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Which Printer to Buy

31 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/which-printer-to-buy.139039/

Zangetsu
Zangetsu Original post #1
Apr 7, 2011 at 3:58 PM
Hi Guys,

Dad is asking me to buy a printer....

So,now I need a printer which can scan,print & xerox.I dnt want fax feature..

so which brand & model is best.
I have two brands in mind HP & Cannon.

It should be color printer.

Budget:5~6k
gagan007
Apr 7, 2011 at 4:25 PM
Canon MP 258
I think it is slightly less than 4K
Zangetsu
Apr 7, 2011 at 5:07 PM
Canon MP 258
I think it is slightly less than 4K

Thanx..

But Is HP better than Canon.Coz sum of my frnds say dat Cartridge of HP is easily available & color reproduction is good in HP
abirthedevil
Apr 7, 2011 at 5:40 PM
i have been using HP print scan copy F4288 for 2 years now, no problems what so ever other than the cartridge being a bitt expensive if memory serves me right it cost me aound 4k
Sid_hooda
Apr 7, 2011 at 5:47 PM
Just get a decent canon ink jet printer and refill cartridges (not at shady shops though) instead of buying new ones. Get an HP one only if you want a laser printer.

HP software is a pain in the ass and its printers are more expensive while its cartridges and tones are significantly cheaper.
HP might be a touch ahead in the no. of service centers too though they take ages to do the simplest if things.
Zangetsu
Apr 7, 2011 at 6:11 PM
ok I have increased my budget to 7k & shortlisted Canon MP497
gagan007
Apr 7, 2011 at 6:19 PM
Actually I am using HP F4488 and have no complaints except the fact that buying a single cartridge worth Rs.950 have burnt my pocket thrice. I purchase two more of them and it equals the cost of printer!!!

I do not know for sure if I should complain at all because the kind of picture quality (photo prints) I get is same as we get in any studio.

My friend has Canon printer and says that he gets his cartridge refilled for as low as 250!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(
That's where it pains most!
Zangetsu
Apr 7, 2011 at 6:23 PM
My friend has Canon printer and says that he gets his cartridge refilled for as low as 250!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(
That's where it pains most!

u mean Canon Cartridges costs less than HP Cartridges :-|
Btw u purchase new cartridges or refill the ol one???
gagan007
Apr 8, 2011 at 10:39 AM
I purchased new one. Tried to get it refilled at couple of shops. Even before I could ask for anything else, those people said we don't take guarantee if it damages your printer! Obviously, I backed out and purchased a new cartridge. Moreover in another thread someone quoted that HP cartridges are programmed in such a way that if they get emptied, a flag/switch is set so that you can't use it again even after refilling!
Zangetsu
Zangetsu #10
Apr 8, 2011 at 10:53 AM
^^Hmm..& I've also read somewhere dat Installing HP printer drivers is pain in a$$.....
u can start the setup & go for a walk with ur doggy...
gagan007
gagan007 #11
Apr 8, 2011 at 10:56 AM
hehehe yes, that's very true :)
I have no idea what does it keep doing. That's why I suggested Canon. Even the retailer (Croma actually) told me that all printers have Canon hardware (a bit exaggerated I guess) but when it comes down to quality HP and Canon are same.

And it is good that you are going for MP497. Its a beauty :)
gagan007
gagan007 #13
Apr 8, 2011 at 11:11 AM
after you posted it here I checked out its details in Canon India site immediately. Really worthy of its price
Zangetsu
Zangetsu #14
Apr 19, 2011 at 6:07 PM
^^ My frnd says both HP & Canon performance & output is same only HP service centers are more than Canon....

He himself owns HP 1050 printer & said the driver installed in less than 10mins

what do u say gagan
gagan007
gagan007 #15
Apr 19, 2011 at 6:39 PM
yes, your friend is right. BTW I do not agree with the driver installation. Mine took around 20-30 minutes. Print quality is great, I have taken many impressive photo printouts. Scanning is also good.

I do not have any issues with my printer except the cost of cartridge. As said earlier too, I purchase 4-5 such cartridges and they'll cover the cost of printer. Sounds like a joke.

