Recommendation for a Inkjet Printer

nick90 on 19/11/2024 - 22:09
Last edited 20/11/2024 - 10:09 by 1 other user

Hi there, I'm looking at an Inkjet printer.

My HP OfficeJet 5220 is becoming a PIA. The printer loses time & it's constantly a hassle to print over Wi-Fi. Plus, the way HP is going with the fact that I need an account to scan documents is ridiculous. Additionally, while a Laser would be nice (I own an old Brother HL-2170w, which still works), I don't print much at all & don't have much real estate space in my office area. My requirements are the following.

  • Wi-Fi with AirPrint support
  • Can keep time & date settings.
  • Doesn't need an account to perform basic functionality (that will rule out all HP)
  • Ability to use third-party ink if I choose to
  • Document feeder for scanning.
  • Reasonable (for an Inkjet) pricing for ink.

Any input will be appreciated

Computing Inkjet Printer Printer

Comments

  • ChipsChicky on 19/11/2024 - 23:21
    +9

    Look into Epson Ecotank Printers Lineup. These are another type of ink based printers apart from InkJet and Laser, where actual liquid ink is used and these address issues related to inkjet (drying up quickly) and laser (cost). Other brands like brother, hp etc are also offering these ink based printers now but i was recommended Epson here and bought it.

    I have the very base model and I just refilled the Black Ink after a year, which costs $17 for Original Epson Ink. Knock offs at eBay are cheaper.

  • AustriaBargain on 20/11/2024 - 06:37
    +1

    Document feeder is going to add some size. Laser is less hassle imo, just don't update the firmware and buy generic toner in bulk so if one generic cart is bad you can just move to the next one, maybe ask vendor to replace the busted one.

  • wednesdayfaye on 20/11/2024 - 08:32

    If you don't print much at all laser might be better, inkjets need to be printed on at least once every couple of weeks or the ink starts clogging (I have an epson ecotank, and while I do really like it, it was a nightmare trying to unclog).

    My inkjet (epson ET-1810 I think)
    - small, fits on the shelf above my screens
    - cheaper ink with knockoffs and epson can't stop you from using non-epson ink
    - haven't needed an account for basic functionality so far, knock on wood
    - does need to be printed every couple of weeks or so or the ink will start clogging
    - no document loader for scanner, no paper tray for printer
    - never tried printing with it over wifi

    My laser (Brother MFC-L3760CDW Colour)
    - fat and heavy, sits under my desk and takes up a lot of space, but I also got the colour printer, there is a mono printer with a document feeder available and it looks a little shorter than mine)
    - has paper tray for printer and document feeder for scanner
    - toner is cheap
    - no account needed (so far)
    - I can print over wifi via brother app on my android (sometimes this takes ages and I don't know why but most of the time it's pretty fast, don't use apple so I don't know about airprint)

    • wednesdayfaye on 20/11/2024 - 10:08

      FYI: ecotanks CAN clog

      • GordonD on 20/11/2024 - 10:26

        FYI: ecotanks CAN clog

        Yes, but the ink is so cheap that you just need to remember to do a test print every couple of weeks to a month, and it costs you virtually nothing to do that.

        I've got a test print page that has letters in all colours so every print head jet is exercised, with a reminder to print it on the first of each month if the printer hasn't done much the previous month.

        • wednesdayfaye on 20/11/2024 - 11:13

          I know, but sometimes due to various reasons someone might forget to test print, and the various comments here seem to suggest that an ecotank doesn't clog at all, just trying to make it clear.

          There's an option in maintenance where you can do the little diagonal lines print test, I just use that instead of a test page. Don't have to fire up the PC or anything, just native print from the printer itself.

          • GordonD on 20/11/2024 - 15:37

            @wednesdayfaye: Yes, they very definitely do clog. I had yellow clog. It chewed up a lot of ink unclogging it because, unlike some previous printers, I didn't seem to be being offered the choice of unclogging just one colour.

            • wednesdayfaye on 20/11/2024 - 18:15

              @GordonD: If it clogs again try this, around the middle of the video, the bit with the syringe. I ended up just pushing the syringe back and forth until the ink flowed freely and my printer was unclogged.

  • iDroid on 20/11/2024 - 09:27

    A small laser printer will be about the same size as an ink jet but 100% better for anything that's not a photo.

  • Dolt2020 on 20/11/2024 - 09:53

    I second the Epson ecotank recommendation.

    Most inkjets suck if you don't print regularly and you don't want to be locked into OEM cartridge prices wasting ink on print head priming to get them going again.

    If you end up choosing a cartridge based printer at least check if there's 3rd party refillable cartridge and resettable chips available for the model (Widely available, but some models are just locked down by firmware and the only choice is OEM ).

    I've been using CISS (tank) for over 25 years (3 printers) and they have been great, just not everyone's cuppa as a solution. Switched to refillable/resettable for my second printer I bought earlier this year. Both going no probs.

    You can reliably check for 3rd party options for whatever model you may buy here at RIHAC before you hit the buy button

  • Bignudge on 20/11/2024 - 11:10

    Epson Ecotank models for the win. I feed my printer with the cheapest 3rd party ink I can find off eBay and it's been printing like a monster.

    I would reccomend you buying a 2nd handed unit off Facebook Marketplace if you're not after a top of the line one. I've seen budget ET1810 units go for like $100 before.

    Note: Nozzles drying out and clogging are normal with inkjet printers and a cleaning cycle may need to be ran once in a while.

  • soan papdi on 20/11/2024 - 12:16

    Brother has a tank-type printer now
    https://www.brother.com.au/en/contents/inkvestment

  • Dolt2020 on 20/11/2024 - 14:53

    I think I've bought at least 2 of my printers from Epson directly - from their refurbished range (both no probs). Generally quite a bit under from what is on offer best retail for new , plus free delivery (>100)

    Here's the link for their current stock of refurbished ecotanks

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