View Full Version : Which printer?
iris lilies
2-9-23, 5:31pm
Need some general ideas.
It’s time for me to set up a printer attached to Mac.
I want a black-and-white printer. I will not be printing in color. I skimmed articles about Wi-Fi versus wireless and don’t understand when I look at actual products because everything seems to be wireless.
I do not need wireless functionality, but maybe that’s just what everything is.
When I print, which is not very often, I will sit in a space that is within 10 feet of the router.
I’m concerned about complexity of set up because one product review already said use a USB cable to blah blah blah blah. I don’t see how USB cable fits into my Mac, there’s a USB-C port.does an app need to be loaded on every device I plan to use with the printer?
I’ve not had wireless printing functionality at home before this. an app for every device? I will use with the printer? I may want to print from iPads.
What printer do you think I should buy comments about this process?
Here is the one I have. I bought it a few years ago, and it's versatile and easy to get going:
https://www.amazon.com/HP-E4W44A-Printer-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B075MTZS9S/ref=sr_1_4?crid=27SLE1NQLYVJ5&keywords=envy+7645&qid=1675982770&sprefix=envy+7645%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-4
There are probably even cheaper ones for what what you want to do. I use mine to print out drafts of reports and discussion guides. Nothing fancy. I like it, and if you get one that offers a subscription service for the ink cartridges I highly recommend it.
Probably obvious but it copies and faxes as well, but who faxes these days? I never use the fax function, but occasionally use the copy function
iris lilies
2-9-23, 6:47pm
Here is the one I have. I bought it a few years ago, and it's versatile and easy to get going:
https://www.amazon.com/HP-E4W44A-Printer-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B075MTZS9S/ref=sr_1_4?crid=27SLE1NQLYVJ5&keywords=envy+7645&qid=1675982770&sprefix=envy+7645%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-4
There are probably even cheaper ones for what what you want to do. I use mine to print out drafts of reports and discussion guides. Nothing fancy. I like it, and if you get one that offers a subscription service for the ink cartridges I highly recommend it.
Probably obvious but it copies and faxes as well, but who faxes these days? I never use the fax function, but occasionally use the copy function
thank you for this. A new version is $174 and I could spend that much but it’s probably not necessary. My needs really are quite simple. But still since I was figuring it’s been up to $150. I guess a new one at $174 isn’t all that much more.
thank you for this. A new version is $174 and I could spend that much but it’s probably not necessary. My needs really are quite simple. But still since I was figuring it’s been up to $150. I guess a new one at $174 isn’t all that much more.
I mentioned there may be some cheaper--as I said, I bought mine a while ago and technology changes so quickly. Here's a decent one for $109: https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-envy-6055e-all-in-one-printer
I do like the subscription service for the ink. When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter what you pay for the printer. It's what you pay for the ink.
iris lilies
2-9-23, 6:59pm
I mentioned there may be some cheaper--as I said, I bought mine a while ago and technology changes so quickly. Here's a decent one for $109: https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-envy-6055e-all-in-one-printer
I do like the subscription service for the ink. When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter what you pay for the printer. It's what you pay for the ink.
yes, true, but we do black and white cartridges only so it’s not that pricey.
I looked up the price of a new printer exactly like the one we have now and the new one isn’t even wifi, and it is $254! I am surprised that model is still being sold, and not even wifi or wireless.
yes, true, but we do black and white cartridges only so it’s not that pricey.
I looked up the price of a new printer exactly like the one we have now and the new one isn’t even wifi, and it is $254! I am surprised that model is still being sold, and not even wifi or wireless.
I don't think the color cartridges are that much more than the B&W. I would just get whatever printer has the features you want for the cheapest price. There are a lot of super-cheap ones out there!
DH just bought an Epson printer recently that uses liquid toner ink… not cartridges. The cost per year for ink should be about $50…. versus buying ink cartridges which are expensive. YLMV
There was a time when I was doing a lot of printed B+W media and the cost per page for laser copies was far less than the ink tank replacements for the standard ink jet printer. Ink tank replacements are a communist plot if you do much printing. I have used the scan feature on modern ink jet printers, which is sort of nice.
