Odd Job for a Printer

LTooSerious2 on 27/01/2022 - 10:59

Looking for advice for a printer with a particular role. We want a community printer that different people could share. It will have power (obviously) but no connection to a computer or network is available.

So we want a printer that people can just walk up to and print regular documents, maps etc. We are looking at BlueTooth, maybe, or USB direct (or a printer with a cord that people just plug their laptop or phone into). Most community members are older, and simple is essential.

Printing will be light but irregular, so laser over inkjet. We are strongly leaning towards colour because we print out property, fire and other maps as well as some photos.
We haven't decided if we need a scanner yet and probably could go either way on this.

Hoping to draw on the wisdom of OzBargain. Thanks

Computing

Comments

  • MS Paint on 27/01/2022 - 11:01
    +3

    Would it be easier just to swing by your local council library and pay per use?

    • TooSerious2 on 27/01/2022 - 11:06

      We (a community of about 30 people) are at least 40 minutes' drive from the nearest town and library. At the moment, anyone without a printer asks their neighbours and if they have no luck does as you suggest. But we are just looking for a better solution. NOTE: I just bought myself a very cheap PIXMA (and will pay for it in cartridges) and people are welcome to use it, but we'd like a system where people didn't have to ask permission from someone or do our printing at someone else's house.

      • mapax on 27/01/2022 - 11:33

        At least 40 minutes from the nearest town sounds good, roughly where is that?

        • MS Paint on 27/01/2022 - 11:38

          I wouldn't go there. It appears they have a lot of fires or are @nal about WH&S.

        • TooSerious2 on 27/01/2022 - 11:43

          Well hidden, mostly burnt out and filled with hazaards.

          • mapax on 27/01/2022 - 12:10

            @TooSerious2: What kind of hazards? During my career I have fought fires, dealt with floods, handled venomous snakes, been f.o.s. at multiple vehicle incidents and I control dangerous wild animals. The mention of WH&S sounds TooSerious and positively frightening though…

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 27/01/2022 - 11:11
      +6

      A4 laser no scanner, colour and wifi, just go something like HL-L3230CDW - sub $300

  • ktvibes on 27/01/2022 - 11:34
    +3

    I think you'd be looking for a printer that has WiFi Direct, where the printer itself broadcasts its own WiFi network that people can connect to from their devices and then print.
    I doubt you'll find something that people can connect up to via a cable (especially for phones) without downloading and installing the relevant printer driver.
    +1 on the model Jimothy suggested - that has WiFi Direct and should be pretty reliable.

  • TooSerious2 on 27/01/2022 - 11:42
    +3

    Thanks everyone. That was fast. WiFi Direct was the knowledge I was missing. Feel free to continue to offer advice (if you felt permission was required) but I think I've got it from here.

  • Peter Enis on 27/01/2022 - 12:11
    +2

    What about getting printer that has a USB port, where people plug their USB stick in and print directly. I'm sure there are MFDs that also allow you to scan directly to a USB stick.

  • AndyC1 on 29/01/2022 - 13:34

    If you do allow USB printing DO NOT allow people to directly use the USB port on the printer as it will get wrecked as occurs at print it yourself stations i the big cities. Put in a small say 50cm USB 3.0 extension cable and somehow make sure it is not able to be removed, which will be hard. Buy a few USB extension cables so that when one gets wrecked you can replace it quickly and easily.

    • TooSerious2 on 29/01/2022 - 14:50

      Thanks for the tips Peter and Andy. Looks like Timothy's suggestion does USB. Cables are a great idea. Tape may be used to secure - only because I can't think of a way to do it with cable ties.

      • AndyC1 on 29/01/2022 - 14:54

        Can only try. Use some of the cloth tape that has the reinforcing mesh in it so that then it is very hard to take off.

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