Printer help

[shawn fenwick]

What printer does everyone use? I've got a Lexmark 4550x and it's really good, prints nice with great colour but the ink isn't cheap. I will soon need a new one as this is just an ordinary domestic one and I'm not sure what to get. I would rather get one on a recomendation from somebody than make an expensive mistake. Any thoughts?

[Happy Wrapper Karen]

I'd recommend a color laser printer if you plan to print a lot of things in the future.  Initially, it's more expensive, but in the long run I think you'll save money.  Do an advanced search with the magnifying glass and type in laser printer and see what you come up with.  It has been discussed several times in the past few years.  I personally have a Konica-Minolta bizhub C30P and like it a lot.  The toners have lasted a LONG time.  It prints fast and the image quality is good.  The only drawback with many lasers is that photos are not quite as nice as they are with an inkjet. 

[Dionne Pulvirenti]

I agree. A colour laser is great as everything you print will be totally smudge proof (toner is completely waterproof as oppose to inkjet inks that are not). I've got an OKI c5650 and am very happy with it. I can't honestly say whether they are cheaper to run as i've never run an inkjet and a laser side by side, but the general consensus is that they do work out more cost efficient in the long run.

Just bear in mind that a laser printer is usually bigger and heavier than an inkjet, so if you planned on moving it around, then a laser probably isn't the best choice.

It is a difficult decision and pretty split, so base your decision on how you plan to use it for the most part.

Good luck!
Dionne x