I have an ancient Brother all-in-one that happily accepts cheap non-OE cartridges. Somehow, I managed to switch its instructions to French language. Merde!
iris lilies
2-9-23, 9:28pm
I don’t even understand the difference between laser and inkjet, and I never have. Sigh.
I have a Brother L2320D laser printer I use with my Mac. It is basic and works fine.
iris lilies
2-9-23, 10:55pm
I have a Brother L2320D laser printer I use with my Mac. It is basic and works fine.
This does not appear to be wireless or wifi.
there is a wireless version though, but it has a different model number slightly
ToomuchStuff
2-10-23, 2:34am
I don’t even understand the difference between laser and inkjet, and I never have. Sigh.
Inkjets need to be used more often, or the print heads will get clogged and require cleaning or cartridge replacement (even if you printed from that cartridge only once).
A point of fact, to those looking for a black and white printer, can ANYONE point me to a home use printer, that prints white? Grab some colored paper and show me!!!!!!!!!!!
As to those subscription based services, are you really sure it is for ink? Did you read the TOS carefully?
https://youtu.be/KGszSj0BLeg
Now, I tend to watch printers, as I had one that I had for years and when it failed (paper jam damaged rollers), I was only on my second full toner cartridge. I have stuck with that brand.
I tend to avoid the all in ones as the ones I would buy, are a commercial model, or since I really generally only need to print (bought a cheap scanner for the few times I need it), I tend to stay with the Brother HL series. I got one from Costco around 2020 for $99 after instant rebate (model was being replaced HL-6200DW). It comes with a starter toner (something like 1500 pages), and a full toner for it, prints around 8000 pages. Its current replacement is in the $400 range, while a lot of people go for their basic black all in one series that print up to 3000 pages. Something like MFC-L2690DW.
FYI, the D in the end of the name, means Duplex printing, the W means wireless.
I was an EARLY inkjet adopter (believe Epson was the first), when most were using dot matrix, then I went to laser when others went to inkjet.
You can make a wired printer, wireless in several ways, but generally it means hooking it to something that is always on (computer, router, small wireless computer like a Raspberry PI/print server).
When I needed a printer/scanner in summer 2020, it was in the midst of the Covid/supply chain crap, so I had to take the only one one the shelf at Target. And there was only one left! It’s a Canon something or other. I don’t use it a ton. I think I use the scanner more. It’s handy being able to wirelessly print from my iPhone or iPad, as well as my Mac.
iris lilies
2-10-23, 10:09am
Haha ok Too Much Stuff, I print in black. Only black!
i am sure my discussion here is boring to you all but it HAS helped me narrow down what I want in a wireless printer:
1. Laser (recommended for printing text)
2. Has scanning and copying functions
not all printers have these functions
i would like a 3rd requirement to be “easy to install” but that is too unspecific.
ToomuchStuff
2-10-23, 10:17am
The only Brother that has been difficult to install, is their version of the Epson Ecotank as they did something different, with the wireless, that it is a problem to get on the network.
All three of the Brother lasers I have dealt with have been easy to install, although the first was pre wireless and on a network print server (and I still wirelessly printed from it).
catherine
2-10-23, 11:05am
If you are printing documents good enough to publish, the laser is best, but inkjet quality is very good these days. I even use it for photographs. If there is a big difference in price, I think you're fine with inkjet, but if there isn't, you might as well get laser. They are better.
iris lilies
2-10-23, 11:10am
If you are printing documents good enough to publish, the laser is best, but inkjet quality is very good these days. I even use it for photographs. If there is a big difference in price, I think you're fine with inkjet, but if there isn't, you might as well get laser. They are better.
I don’t print much, and that is, according to one Internet source, a problem with inkjet printers in that they need to be used regularly.
Laser printers have come down in price significantly.
I don’t print much, and that is, according to one Internet source, a problem with inkjet printers in that they need to be used regularly.
I went through that with two Epson printers. The printing nozzles would get plugged and eventually no amount of cleaning techniques would help. Plus, the nozzle cleaning routine used a ton of ink. I've had a Canon for a few years now without a problem. I think those sorts of things are more likely to happen when you deviate from the OEM inks.
iris lilies
2-11-23, 8:18am
OEM, I don’t even know what that is. I’m not going to look it up! This is too much information! Apparently I’ve been lucky that our old Brother printer, which I looked up to see is a laser printer, has done well over the years with no hassle.
