Please Recommend me a Printer (MF)

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dangfx

Gawd
Joined
May 2, 2001
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707
Hello all!
I am looking to get a new printer, and I'm wanting a multifunction device. Now, before you get all up in arms about how MFCs are so much crappier, I will say this: I don't need the best printing quality (ie, photos). I don't really print photos, ever, and as long as my text comes out decent, that's really what I care about. I have, however, found myself needing to scan or copy things more regularly. Besides, I've been very unhappy with my last Canon printer, and that was only a printer, so.... So, I'd like to try a multifunction. Some things I'd like:

-Needs to print, copy, and scan. Don't need to fax, but if it comes with it (as it seems most do), so much the better.
-Needs to be at least somewhat small/attractive!! My apartment is small, and I really need compactness. Looking good doesn't hurt either.
-Needs to be color (so none of those sleek Samsungs, unfortunately).
-WiFi wireless. The way my place is set up, I'd need to have it far away. 802.11 please, no bluetooth.
-Preferably not laser. Too expensive, both in terms of the ink/toner and the unit.

I THINK i've found something for under $150, but I'd like to get your input. Any help greatly appreciated!! :)
 
Bumped and subbed. I've been thinking about getting a new multifunction printer as well...like the OP I just need something that works well as a scanner and copier along with the usual printing stuff.
 
dangfx said:
Hello all!
I am looking to get a new printer, and I'm wanting a multifunction device. Now, before you get all up in arms about how MFCs are so much crappier, I will say this: I don't need the best printing quality (ie, photos). I don't really print photos, ever, and as long as my text comes out decent, that's really what I care about. I have, however, found myself needing to scan or copy things more regularly. Besides, I've been very unhappy with my last Canon printer, and that was only a printer, so.... So, I'd like to try a multifunction. Some things I'd like:

-Needs to print, copy, and scan. Don't need to fax, but if it comes with it (as it seems most do), so much the better.
-Needs to be at least somewhat small/attractive!! My apartment is small, and I really need compactness. Looking good doesn't hurt either.
-Needs to be color (so none of those sleek Samsungs, unfortunately).
-WiFi wireless. The way my place is set up, I'd need to have it far away. 802.11 please, no bluetooth.
-Preferably not laser. Too expensive, both in terms of the ink/toner and the unit.

I THINK i've found something for under $150, but I'd like to get your input. Any help greatly appreciated!! :)
Click to expand...

HP C4380 is an option. I have one and it's very convinient. Originally I bought it purely for printing wirelessly so I have stowed it away on a shelf. It folds up and hides away nicely :)

Edit: Just found out that it's now the C4580 and can be yours for $100 at newegg.com
 
The HP C4580 is pretty decent. I have it's not wireless sibling.

And OP, the print engines used in MF printers are the same as what is used in SF printers. There is no decrease in print quality across same the platform.
 
Epson Workforce 600

$150 at Amazon. I've tried HP, Canon, Lexmark, etc., but this Epson is the best multifunction I've ever owned.
 
Never buy a Lexmark.

I've had nothing but bad experiences with that printer brand.

Epson is a good choice.
 
Last edited:
Hey everyone,
thanks for the replies!

I was thinking about this one, it's gotten pretty good reviews from Amazon and others. Goes for about $100-$120.

http://www.brother-usa.com/mfc/modeldetail.aspx?PRODUCTID=MFC490CW&tab=spec

What do you think?

lt_shiro-
The Canon PIXMA MX700 doesn't do wireless.

gwarren007-
No, the Epson Stylus NX300 doesn't do wireless.

Darth Bobo-
The HP Photosmart C4580 does seem like it could be a possibility.

LR2-
The HP Officejet 6500 does seem like a nice machine, but I wanted something kind of small/sleek/compact/low profile. This is 18.7" x 16.14" x 10.16", which is a good deal larger than the C4580, which is 17.09" x 11.42" x 6.38", or the Brother unit I mentioned, which is 15.4" x 14.8" x 7.1".

Mr. Wolf-
The Epson WorkForce 600 seems nice, but it's also kind of big, at 18.1" x 13.6" x 9.3" (and that's folded up).


Anyone have any other opinions on the Brother or any other units?
 
Old Hippie,
Thanks for your reply :)
How would you compare it to other MF machines, like the HP ones?
 
I've had Canon and an HP AIOs but don't remember the model numbers.

The Canon had nice printing and pics but the software was bloated and horrible.

I would have kept the HP but there were no fax or scanner drivers for Vista.

The Brother's software is the best of the three but print quality is the worst.

Like you, I'm not picky about print quality but I do need network capability, ease of use, and software that doesn't take 30 mins. to install.
 
Hey Old Hippie,
Thanks for the informative response. :)

Now, when you say the "Brother's ... print quality is the worst," do you mean to say it's REALLY (very noticeably) bad? Is the text printing even bad too? I print mostly black text, but if it can't even do this somewhat well, I might move onto the next...
 
The quality is just not as "crisp" as the other two I've had.

It's perfectly acceptable, just not as nice.
 
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