Posted by MagicLadyCA on 3/27/08 12:08am
Msg #240882

Printer models recommended

I"ve been surfing the orange search button tonight. It looks like HP printers are recommended more than others, ie, model HP1320; HP1300 and HP4100. One Brother Model HL5250 and lastly a Dell 1700. It also sounds like a lot of you have more than one printer in the office. Not one person recommended a SHARP, which is what I have used for four years. I had such poor success with jamming, streaking and toner issues and other endless minor repairs. I hated those last minute calls on top of that, so, I gave up on e-docs altogether for about a year (not a good idea).

In resurrecting my business, I am thinking of picking up a used or refurbished printer on EBay that will, hopefully be a more reliable 'workhorse', something I can count on and not dread using. Pretty much figure if I'm going to start playing with the Big Dogs again I'd better start out with the right equipment, any suggestions in single vs dual trays; HP, Brother or Dell? New or used on EBay or otherwise?

Also, do you all print the package letter and legal size, or just print the whole package legal size?

Thanks!

Reply by Teresa/FL on 3/27/08 12:36am
Msg #240884

I use HP printers

I started out five years ago with an HP1300, but upgraded in Dec. 2003 to a dual tray HP2300 which is my primary printer still today.

I have also acquired an HP1800 and an HP3390 both of which I carry around in my car to print on the go. I use the HP1800 to print docs on location and the HP3390 in the car to print/scan/copy when needed. I purchased a second tray for the 3390 to increase the available paper supply and enable me to print mixed packages.

I also bought an HP2605dn (color laserjet) last year when there was a rebate offer on this model so I could print my own marketing materials instead of depending on Staples or Offce Depot. The only non-HP equipment I own is a Brother MFC8420 that I use only for outgoing faxes.

As far as printing the packages, I print as formatted. If it's formatted with both letter and legal, that is what I print. If a company requests all legal, I confirm with them before printing to make sure that is what they really need. Sometimes they request all legal because they do not want you to "shrink to fit" on letter size or print it all on letter, cutting off the bottom of the legal size forms. If they know you have the capability of printing a mixed package, that is usually fine with them. Besides, legal paper costs more than letter, so I would rather not use all legal.

Reply by jba/fl on 3/27/08 12:53am
Msg #240886

Re: I use Brother printers

I have had success with them, and watch sales, manager's specials, etc. I buy from Brother's web site from their refurb. stock so essentially I get 2 for 1. I feel more comfortable with them vs. eBay where you really don't know the seller and how he will back his product (or if) if it goes phooey at an inopportune time. I refill my cartridges, which is very easy and fast, plus saves lots of money. I do have dual trays.

Lots of people of written here about their printer choices, NDWA is reliable, trustworthy, etc. and gets good deals too. He just offered some in the past few days.

Happy hunting and good luck with your choice!

Reply by christiSocal on 3/27/08 12:44am
Msg #240885

You might want to check with Andy (NDWA) I think he had some HP's to sell a day or so ago.
He knows his stuff!

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/27/08 1:00am
Msg #240887

Andy's the greatest, I have an HP 4100 from him

and I couldn't be happier with Andy's recommendations, his shipping and his help.

Reply by Ndwa on 3/27/08 3:02am
Msg #240894

Thanks all for the +'s n/m

Reply by DebbieT on 3/27/08 8:43am
Msg #240909

Re: Try overstock.om

I got mine from there. Its an HP 8150dn. Its a monster. It has two 500 sheet paper trays. The toner cartridges are 200.00 (they are huge) but I found 4 used ones on ebay for a total of 23 dollars. Someone was upgrading their equipment. Then I found a dealer for toner also on ebay. I got 5 gallons of toner for 123.00. The used cartridges can be used up to three times. I am still on the first one. I paid less for the used cartridges and toner than I would have paid for one new cartridge. The printer is like 500.00 on overstock.com. Its refurbished and if it comes with a problem they will pay for the shipping back and send another one. You just have to check out your options before you jump on something. I learned that with the printer I purchased before this one.

Reply by MagicLadyCA on 3/27/08 10:21am
Msg #240927

Re: Thanks!

Great information and help. You are the best!

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 3/27/08 12:56pm
Msg #240947

Re:Off Topic-Charles I clicked on your link

You look fabulous! I seldom frequent the board......you look so different, of course in a good way.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/27/08 4:50pm
Msg #241009

Thanks for the kind words Susan. n/m

Reply by Keys_Notary on 3/27/08 9:41am
Msg #240920

I've been very happy with Brother over the years. Actually have two of the first lasers they came out with (8 blazing fast pages per minute!) they still work but no longer have the technology updates beyond windows 95!

NewEgg has one on sale the HL2140 (23 ppm) for 81.99 with a $30 rebate, final cost $51.99. Heres the link

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828113290

I did buy 2nd tray and duplexer on ebay from surplus electronic dealer. That way I can set pdf to autoselect correct paper to print packages.

Good Luck!