OEM, I don’t even know what that is. I’m not going to look it up! This is too much information! Apparently I’ve been lucky that our old Brother printer, which I looked up to see is a laser printer, has done well over the years with no hassle.
Original Equipment Manufacturer. You run into this with auto parts. Do you want a part from the OEM or a third party? I always buy OEM ink.
iris lilies
2-11-23, 10:26pm
I am still shopping. I have a basic question: how does wireless versus Wi-Fi work and why do I care which one I have?
I am still shopping. I have a basic question: how does wireless versus Wi-Fi work and why do I care which one I have?
How close to your PC will the printer be located? Will your computers be networked?
rosarugosa
2-12-23, 6:07am
When we bought our first computer in 2000, we looked at printers, but having spent so much on the computer (Gateway laptop, about $2500 if I recall correctly), we decided to wait until later on a printer. Well 23 years later, we have still never bought a printer. I don't have to print very often, and when I do, I go to the library and print for 15 cents per page. I figure it's worth it not to have to worry about buying toner or ink, figuring out where to put the printer, troubleshooting when it doesn't work, etc. I also feel like there are lots and lots of pieces of paper that have never existed in my life, all the funny things and pretty things and interesting things I never printed on impulse. Since printing something is a little bit of a project, it has made me extremely disciplined as to what I do print.
iris lilies
2-12-23, 6:29am
How close to your PC will the printer be located? Will your computers be networked?
Usually, I will use my laptop within 6 feet of the printer.
iris lilies
2-12-23, 6:32am
When we bought our first computer in 2000, we looked at printers, but having spent so much on the computer (Gateway laptop, about $2500 if I recall correctly), we decided to wait until later on a printer. Well 23 years later, we have still never bought a printer. I don't have to print very often, and when I do, I go to the library and print for 15 cents per page. I figure it's worth it not to have to worry about buying toner or ink, figuring out where to put the printer, troubleshooting when it doesn't work, etc. I also feel like there are lots and lots of pieces of paper that have never existed in my life, all the funny things and pretty things and interesting things I never printed on impulse. Since printing something is a little bit of a project, it has made me extremely disciplined as to what I do print.
I have had to run down to the Hermann library a couple times to have things printed before I got the printer set up here. And then I have had to have a couple of things photocopied. Sometimes I do heavy duty printing at the library in St. Louis city because I get 50 copies free per month there, and when I add in DH’s free copies that’s 100 copies per month.
I do a fair amount of printing for the garden clubs I belong to. I always seem to be printing rosters, club calendars, bylaws, etc. Sure I distribute that information digitally as well, but people want printed copies.
I am still shopping. I have a basic question: how does wireless versus Wi-Fi work and why do I care which one I have?
There are 3 typical means of printing wirelessly, attaching your printer to your home Wi-Fi network where it can be accessed by all other devices on your network regardless of proximity within the home network, attaching it to a specific device via Bluetooth whereby it's usage must be within the smaller bluetooth range and usage may be limited to one or two devices, or if the printer is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communications) you can simply touch your device (phone or tablet) to the printer and a temporary link will be established through an app on your device (although I'm not sure that would work with your laptop).
If it were me, I'd stick with simple Wi-Fi.
iris lilies
2-12-23, 8:25am
There are 3 typical means of printing wirelessly, attaching your printer to your home Wi-Fi network where it can be accessed by all other devices on your network regardless of proximity within the home network, attaching it to a specific device via Bluetooth whereby it's usage must be within the smaller bluetooth range and usage may be limited to one or two devices, or if the printer is equipped with NFC (Near Field Communications) you can simply touch your device (phone or tablet) to the printer and a temporary link will be established through an app on your device (although I'm not sure that would work with your laptop).
If it were me, I'd stick with simple Wi-Fi.
thank you. It sounds like I need to identify a machine that is Wi-Fi enabled.
