[SWLUG] cheap laser printers ??

[Foeh Mannay]

My 2p worth:

I've got a brother HL-1250, which I don't believe they make any more,  
but it's probably the best bit of computer related kit I've ever had.  
My last and only toner cost £40 for a high capacity unit but I've had  
the same one in it since 2000 and the print quality is pristine. Plus  
I've *never* had a paper jam. Jammed an envelope in it once but that  
was my fault :o) Speaks PCL and is supported under linux in its own  
right too. Flatbed, front feed, acetate capable and a very reliable  
(and deep) paper tray where the paper is flat so doesn't get dog-eared  
when not in use, and is concealed so you don't get dust on the rollers.

I've worked with HP lasers (1200s mainly) and they used to aggrevate me  
to be honest - no proper power switch, paper feeder is trash (jams /  
misfeeds / multi page feeds are common, lets dust fall straight on the  
mechanism) and there doesn't seem to be a flatbedding option. Plus the  
lights give next to no diagnosis of what any problem is. Toner about  
the same cost as for my Brother, only it does around half the coverage  
IIRC.

I think the similar looking things to my printer that are generally  
advertised tend to be win printers but a little higher up the range  
(and not much more money) you get the genuine article with a parallel  
port. They probably do an ethernet version now as well but I haven't  
looked at printers for years since I have no plans whatsoever to  
replace this one unless it's destroyed in a fire!

Foeh



On 04/19/04 11:33:24, Gareth Lewis wrote:
> Hi peeps,
> 
> Has anyone had a close look at the rash of 'cheap' laser printers  
> that
> are on the market these days ?
> 
> I've noticed that some machines are available for around 100 quid  
> BUT,
>   the one i looked at was a USB one - with dubious linux  
> conpatability
> and a new cart was 70 quid !
> 
> is it still a better bet to spend (quite a lot) more initially and  
> get
> a HP with ps and ethernet in the hope that any 'nix version should
> cope and i should be able to find recycled carts for a resonable  
> price
> ?
> 
> I don't print a whole lot of stuff at home, but that's partially the
> fault of my crappy inkjet.
> 
> G.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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