Electronics

[Mz iMac]

@mima

"know what computer program he is using, but it isn't Windows 10.  It is older than that.  I know he wouldn't have updated it."

You will need to find out which OS he is using.  Then you will need to find a printer that is compatible w/your FIL CURRENT OS system.  You can check out the printers system requirements on the manufacturer website.

Judging by what you have stated about your FIL, he does not like changes and will be intimadated by an OS upgrade.  People his age do not like changes especially when it comes to technology.  You have your work cut out for ya.

"we live in a dinky town with just a Walmart."

If I was in your position, I would go down to Walmart, buy enough printer paper to last for a few months or buy a case of it, un jam your FIL printer & tell him it's fix.

OR

Let your husband deal w/his own father.

GOOD LUCK!  You're gonna need it.

[glb613]

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@mima wrote:

My husband's stepdad wants my help in buying a printer.  Keep in mind he is 80+ years old and  not real computer savvy.  He only needs black and white, however I see most if not all are color unless it is a laser printer.  He wants a good built one.  Doesn't need any frills such as fax or wireless.

I read on Amazon that their top selling HP (around $59) gives you a message to buy into their ink program for every page printed unless you remove some software or something like that.  I can't have any problems similar to that for him.

I need SIMPLE to set up.

Thanks for any suggestions.

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Look into a simple B&W laser printer.  You can buy one for the same price as an inkjet and they are cheaper to use.  One toner cartridge will probably last him forever. 

[NickNack]

I've used both HP and Canon printers.  I much prefer Canons.  I think they are simpler to use and better printers in general.

[Carolm]

About four years ago (maybe a little longer) I purchased an HP laser printer with no bells or whistles.  It is wireless but can also be connected to the computer with a cable.  I decided that because I didn't need color, I would go with laser and I find that it has been more economical than the ink jet printers.  I've purchased only one ink casette since the starter one included with the printer, and it has been relatively trouble free, and was easy to install.  Just be sure that whatever you buy will work with his computer.

Good luck with your search.

[mima]

Thank you all for your information.  The laser printer might be the answer  BECAUSE he is insisting he only needs black and white.  You have all been very helpful.

@Mz iMac  You have him nailed to a tee!  LOL  He wants a printer like he had a long time ago!

[Scooby Doo]

I just bought at HP 3833 at Sams Club on sale for $49.  It was easy to set up and I don't have any problems using it.  I also saw a Canon on sale at Walmart for $16.  My DD has that one and she says it is really good.  Before you buy, check out the price of the ink refills for that particular model.  Some are cheaper than others.  Also, be sure to see if the color ink is separate from the B&W.  You don't want just one ink cartridge.

The HP printer I bought asked me if I wanted to have the ink sent to me on a regular basis.  I said no and bypassed that issue.  I have the option of printing in color or B&W so I can save ink.

I think with any printer you have to be careful to not overload the paper or it will jam.  It also has to be set in straight or it will jam.  Maybe you could show him to do that.

If you only have a WM in town, I'd buy it on line and have it delivered to that store.  If you don't like it, you can take it back to the store.  They have some good ones on their website.