[kmarketing]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a new printer, but have no idea what would be best with mac. I'm thinking canon because of the low ink costs and their reputation for good printers. Do you have any recommendations?

Many people say the all in ones are not too good, but what do you think? Is there a particular model that offers good quality and will have full mac os capability?

Finally, I was hoping to be wireless with the printer so that it could be in another room. Do I have to get a specific wireless printer for that to work, or will any do?

Here are some more of my details:
under $150 preferably under $100
Low ink costs
no issues with compatibility
medium print needs, with some photos

My systems: g5 1.8 running panther, and powerbook 1.33 running panther.

Please let me know,
Thanks!!

[ddma]

Recently purchased HP Photosmart 7660. Very great quality of both text/graphic and photos. It has 4800 x 1200 resolution and support 6 colours printing. The best part is you can use different ink for different use.

When you want to print text/graphic of work, you can use the 3 colour ink + black ink (3 colours)

When you want to print photo, you can use the 3 colour ink + the photo ink (6 colours)

When you want to print black & white photos, you can use the 3 colour ink + grey/black ink (5 color)

It has a LCD and card reader for printing without using a computer. It works with Airport Express too.

[Spheric Harlot]

Know that initial cost means nothing in a printer.

You can get a Lexmark for $40 dollars, but that doesn't really do you any good once you find that the ink cartridges are small and a set costs you $45 (as an example).

If you're into color photo prints, HP is not the cheapest in running costs, but their inks are very very light-resistant and durable.

Otherwise, best price/performance ratio appears to be the Canon printers. Cheap inks, with individual color cartridges.
The Canon pixma iP2000 should be available around $100 or less. The iP3000 even has CD printing capability and should be just slightly more. The iP4000 has an extra photo black cartridge (only interesting if you print lots of photos, which you're not), but it also comes in a network-printer version (pixma iP4000R) that's also wireless-ready. The 4000 is probably over budget though. The pixma series does direct photo printing from a camera, as well, though I don't really see the point in that.

If I can't get my Epson 740i up and running again, the pixma iP3000 will likely be my next printer.

-s*

[iMacfan]

Think hard if you need colour. If not, a compact laser is definitely the way forward - Cheaper to run and far less hassled than an inkjet. I've got the HP Laserjet 1010, and while the drivers are basic in the extreme (no cleaning or toner level functions), I havent needed those features yet, more than a year after purchase.

If you really need colour, but only want to do a couple of printouts a week, I'd recommend the HP PSC1000 series - excellent value and compact multi-function units which work excellent as a standalone copier.

David.

[im_noahselby]

Originally posted by ddma:
Recently purchased HP Photosmart 7660. Very great quality of both text/graphic and photos. It has 4800 x 1200 resolution and support 6 colours printing. The best part is you can use different ink for different use.

When you want to print text/graphic of work, you can use the 3 colour ink + black ink (3 colours)

When you want to print photo, you can use the 3 colour ink + the photo ink (6 colours)

When you want to print black & white photos, you can use the 3 colour ink + grey/black ink (5 color)

It has a LCD and card reader for printing without using a computer. It works with Airport Express too.

I'll second this recommendation!

Firstly,
A mini review of the HP 7660. For reading purposes only:
http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...hlight=HP+7660
(please don't bump up this older thread of mine. It would better serve the forum to create a new thread on this printer or post your thoughts in here, if you are interested in this printer.)

Secondly,
HP's current printers DO in fact work well in OS X.

Whichever printer you choose:
-Buy from a retailer that has a hassle free return policy; so if neccesary you can choose a different model.
-Try to see printers you like in person, before you buy.
-If you plan on doing tonnes of photo printing almost exclusively, I would grab a Canon. -An HP printer will be more than sufficient and cost effective for black and white printing and the occasional photo. In the HP 7660, the built in 4X6 photo tray is awesome! - makes printing photos in this size, using HP's 4X6 photo glossy paper, easy and quick.
-If you want to know the most cost effective way of getting your images printed, go to a photo lab with your digital images.

Good Luck!

Noah

[im_noahselby]

Originally posted by ddma:
Recently purchased HP Photosmart 7660.

....snip....

It works with Airport Express too.

I didn't know this model worked with Airport Express. Nice!

Noah

[mbryda]

Originally posted by iMacfan:
Think hard if you need colour. If not, a compact laser is definitely the way forward - Cheaper to run and far less hassled than an inkjet. I've got the HP Laserjet 1010, and while the drivers are basic in the extreme (no cleaning or toner level functions), I havent needed those features yet, more than a year after purchase.