The point about service centers can't be ignored. Like in B'lore there are 20-22 HP SC, while for Canon there are only 5 :D
masterkd
masterkd #16
Apr 19, 2011 at 8:28 PM
hey i have f4488 too and iirc i mainly advised you that model..my driver loads within 10 mins too but its true that driver installation is PITA as you need to revise what should be installed as it installs lots of junk useless things as well and cartridge prices are sky high!!
A
acewin #17
Apr 19, 2011 at 9:15 PM
@gagan, your friend must be getting the cartridges refilled rather than buying new, no new cartridge can cost 250 bucks. HP cartridges cost per print would be lesser than canon.

canon printers IMO would be more costly than similar featured and output giving HP printer
1050 is a laser printer. HP PCL 6 is the software they universally use for managing different printers, it may take little more time but there is no issue software-wise for HP.
the most basic laser printer from canon is similar to 1020 or 1050, but as of what I have heard from a retailer is that, the cartridge used both in canon and HP are same, except canon labelled would be little cheaper than HP
mohityadavx
Apr 20, 2011 at 10:07 AM
@ Zangetsu if u r buying cartridge based printer (inkjet) then go for hp due to easy availability of cartridge.

If u will buy toner based printer then go for any however i would recommend u for BROTHER as one brother printer is in my Dad's office and i have used several times and also toner based printer are very cost effective irrespective of the brand.
K
kris80 #19
May 9, 2011 at 4:09 PM
for years I've been using the hp photo printer... and for now it's still working... and it's not hard to find a ink cartridges to refill.... I find this site HP 45 and buying one one HP 92298A.
R
rock_dj #20
May 20, 2011 at 9:08 AM
Hi guys...i am also looking for a HP printer. Streamlined to Hp 1050. Any suggestion to go for this or should i choose any other HP printer around that budget?
A
Jun 27, 2011 at 7:59 PM
One of my friends want to buy a photo printing printer as he runs a studio. He asked the best in about 4-5K but I said to extend his budget. He is ready for 7K and nothing beyond that. he will be doing refill. Other need is scanning. An HP F2100 (about 3.5-4K) is in his mind but still want to check for other options.
Sarath
Sarath #22
Jun 27, 2011 at 10:24 PM
I got this
*www.thinkdigit.com/forum/overclock...ost-your-latest-purchase-272.html#post1400641

still doing good. Whats your budget?

How does it matter how long the driver installation take. Its only the first time right.
MegaMind
MegaMind #23
Jun 29, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Guys i hav the same ques....
A decent printer for ~4K
Purpose - printing tickets, some documents(mainly Black)...

If possible can include other options too...
Sarath
Sarath #24
Jun 29, 2011 at 11:48 PM
get the cheapest printer with the price of cartridges being cheaper too. You dont even have to spend 4k for that.

Light printing: A decent 2-4k inkjet printer. Catridge price: always ask for this. Always!

Heavy printing: A 200+pages then a laser jet starting from 5k maybe less will do. However for home use it wont be VFM.
MegaMind
MegaMind #25
Jun 29, 2011 at 11:53 PM
get the cheapest printer with the price of cartridges being cheaper too. You dont even have to spend 4k for that.

Light printing: A decent 2-4k inkjet printer. Catridge price: always ask for this. Always!

Heavy printing: A 200+pages then a laser jet starting from 5k maybe less will do. However for home use it wont be VFM.

I hav no idea abt printers.. So suggest some good models...
Sarath
Sarath #26
Jun 30, 2011 at 1:28 AM
I dont have much idea about models. I just went to the shop found a printer, quickly googled some reviews about it and purchased it.

Just make sure it is not very old and its cartridges are cheap.

My prev HP printer costing 3k had cartridges worth 1700 each C and Black.

Wait for a little while for more people to give in their inputs.
MegaMind
MegaMind #27
Jul 1, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Theitdepot - HP Deskjet 2050 All-in-One Printer -- HP all-in-one Deskjet 2050

Theitdepot - HP Deskjet 1050 All In One Printer -- HP all-in-one Deskjet 1050

Theitdepot - Canon Pixma MP287 All-in-One Inkjet Printer -- Canon Pixma MP287 All-in-One Inkjet Printer -- slightly overshoots your budget.

Of these, which would b a good buy?
Sarath
Sarath #28
Jul 1, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Numerically 2050 seems like an update over the 1050 but I found reviews with good performance for both.
Zangetsu
Zangetsu #29
Jul 3, 2011 at 8:07 PM
Finally bought

Canon Pixma MP287
MegaMind
MegaMind #30
Jul 3, 2011 at 8:42 PM
^^Congos, tell us ur feel with it.. Or if possible make a short review...

Does MP287 has three colour cartridges?
Zangetsu
Zangetsu #31
Jul 4, 2011 at 10:03 AM
^^Congos, tell us ur feel with it.. Or if possible make a short review...

Does MP287 has three colour cartridges?

thanx...

MP287 has only 2 cartridges (Black & Color) :-D
& overall installation is sooo easy + driver installation