I no longer care what this printer costs, I just want the shopping process to be done.
thank you. It sounds like I need to identify a machine that is Wi-Fi enabled.
I no longer care what this printer costs, I just want the shopping process to be done.
Where are you shopping? I went on Amazon just now and identified several laser printers with wireless printing very quickly.
iris lilies
2-12-23, 9:11am
Where are you shopping? I went on Amazon just now and identified several laser printers with wireless printing very quickly.
wifi, not wireless. That needs to be specific. Just learned that. I look at reviewed/recommended sites and then go to Amazon.
these are the requirements:
laser
monochrome
wifi
copier/scanner
ToomuchStuff
2-12-23, 11:10pm
wifi, not wireless. That needs to be specific. Just learned that. I look at reviewed/recommended sites and then go to Amazon.
these are the requirements:
laser
monochrome
wifi
copier/scanner
Wifi, IS wireless.
What are you seeing that is otherwise (think you are confusing terms, maybe)
ToomuchStuff
2-12-23, 11:25pm
I went back and read Alan's post. Bluetooth is a separate thing from wireless/wifi, and printing is and can be done via Wifi/wireless, even if you have a non wireless printer as long as it is hooked and on in the network (yes a bit more complicated, but as an example, if you hooked it to a NAT/Firewall device that has a USB port).
That said, Wifi is really only for the printing, it doesn't work as well scanning, IMHE until you get into commercial grade printers.
iris lilies
2-13-23, 9:46am
Wifi, IS wireless.
What are you seeing that is otherwise (think you are confusing terms, maybe)
I figured wifi is a form of wireless. When you look at the Amazon displays for each printer, under “connectivity “sometimes it says Wi-Fi. Sometimes it says Wireless. Different terms are used which led me to believe there’s different kinds of wireless connectivity.
And believe me, I’m not gonna do anything it’s vaguely complicated.
littlebittybobby
2-13-23, 1:23pm
Okay---I was thinking about leasing a big, expensive copying machine with which to home-publish the HBCC Cat Club newsletter and various documents related to the organization. But yeah--my littlebitty brain said why bother(?)--wee don't HAVE a newsletter, since catts cant read & we really avoid any kind of paperwork. Junkk mail from the mailbox works fine, to sit on. So anyway---that's how that worked out. Hope my input helps you some. Thankk Mee.
iris lilies
2-13-23, 1:41pm
Okay---I was thinking about leasing a big, expensive copying machine with which to home-publish the HBCC Cat Club newsletter and various documents related to the organization. But yeah--my littlebitty brain said why bother(?)--wee don't HAVE a newsletter, since catts cant read & we really avoid any kind of paperwork. Junkk mail from the mailbox works fine, to sit on. So anyway---that's how that worked out. Hope my input helps you some. Thankk Mee.
The HBCC is The Hermit Bachelor Cat Club, right? I believe you are International President. Does your club ever intersect with members of the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers group in Northern flyover country? Those dudes have many barn cats.
ApatheticNoMore
2-13-23, 3:07pm
I don't print often and printers kept dying on me, so I go to FedEx shops (used to be Kinkos) to print.
iris lilies
2-13-23, 3:45pm
I don't print often and printers kept dying on me, so I go to FedEx shops (used to be Kinkos) to print.
We have no FedEx/Kinko’s in my tiny town. The public library is the best bet for that.
iris lilies
2-14-23, 11:30am
So last night I went to order a printer and good Lord, the shipping price is $70.
I’m gonna poke around Best Buy and see if there’s an option where I can pick it up.
ToomuchStuff
2-14-23, 4:20pm
You said you looked up your old Brother printer, what happened to that? What model is it?
Do you have Amazon prime?
Office Depot/max in town?
iris lilies
2-14-23, 4:50pm
You said you looked up your old Brother printer, what happened to that? What model is it?
Do you have Amazon prime?
Office Depot/max in town?
My old printer is not wireless nor it is a scanner/copier.
today I ordered a Brother printer from
Amazon after finding one with “free” shipping. I suppose the ship cost is folded in, but it was same price to pick up at Best Buy.
But I look with trepidation upon installing it.
