Anyone ever use a laser printer + scanner as a copier?

[flot]

Thought you guys might have some ideas -

My dad needs a cheap copier for his small office. What he really needs is one of those $250 multifuntion machines, but I don't think he's going to be happy with the quality of their inkjet "copies."

I notice most new scanners have "copy" buttons on the front. Has anyone ever tried to use one + a good printer as a copier? He has a ncie 12 ppm 600 dpi laser printer, which has excellent print quality. It'd be fantastic if he could hook up a cheap scanner, and get good copies out of it.. I suspect this is too much of a hack, but on the off chance that that stuff works really well, I thought I'd ask.

Anyone ever used that "for real" as a copier solution? It would have to be 100% transparent to my dad, he definitely is not a technologically oriented person.

 

[Rallispec]

i've used the multifunction machines before with the inkjet printeres... and at least the one i used worked really well. a lot of newer inkjets have near laser printer quality.

i dont know how well scanning and printing would work though, or how easy that would be. it would be a much slower process.. you'd have to wait for the image to scan which takes a while.

 

[Viper GTS]

Do a search for "copier" on officedepot.com, they have lots of laser copiers under $500 that are actually designed as copiers.

Viper GTS

 

[thebestMAX]

Have an older HP100a that scans and copies. Works ok but not great. Also have to be able to send a single sheet through where a flat bed lets you use a book for the source.

Also have a Visioneer flat bed scanner and the copies from this are great. (going to the laser printer)

Remember, ink jet copies are expensive and if you dont need color, a scanner and a laser will be cheaper long run.

My advise, get a cheap scanner. Once set up, just push the button.

 

[RossMAN]

Assuming he has an excellent scanner (Epson Perfection or one of the new Canon 1240U's) that would work but it seems like unnecessary clutter.

He could buy this for $349.99 - $30 off $150 coupon - $50 rebate - free shipping = $270

I think the best bang for your buck multifunctional printer is the HP PSC750 for $219.99 after $30 off $150 coupon with free shipping at Staples.com

If you're looking for a good scanner to compliment his laser printer I'd read these reviews.

 

[vi edit]

What are the main uses going to be for? Is color essential? How many copies/prints will he be doing?

 

[Sensor]

There's a new thread in Hot Deals about a Brother multifunction...

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=40&threadid=833276

Just because it's a multi-device doesn't mean it's inkjet. However, in response to your question, I currently use a Brother HL1440 and a Visioneer 8800 USB for copying. Comes out great; on close inspection I can see it's not a photocopy, but who cares? Rebate companies certainly don't.

--Ed