[GLLUG] New printer needed

[James Courtier-Dutton]

On 16 October 2014 17:05, Alain Williams <addw at phcomp.co.uk> wrote:
> My current printer (6 years old) is no longer working[**].
>
> So, I am looking for something new:
>
> * Low usage
>
> * I want colour - picture quality not needed
>
> * Multi function (print, scan, copy). Fax nice but not mandatory
>
> * Works with Linux (CentOS 6)
>
> * Consumables that do not cost the earth
>
> I have had a Samsung laser printer suggested (SL-C460FW  #309.99), a bit more
> pricey to buy but toner does not go dry/...
>
> http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/print-solutions/print-solutions/colour-multifunction-printer/SL-C460FW/SEE
>

For low use, the problem of ink jet printer ink drying up is a problem
for only occasional use, as you alluded to in you email.
I have a blank and white laser printer, as my use is also occasional.
I take a .jpg picture to the local print shop if I want colour prints.

Any printer that talks standard PCL or Postscript will work fine in
Linux. The problem comes round when you need to install some binary
print driver because the printer speaks some other language.
I have used HP printers in the past because most of them do PCL.
No one really uses fax any more. Everyone accepts PDF email
attachments instead now.

I have separate scanner and printer, because if one function stops
working, I don't have to buy a whole combined device again.
On problem with this approach is that you can scan on one, and printer
on the other to achieve "copy" feature, but not all printers have
enough RAM to print the hi res scans out. Just something to watch out
for.

Laser printers are really not much good at getting the mix of colours
right, so using it to print photos is unlikely to give good output.
It is find for doing documents with diagrams in though.

I also find it easier if the printer has its own network connection,
instead of USB or Parallel interfaces. They are more likely to be
compatible with Linux.


Kind Regards

James