[mverta]

My HP 6127 just died. I've had HPs and Epsons over the years - both fairly scumbag companies but the printers have been all right. We need color, speed, lasting ink, ability to print envelopes, and networking (Ethernet... WiFi would be a bonus).

I've done the preliminary research, but I'm hoping for a few anecdotal reports on which printer you're happy with...


Thanks!

_Mike

[trofaster]

I have got an HP 9180, and have been very happy with the results. Colours are wondefull, and it delivers the blackest black i've ever seen on matte-paper. HP claims the prints will last 200 years (if stored in a dark, acid-free, airtight, humidity and temperature regulated container), but i haven't had it long enough to see if its true.

/rune

[JCAddy]

I too have a 9180 and it rocks! I have had no complaints other than the fact that HP uses cartridges that you have to replace when one color is low but the others still have life. I like Epson because they use multiple cartridges per color.

[Frances]

... HP claims the prints will last 200 years (if stored in a dark, acid-free, airtight, humidity and temperature regulated container), but i haven't had it long enough to see if its true.

[tom]

Mike, I've also been struggling with HPs and Epsons over years and finally found the bride. She's a Xerox! How do they say... uhm, Just do it!

I think this would be fair enough in terms of performance/price...
http://www.office.xerox.com/printers/co ... /enus.html

..and consider others here. Also there seems to be a remarkable debates for 6180.
http://www.office.xerox.com/printers/co ... /enus.html

[codygo]

I'll toss in my vote for xerox, I have the 6180 and think it's the best value in its price range, has networking and is a true postscripting printer. Laser isn't going to be as nice as the best inkjets, but injets will never print out vector art and text as well as a laser printer,and it's certainly cheaper and faster. I can also verify that the printer works well in xp x64, vista business 64 and linux. My only regret is not getting the duplex option.

[Bubbaloo]

I can vouch for the Epson 3800, but it is mostly a color presentation/photo printer. The ink is too expensive for everyday use... People in the office keep sending their timesheets to it.

[lebbeus]

I've got the Epson 3000, so I sympathize with the price of ink (it's around $300 for a full complement of 4 colors). I've only run three projects on it (which totally paid for the printer); mostly just sits on the shelf collecting dust now.

I've got a crappy Epson 300 photo that does very good color reproduction, plus it can print directly on CD/DVDs though it's only 8.5x11. It was only $149 at the time I bought it.

I've heard good things about the higher-end Canons (PixmaPro 9000) as well as the Epsons (1400 and up), though getting towards the "proofing"-style printers starts to sacrifice speed a bit as well as increase the cost of ink (though you get better archival ability and reproduction).

Though the best printer in the world won't do you any good if you're using poor quality paper…

[rshanks]

My Epson Stylus Photo R2400 keeps on cookin'. It's a mid-sized printer 13" x 19" or Super B/A3. It uses 8 ink cartridges. Makes beautiful prints on Inkpress Luster paper. . . . Yeap. The inks are expensive and I only use Epson inks.

I'm a product designer and photographer. To me, the output is worth the expense.

[ivox3]

lebbbeus mentioned the Canon Pixma Pro 9000 ..

I have one.

I will never ever ever ever ever own another Epson again. The 9000 is definitely a high-end printer, ..but mostly, ...it's been absolutely trouble free for close to 2 years with non-stop usage (mostly 13 x 19 prints).

It uses an 8 color ink system and doesn't run through them as quick as my 3 prior Epsons. (around $13/per at Best Buy and the same online, ...Staples is gouging at $16 ) )

I also have a smaller Canon( Pixma ip4300) ..... same experience. Perfect.

[Thomas An.]

Guys ... about ink -->
http://www.alotofthings.com/viartshop/index.php

I use them, am impressed, and I can vouch for this guy's service. It is the most thorough one I know. It takes some doing from your end; fiddling with ink, and finding out how to reset the cartridge ink chip (there is usually some key sequence that will reset the printer) ... but I feel the cost savings are worth the hassle.

About printers:
I use a Canon Pixma MX310, but I would *not* recommend it.

[-Adrian]

lebbbeus mentioned the Canon Pixma Pro 9000 ..

I will never ever ever ever ever own another Epson again. The 9000 is definitely a high-end printer, ..but mostly, ...it's been absolutely trouble free for close to 2 years with non-stop usage (mostly 13 x 19 prints).

I also have a smaller Canon( Pixma ip4300) ..... same experience. Perfect.

I have a Pixma MP610, same here. Best printer i have owned so far. (had HP & Epson)