I realize I'm very late to the game here but do have a couple of thoughts. One, if you print rarely, as do I, laserjet is a much better choice. I'm using a 15 year old HP laserjet and have printed maybe 1000-1500 pages total and am on my second printer cartridge. It still works perfectly. And the toner cartridges are cheap and obviously last much longer.
Second thought, my library will print for free up to 50 pages a month for me. (including color). There's an app that I have on my phone and on my computer that sends the print request to the library and then I show up and it's sitting in an envelope on a pickup table with my name on it. I have no idea how common this is but on the rare occasions when I've wanted to print something in color this is what I use.
I don't know how great/not great the wireless printers are. Mine connects via a USB cable. Both my work and personal computers are PCs so that's a plug'n'play situation for me.
iris lilies
2-14-23, 9:52pm
I realize I'm very late to the game here but do have a couple of thoughts. One, if you print rarely, as do I, laserjet is a much better choice. I'm using a 15 year old HP laserjet and have printed maybe 1000-1500 pages total and am on my second printer cartridge. It still works perfectly. And the toner cartridges are cheap and obviously last much longer.
Second thought, my library will print for free up to 50 pages a month for me. (including color). There's an app that I have on my phone and on my computer that sends the print request to the library and then I show up and it's sitting in an envelope on a pickup table with my name on it. I have no idea how common this is but on the rare occasions when I've wanted to print something in color this is what I use.
I don't know how great/not great the wireless printers are. Mine connects via a USB cable. Both my work and personal computers are PCs so that's a plug'n'play situation for me.
thanks for chiming in JP. My city library system also allows 50 copies per month and I can combine mine with DHi’s privileges to get 100 copies per month when I have need for a lot of copies for a Garden club.
I think it includes color copies, too, but I haven’t use that feature.
ToomuchStuff
2-15-23, 12:02am
If your old printer still works and is USB, then I would look to hook it up to something like your firewall (husband technical? Know a kid that is?)
Shouldn't be hard to set the new one up wirelessly; my HL-6200DW took me something like 6 minutes total from unboxing. Just not sure about wireless scanning, as the only one I have dealt with in recent years, has been a commercial model (similar to the Brother MFCL8610CDW ). My recommendation is just leave a USB cable plugged into it (if using a laptop), for scanning purposes. (model may or may not be able to wirelessly scan)
iris lilies
2-24-23, 1:26pm
If your old printer still works and is USB, then I would look to hook it up to something like your firewall (husband technical? Know a kid that is?)
Shouldn't be hard to set the new one up wirelessly; my HL-6200DW took me something like 6 minutes total from unboxing. Just not sure about wireless scanning, as the only one I have dealt with in recent years, has been a commercial model (similar to the Brother MFCL8610CDW ). My recommendation is just leave a USB cable plugged into it (if using a laptop), for scanning purposes. (model may or may not be able to wirelessly scan)
I want a copier at home. The many free photocopies I can get —I have to travel toSt. louis 85 miles away. My local Hermann library does not do free copies and actually does not even have a public-use photocopier, but they will make copies for me for a charge.
I need photocopies for instance for a current bylaws for a club of which I am President. No digital copy exists. This is typical of these plant organizations, their bylaws were created before the computer age. I am working to have digital copies of all bylaws for all of my organizations.
I am working to have digital copies of all bylaws for all of my organizations.
I will likely never be a member of a garden club but THANK YOU. The world needs more people like you to take on this task. Even today I routinely have to deal with PDFs at work that are just scans of documents and the text isn't searchable. Obviously I'm old enough to remember when all documents were not searchable but it's 2023. Important documents should be digitized and searchable.
I will likely never be a member of a garden club but THANK YOU. The world needs more people like you to take on this task. Even today I routinely have to deal with PDFs at work that are just scans of documents and the text isn't searchable. Obviously I'm old enough to remember when all documents were not searchable but it's 2023. Important documents should be digitized and searchable.
absolutely!
I will likely never be a member of a garden club but THANK YOU. The world needs more people like you to take on this task. Even today I routinely have to deal with PDFs at work that are just scans of documents and the text isn't searchable. Obviously I'm old enough to remember when all documents were not searchable but it's 2023. Important documents should be digitized and searchable.
absolutely!
