Have you used a CISS?

[djlenoir]

I am in the market for a new printer right now. My Kodak ESP7 printer that is just over a year old decided to stop feeding paper from the paper tray. Kodak won't help because the printer is out of warranty. I had so many problems with the Kodak that I definitely won't be going back that route, despite the very affordable ink.

I have been researching new printers to replace the one I have now. Essentially, I am in the market for an all-in-one printer. My wife is in school and she also works part time from home, so we need a printer that has copy, scan and fax capabilities. I have narrowed it down to what I think are two solid choices, but I would like to get thoughts from others [H] members.

1. Epson Artisan 810
2. HP Officejet Pro 8500 Premier

I am sort of leaning towards the Epson right now, because I discovered during my research that there is a continuous ink supply system (CISS) available for this printer. There may be one for the HP also, but I have not located it in limited searching. Ink is so expensive, which is why I went with the Kodak. Using a CISS with the Epson would most likely be even cheaper than buying ink for the Kodak though.

My questions are: has anyone used a CISS? Did it work well? Would you recommend a CISS? Any thoughts on where to buy a quality CISS? Finally, any thoughts on these two printers, or another one that you think I should consider instead?

 

[bastage]

I am biased, but I like HP's.. I pay more for ink, but they have never failed me.. Also how many pages per month do you print.. From the sounds of it you guys would be better off with an all in one in laserjet & a separate inkjet for when you have to have color. the cost per page on laserjets is way lower & if you do alot of printing it will pay fot itself in ink after a year or 2..

 

[djlenoir]

I am biased, but I like HP's.. I pay more for ink, but they have never failed me.. Also how many pages per month do you print.. From the sounds of it you guys would be better off with an all in one in laserjet & a separate inkjet for when you have to have color. the cost per page on laserjets is way lower & if you do alot of printing it will pay fot itself in ink after a year or 2..

I had considered getting laser printer. However, I just don't think I really have space for two printers in my study. My wife basically prints out her entire book and everything for class as it is all posted online. Basically, she prints a multiple hundreds of sheets each semester. I have been averaging about three black print cartridges each semester so far. That can get expensive fast, which is why I was considering the CISS.

Any reason why you prefer HP? Is it over the Epson, or any Epson (or other brand)?

 

[bastage]

once upon a time ago I used to work for HP.. Bought a HP printer then & when it had to be replaced 5 years later I bought a lexmark.. About 6 months of owning the lexmark I went back to HP printers & haven't looked back since.. They typically last me 3-4 years although most of what I do is straight photo's now & they get replaced not because they stop working, but because I want something with more bells & whistles. The one I have now is about to be replaced after 3 years because the card reader wont read sdhc (not supported at all, but sdhc wasn't as prevalent when I bought it) so I have to do everything through my computer. So as soon as my current ink is gone so will this unit be.

Also as for space for a laser alot now have wifi & cost around a hundred bucks.. That way you dont have to keep it with the rest of your PC setup. The closet is always convient.

 

[billy.blue]

I had considered getting laser printer. However, I just don't think I really have space for two printers in my study. My wife basically prints out her entire book and everything for class as it is all posted online. Basically, she prints a multiple hundreds of sheets each semester. I have been averaging about three black print cartridges each semester so far. That can get expensive fast, which is why I was considering the CISS.

You definitely need a networked laser printer. Wireless would be ideal. Just bury it in a closet or something. You don't necessarily have to get a printer with integrated LAN. In fact, if you invest in a wireless print server now, you can replace printers at will. I never buy ink. I just replace my printer for less than the cost of ink. Last time, I got a Brother laser for about $40.