topic Re: Printer in Electronics

Printer

Thundar — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 13:45:26 GMT

Ok, I admit I don't know much about technology. How do you buy a printer that is compatible with all of your different computers? What kind of printer do you not have to spend a lot of money on to buy ink? I need a printer but don't know where to start. Help! Thank you!

Re: Printer

CalminHeart — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 13:53:36 GMT

Stay away from Canon printers unless you're sure it functions with 5g internet. I bought one a year ago without realizing it functions only on 2.4g. I had to have my cable company set up a 2.4g option and still have to use a Canon app to get it to work.

A lot depends on how much you use the printer. Is it for work or occasional printing from home?

My next printer will be an Epson one that has ink tanks. With tanks, you can get non-brand ink for less money.

Re: Printer

FranandZoe — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:07:18 GMT

I have a Canon wireless all-in-one printer that's over 13 years old and I love it. I even have an older Canon that still works fine. Prior to the wireless Canon I had an HP with tanks - I forget why but I got rid of it. I can't speak to the 5G issue but I do like Canon printers.

Re: Printer

ValuSkr — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:15:34 GMT

If you do a lot of printing, I'd recommend a laser printer. They're pretty inexpensive now, especially if you don't get color. And the toner cartridges are economical, compared to ink for inkjet printers.

As far as compatibility with different computers, I think you'd have to do that on a case-by-case basis. For example, find a printer you like and check its specs to see which of your computers it's compatible with.

Re: Printer

mimomof4 — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:54:40 GMT

I don't need to print often. If you are in the same situation you can follow these same guidelines.

I purchase Ink Jet printers and buy inexpensive models. I purchased one for $30 during back to school sales which lasted years. A couple years ago I purchased another one for $100. There are online stores to save money on Ink. While buying HP ink is $50 for a duo I don't buy it that often.

I look for Wireless capability between my computer/phone/iPad. I tend to print from my phone/iPad most of the time. Mainly I look for cost considering that the printer isn't used very often. No need to spend a lot of money,

Re: Printer

Caffeina — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:24:52 GMT

Many newer printers are dual-band and will be compatible. It should be in the description. If it's not on the retailer's site, look on the manufacturer's site or ask the manufacturer. You can look at the manuals online.

Re: Printer

SilleeMee — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:36:17 GMT

Although wireless printers are convenient, they are less reliable than the wired variety. Many people find wireless to be their choice but many others have problems with it. Wired printers cost less and are easier to set up for the inexperienced user.

Re: Printer

Dragonflyveb — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:59:05 GMT

FWIW, I definitely recommend a printer with separate ink tanks. You only replace the one that is out, rather than all 3 colors.

Re: Printer

gadgetgal613 — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:51:02 GMT

@CalminHeart wrote:
Stay away from Canon printers unless you're sure it functions with 5g internet. I bought one a year ago without realizing it functions only on 2.4g. I had to have my cable company set up a 2.4g option and still have to use a Canon app to get it to work.

A lot depends on how much you use the printer. Is it for work or occasional printing from home?

My next printer will be an Epson one that has ink tanks. With tanks, you can get non-brand ink for less money.

I don't have any problems with my older Canon working with my internet. I have both options with my router and it finds the 2.4 g without me doing anything, on all of my computers and no app.

Re: Printer

Foxxee — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 19:05:08 GMT

I highly recommend an HP laser. They use powder ink cartridges that are easy to insert and last a long time.

If you stick with black ink only, you can get one reasonably priced. HP has long been known for its work horse printers.

Re: Printer

NickNack — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:53:32 GMT

I love my Canon printer. I've used primarily Canon printers since I've had a printer. It's compatible with my iPhone and MacBook Air. It was less than $100 and uses separate ink tanks. I use it every day.

I would highly recommend Canon. It doesn't have to be expensive.

Re: Printer

ValuSkr — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 23:50:32 GMT

My mother also has a Canon; I bought it for her a number of years ago. I don't think it gets a lot of use but it's been reliable and she's happy with it.

Re: Printer

gardenman — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 12:36:25 GMT

I'm also a laser printer fan. I don't print much or often and inkjets would often be dried up or clogged when I needed them. The laser printer is faster, far more reliable and cheaper to use. Mine was a Samsung and cost less than $50 brand new seven or eight years ago.

As to compatibility with computers, pretty much any printer should work with any recent computer. (Windows eight or later.) If you're still using an older computer than that, things get trickier, but compatibility shouldn't be an issue with any reasonably modern computer.

Re: Printer

NYCLatinaMe — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 20:48:25 GMT

I bought the Canon G3260 All-in-One Printer | Wireless Supertank (Megatank) Printer | Copier | Scan, with Mobile Printing a little over a year ago, and I am very happy with it. It is still available in Amazon for $20 less. Its only downside is no feeder for scanning and printing, if that is something that you need. If I wanted that, I would just buy the next model up.

The wifi printing has not been as reliable, and I bought a cable so I wouldn't have to worry about this.

I have printed a lot, and am still using the ink that came with it.

Before this, I had a Canon that lasted many years until I physically broke it. I was in a hurry to replace it and went to Staples and bought an HP, which is what they had on hand that met my needs. The printer started falling apart as I removed it from the box and required many calls to CS to get it to work.

Happy to be back with a Canon.