And don't get me started on the absurdity that when I have a new direct report start there are multiple documents related to that event. I have to print them out (in full, not just the signature page), sign the signature page, take photos of every page and email them to myself, compile them back into one document using Acrobat pro, and send them back to HR. I can't just print the signature page, sign it, photo it and attach it back to the original document. And we don't use any sort of digital signature software. The time waste is absurd.
And don't get me started on the absurdity that when I have a new direct report start there are multiple documents related to that event. I have to print them out (in full, not just the signature page), sign the signature page, take photos of every page and email them to myself, compile them back into one document using Acrobat pro, and send them back to HR. I can't just print the signature page, sign it, photo it and attach it back to the original document. And we don't use any sort of digital signature software. The time waste is absurd.
I have one of my own. There’s a CBP form I have to use a lot for one customer’s shipments. CBP set up the form so you cannot save any data typed into it. You have to type it all out, print it out for signature. I have to scan it together with a bunch of other documents to send to CBP so they will release shipments. I would love to be able to save the form with the customer’s data already typed in (name, address, etc.), but nope.
iris lilies
2-28-23, 11:04am
I will likely never be a member of a garden club but THANK YOU. The world needs more people like you to take on this task. Even today I routinely have to deal with PDFs at work that are just scans of documents and the text isn't searchable. Obviously I'm old enough to remember when all documents were not searchable but it's 2023. Important documents should be digitized and searchable.
Oh honey, don’t get ME started on all of the bylaw disasters I have encountered this last one just a minor thing. It is “minor” because this specific iris club is not a corporation registered with the state and so our operations can be less—organized, shall we say. But I just learned that the IRS is pushing organizations to hold all bylaws of their affiliate groups, and we come under that requirement.My tiny club is an affiliate of The American Iris Society.
For years, my neighborhood association couldn’t be bothered to keep track of its bylaws. There were paper copies that existed in files of former presidents, but we seldom got those files back from presidents. Once their term is over, former Presidents tend to leave involvement because it was such a big job being President. And I don’t blame them for that. But so my brilliant idea years ago was to put bylaws on the website because how can bylaws get lost if they’re out there on the web for everyone to see? Ha, ha, ha ha little did I Know that was not necessarily true. We needed to update bylaws and no one had an editable copy. Oy. The website copy was PDF.
I left the neighborhood after making lots of updates to bylaws and leaving them with a text (editable) copy in the digital archives, hope it is maintained. I guess Adobe Pro can edit a PDF? So maybe they won’t lose this editable copy after all.
tldr boring crap: people are dumb about producing and maintaining records
I have one of my own. There’s a CBP form I have to use a lot for one customer’s shipments. CBP set up the form so you cannot save any data typed into it. You have to type it all out, print it out for signature. I have to scan it together with a bunch of other documents to send to CBP so they will release shipments. I would love to be able to save the form with the customer’s data already typed in (name, address, etc.), but nope.
Yes, I've come across a few of those fillable PDF files that can't be saved. Thankfully none were documents that I needed to use more than once or twice. Incredibly annoying.
When I politely suggested to HR that we might want to consider one of the various digital signature solutions the response I got was bizarre. HR person thanked me and then said she would talk to IT about it. I read that and was like WTF? It would be up to you, as the HR director, to decide that digital signatures are acceptable for the various HR related documents we have to do, and then IT would only have to make sure that everyone who needs to sign those docs has a license for the software. Based on the response I assume that our HR department will be moving into the 2010s sometime after my work-o-meter has expired 7-8 years from now. Unless I toss this idea out to the CEO the next time I talk to him...
My company had started using the "Docusign" software product a couple of years before I retired. Our sales force had to sign certain documents annually, and it was a massive undertaking to get those thousands of documents signed, sent to HR, logged, and then conduct follow-up for those not received.
I suspect they may have moved to Docusign for the new hire paperwork by now, especially with pretty much everyone working from home during the pandemic (and a general trend toward WFH had already been taking place even before that). The I-9 form had been a particular pain point, and before I left, we had already moved to a more automated I-9 solution that was being provided by our background check vendor.
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