer. 8MB, 15 pages per minute with warm-up to printing of page 1 in under 10 seconds.

OreoCookie · 06:02 AM

I would recommend a printer that can at least talk in some PCL dialect, Postscript would be even better. Then, you are not dependent on any printer drivers, that do the image rastering on your computer.

Hence, I wouldn't recommend the HP 1012 just mentioned.

Brother's a good company, but I'd spend 270 � for a printer with PCL6 (Brother HL-5040). Has a larger toner capacity as well. Or the Kyocera FS-1010 has even Postscript for about 300 � (really a robust printer).

Another, slightly cheaper one is Oki's B4200 (less than 250 �, PCL6 emulation, 3 (!) years of warranty).

At a price point of 300 �, you have a lot more choice.

sideus · Dec 26, 2003, 11:12 PM

That'd be nice if people could afford a $300+ printer. I wouldn't go with Brother though, they make decent fax machines, nothing else.

OreoCookie · Dec 27, 2003, 05:49 AM

Originally posted by sideus:
That'd be nice if people could afford a $300+ printer. I wouldn't go with Brother though, they make decent fax machines, nothing else.

We're not talking about �300+, but under �300. Same with inkjets: I cannot recommend any of the �60-�75-ones.

E. g., the Oki B4200 is just �250, still within the �approximately �200' requirement.

andreas_g4 · Dec 28, 2003, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by OreoCookie:
We're not talking about �300+, but under �300. Same with inkjets: I cannot recommend any of the �60-�75-ones.

E. g., the Oki B4200 is just �250, still within the �approximately �200' requirement.

Yes, 250 would be in range. I'll check the OKI model. I had concerns about no PCL/PostScript, so I guess I have to look alternatives.

OreoCookie · Dec 29, 2003, 12:00 AM

Originally posted by andreas_g4:
Yes, 250 would be in range. I'll check the OKI model. I had concerns about no PCL/PostScript, so I guess I have to look alternatives.

Otherwise you'll be dependent on the company providing you with drivers. For similar reasons I would never buy a USB DSL modem.

jimf_81 · Dec 29, 2003, 08:59 AM

I'd avoid HP altotether, they don't like to support their drivers for more than a couple of years.

I've read some reviews of Brother printers that say that they work perfectly for a year or so, and then crap out. I haven't seen too many, but it is something to keep in mind...

andreas_g4 · Aug 28, 2004, 02:46 PM

I just wanted to say that I have decided to buy a HP LaserJet 1010. It is the perfect printer for my needs: Cheap enough, fast enough, good enough. The printer is reliable. Sometimes I have to start printer sharing two or three times to get it shared, but I consider this more of an OS releated issue. The driver is ok, not the world's best but ok, I mean, no problems.

OreoCookie · Aug 28, 2004, 06:55 PM

I bought a Kyocera-Mita FS1010 for 260 � and it works perfectly, both shared and directly connected. Fast, reliable, I have access to the full paper way, etc. Postscript 2 installed, it has everything I want.

Really a nice printer.

andreas_g4 · Aug 28, 2004, 07:26 PM

Originally posted by OreoCookie:
I bought a Kyocera-Mita FS1010 for 260 � and it works perfectly, both shared and directly connected. Fast, reliable, I have access to the full paper way, etc. Postscript 2 installed, it has everything I want.

Really a nice printer.

Sounds a bit better indeed. Must be the 100 � price gap� I paid 169,-�.

One toner cartridge costs 60 � for the 1010, what's your price tag (the one of your printer�)?

GetGo · Aug 28, 2004, 07:59 PM

I just bought a Brother HL-1440 laser printer. This printer was rated very good from CNET and PC mag. It sells for $179.00, I bought it when they were giving a $50.00 rebate so it cost me $129.00 what a deal. I love this printer.

OreoCookie · Aug 29, 2004, 04:01 AM

Originally posted by andreas_g4:
Sounds a bit better indeed. Must be the 100 � price gap� I paid 169,-�.

One toner cartridge costs 60 � for the 1010, what's your price tag (the one of your printer�)?

Where did you buy it?
I bought mine used in Schilikon Valley here in Munich, I mean, I could have bought it used of ebay, but I prefered a new one.

andreas_g4 · Aug 29, 2004, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by OreoCookie:
Where did you buy it?

Saturn

GetGo · Aug 29, 2004, 06:44 PM

I'm not sure if you guys were asking me were I bought my printer, but I got mine at Office depot with the $50.00 rebate.