Not so sure about that - some of the Canons have costs per page that are considerably less than lasers. I have no maintenance issues with my Canon i560 - pop in a BCI 3eBK cartridge at about 750 sheets for a cost of $13 or $0.017 per page of black. Colors are about as cheap and since I don't print color all too often I change them about as often. Color psts are aout $0.05 per page, which is on par with color lasers. However, I have heard horror stories on Inkjet maintenance.

The only downside of injkets are that they are not water and smear proof like a laser. Also, lasers can be quite a bit faster than inkjets if oyu are printing a lot.

[ddma]

I think what drives me to prefer a HP printer is that the print head is built in the ink but not in the printer. So everytime you change the ink, you have a new printer.

[mbryda]

Originally posted by ddma:
I think what drives me to prefer a HP printer is that the print head is built in the ink but not in the printer. So everytime you change the ink, you have a new printer.

And pay about 2x the cost of, say a Canon every time you change those cartridges. And, it's not entirely true that you get a new printer. The elecrtonics that make the head move (equally as important) are not being replaced either.....

That being said, Canon is about the best of the bunch - cheap ink, replaceable head (should something go wrong) that's not too expensive.

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by Spheric Harlot:
Know that initial cost means nothing in a printer.

You can get a Lexmark for $40 dollars, but that doesn't really do you any good once you find that the ink cartridges are small and a set costs you $45 (as an example).

If you're into color photo prints, HP is not the cheapest in running costs, but their inks are very very light-resistant and durable.

Otherwise, best price/performance ratio appears to be the Canon printers. Cheap inks, with individual color cartridges.
The Canon pixma iP2000 should be available around $100 or less. The iP3000 even has CD printing capability and should be just slightly more. The iP4000 has an extra photo black cartridge (only interesting if you print lots of photos, which you're not), but it also comes in a network-printer version (pixma iP4000R) that's also wireless-ready. The 4000 is probably over budget though. The pixma series does direct photo printing from a camera, as well, though I don't really see the point in that.

If I can't get my Epson 740i up and running again, the pixma iP3000 will likely be my next printer.

-s*

I picked up a Canon Pixma iP5000 a couple of weeks back, and am very pleased with it so far. Nice print quality, built in duplexing, and two paper trays that will each accomadate letter size paper. Load one with photo paper, the other with plain paper and you're good to go.

[ddma]

But the print head is one of the most easier to malfunction parts in a printer. Like say when the weather is dry and you are away for a few weeks, the print head stuck. It is as easy as replace the ink than send the printer back to fix.

[Cadaver]

My vote is for a Canon Pixma iP5000.

Inexpensive ink, fast, freaking amazing quality photo printing, great OS X drivers and AirPort Express/Extreme compatible.

[kmarketing]

Hi,

I saw the canon ip5000, and it does look nice. I think the cheapest that I have seen it for is $169. Does anyone know cheaper?

Will I be able to use it wirelessly if I have a dlink wireless router (I'm not sure how that works)?

How useful is one of those lcd screens that some of the printers come with?

In terms of canon, are the lower end models like the ip1500 or ip2000 much inferior to the ip5000?

The hp just scared me a little because I always thought their ink was much more expensive. But many of you seem to be saying that it is pretty cost effective. True?

Thanks so much for your opinions!

[kmarketing]

Hi,

I may be able to get a new i960 for about $100. I know that this is an older model. Are the newer pixma printers much better?

What are the advantages of either one over the other one?

Would I be able to use the i960 wirelessly?

Thanks!

[im_noahselby]

Originally posted by kmarketing:
The hp just scared me a little because I always thought their ink was much more expensive. But many of you seem to be saying that it is pretty cost effective. True?

Like ddma said, the printer head in HP printers (unlike Canons, Epsons) is built right into the ink cartridges. This makes HP printers more reliable, in this sense.

Like I've already said, an HP printer can be cost effective for black and white printing and the occasional photo and colour printing. Otherwise, if you intend to print A LOT of photos at home, than a Canon will definitely be the most cost effective choice in the long run. HP is a very good overall competitor in the photo printer category, and their results are on par with Canon. If your decision is based solely on the cost effectiveness of ink, than Canon is the clear winner.

You have to approach something like this with an open mind, otherwise you might as well cross everyone but Canon off your list and go from there.

