I need a simple basic printer please.

mima · ‎03-14-2010

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.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

There are really no more simple printers unless you find one that is older than dirt that will work w/his computer.

Most if not all can print just b&w & are wireless. Keep in mind that wireless printers are also wired & USB connected if necessary. Sometimes the USB cable is included but not always.

For simplicity, go to a Best Buy, Staples or Office Max in your hood. Take your FIL w/you. The staff will let him check it out.

Off hand, Epson is pretty simple. At least for my needs.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

I bought my Canon Pixma 2520 (or is it 2550?) for $20.00 online. Refill ink costs more. Basic black and color printer. Had it for about 6 months- no problems.

BalletBabe · ‎03-05-2011

I bought an HP from QVC a few months ago. I Love it. Keep in mind this. What computer program is he using? I have a beautiful printer that I love and it won't work with wiindows 10. Just saying incase you decide on a used one. I would go to staples or a best buy and tell them what you are looking for and they can maybe give you some suggestions.

Any HP printer gives you the option to buy into their ink program, but unless he prints a lot, it isn't worth it.

mima · ‎03-14-2010

@Mz iMac My problem is that we live in a dinky town with just a Walmart. He is in bad health and would not be able to shop in the city. He wants me to buy it online. He has a printer that is only 1 year old and paper is jammed in it. I told him I'd try to fix it and he says no, he wants a new one that the paper won't jam in. LOL Ok....How do I know which one that is?

He wants to get rid of the one he has and he says he wants a good, simple, heavy duty one. I sure don't want to order him one and then he won't like it and I'll be the one sending it back.

I have a feeling this is going to be a mess (for me).

Thanks for your reply.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

HP Envy 4520. It was about $50 at Staples a few months ago. Reliable and easy to use.

Krimpette · ‎03-09-2010

@mima If your dad is replacing his new one because it has jammed, I'm afraid he might be fighting a losing battle. Unless he's very careful whenever he has to load paper in the tray, there exists the possibility of a jam. I wish he's just let you clear the jam for him. Hate to see him buy a new printer whenever one jams. Poor man. I understand his angst, since I'm not thrilled when my printer jams either!!!!

mima · ‎03-14-2010

@Krimpette I agree with you. I think he is wasting his money too. He says the one he has gives him a message he is using the wrong paper. He said he's probably getting the message because he buys cheap paper? I've never heard of that and don't think it is right. I have not seen the message persoanly though. I think you have the picture of what I'm up against. Thanks for understanding.

mima · ‎03-14-2010

@BalletBabe wrote:
I bought an HP from QVC a few months ago. I Love it. Keep in mind this. What computer program is he using? I have a beautiful printer that I love and it won't work with wiindows 10. Just saying incase you decide on a used one. I would go to staples or a best buy and tell them what you are looking for and they can maybe give you some suggestions.

Any HP printer gives you the option to buy into their ink program, but unless he prints a lot, it isn't worth it.

@BalletBabe I don't 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. He would never do the instant ink program. He has me order generic ink cartridges (or refilled) online for him.

Staples or Best Buy is 100 miles from here.

Is yours the one with the instant ink program? That one gets good reviews, however if you don't want to join the instant ink program some of the reviews say you get a constant message to join. I know he would get irritated with that.

Thanks for your reply!

BalletBabe · ‎03-05-2011

@mima wrote:
@BalletBabe wrote:
I bought an HP from QVC a few months ago. I Love it. Keep in mind this. What computer program is he using? I have a beautiful printer that I love and it won't work with wiindows 10. Just saying incase you decide on a used one. I would go to staples or a best buy and tell them what you are looking for and they can maybe give you some suggestions.

Any HP printer gives you the option to buy into their ink program, but unless he prints a lot, it isn't worth it.

@BalletBabe I don't 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. He would never do the instant ink program. He has me order generic ink cartridges (or refilled) online for him.

Staples or Best Buy is 100 miles from here.

Is yours the one with the instant ink program? That one gets good reviews, however if you don't want to join the instant ink program some of the reviews say you get a constant message to join. I know he would get irritated with that.

Thanks for your reply!

I believe all HP printers come with a ink program. I purchased one from Q and then about 3 weeks later my desktop crashed. I wasn't going to replace it, but found I could get a new tower for just 299.00 and they threw in a printer for 30.00. They are both HP and both offered the automatic ink, but you have to sign up for it, which when I registered mine I chose not to sign up for it. They have never bothered me about it. Do you have any stores around that sell printers? Might give you a better idea what you want. The one from Q was easy set up, and one from staples was a pain to set up. I was setting both up wireless. If he is not doing wireless, they are all easy. He can choose to print in black and white. Hope this helps good luck!