With this said, your mind seems pretty much made up. Good luck with your Canon. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

Noah

[Chito]

I've got a Canon i950 that I paid over $200 for and I absolutely love it. If you can get the i960 for $100 I'd jump on it.

[Disgruntled Head of C-3PO]

After owning tons of Epsons I will never buy anything else but a Canon. My i950 is bliss.

[Back up 15 and punt]

Many people don't understand that the head for the Canon printers is built into the printer but it is easily removed and replaced if need be. Fortunately these heads have a very long life cycle so its unnecessary to replace during the general life of the printer.

Text cost from the Canon printer runs about 2.5 cents per page while the competition is more than double that cost. I believe HP runs about 6 cents per page. If you don't believe me go look at consumers report.

If you plan on printing photo's and you can find a good deal on an i960 then by all means pick up the printer. But don't use it for text. Its not meant to be. The Pixma 8500 would produce better pictures but for about $100 the i960 is hard to beat.

[mbryda]

The replaceable/integrated head thing is blown way out of proportion...

I've had Epsons and Canons and let them sit for weeks without printing. Perfect prints every time. I've run Canon and Epson hard and no head issues. The only head issue I had was caused by me using generic ink and it was one of many issues with my Epson Stylus 880 (after 3-4 years it made grindig noises and the head sarted to go).

Just go with what you like... But remember, HP is the most expensive cost per page.

[zigzag]

I just bought a Canon ip5000 to replace an HP 970 and couldn't be happier. I printed my first color photo the other day (on some leftover HP glossy paper) and was stunned by the quality I got with no adjustments whatsoever. Text quality is also excellent. The duplex printing and dual loading trays are additional plusses.

The ip4000 is essentially as good for $50 less (I've seen it as low as $125 at newegg.com and amazon). The only difference is that the 5000 has smaller nozzles and higher resolution, but it appears unlikely that the average person will notice any difference. Here's a comparison test:

http://www.tomshardware.com/consumer...025/index.html

[zigzag]

dp

[BoulderDash]

Okay,
I'd like to get into the WiFi Printer game. Being that it's now April 2005, are there any new printers that:

- Are wireless (using 802.11b)
- Emphasize photos over text (which is what matters more to me)
- Are Mac OS X compatible
- Range around $200

Please let me know what you think. I'm thinking about the Canon Pixma iP4000R (though some specs say it's 802.11g and others say it's 802.11b [which is what I need]) or the HP Deskjet 6840 (though, yet again, sometimes it's listed as 802.11g and others as 802.11g/b... who writes these specs?!).

Thanks,
BD

[tooki]

You know that 802.11b and 802.11g are compatible, right?

tooki

[tooki]

Originally Posted by Back up 15 and punt

Many people don't understand that the head for the Canon printers is built into the printer but it is easily removed and replaced if need be. .

It is NOT built in to the printer. If it were, it would not be easily removable, and in fact when buy a new Canon, the print head doesn't even come installed -- the user installs it. Likewise, the print head is not built in to the cartridges. The print head is a separate unit from the printer and the ink tanks.

tooki

[BoulderDash]

Originally Posted by tooki

You know that 802.11b and 802.11g are compatible, right?

tooki

Well,
I know there are 802.11b and there are 802.11b/g routers... but I didn't know devices that had 802.11g could just jump onto an 802.11b network (which is what I have since it's an older Linksys). So, you're saying that's what would happen and it would work.

Also, any thoughts on either printer or another? Thanks,
BD

[tooki]

ALL 802.11g routers can communicate with 802.11b devices unless they are specifically set not to, and all 802.11g devices can communicate with 802.11b routers -- I don't even think there's any way to prevent this!

Between Canon and HP, I'd say it boils down to this: do you need top-notch plain-paper text, or do you plan to print lots of black and white photos? For those things, the HP will have higher print quality. (HP's plain-paper text is unsurpassed, and the optional black-and-gray cartridge they sell for printing black and white photos makes them unusually good.) But the HPs are slower than the Canon, and the HP ink is MUCH more expensive, and the Canon cartridges don't have chips in them.

Based on your description of your needs, I'd say the Canon iP4000R would be a perfect fit. Superb print quality, high speed, low ink costs, solid drivers, duplex printing... it's got it all.

I have a Canon and I couldn't be happier. Well, I could: with a newer Canon with more features. (I can't justify replacing my delightful i850 just to get duplex printing, tempting as it is!)

tooki

[BoulderDash]

Thanks, man. Big up!

BD