Looking for a new printer need suggestions

[leglez]

I recently got my own place and have no printer. So do print anything is a hassle, so I am looking to purchase a printer.

I would like the following, but not sure if it will be best to achieve it in 1 device or not.

-Cheap cartridges (might consider laser if there is a good deal)
-Mac Compatible
-Would like a network printer to future proof, but if not possible that is fine
-Color and Black ink
-Ability to print onto cd/dvd (Like this)
-It will mostly be used for printing documents, but some pictures might be printed every once in a while if I make something in photoshop that I like. It will also be used to put disc art on production dvds that I make
-Ideally under $100, the less the better.
-Would like a scanner, but not required

Thanks!

 

[mpilchfamily]

Laser printers are very expensive and so are the toner cartridges. But you do get more prints per cartridge then an ink jet. So long term cost can be lower.

 

[leglez]

Ah ok well I think I will just stick with an ink jet then. Any suggestions?

 

[nerp]

Laser printers aren't that expensive.

I spent $55 for a Samsung ML-2510 @ newegg recently when it was on sale with free shipping.

 

[leglez]

Are there any laser printers that can print onto cd/dvds that are color and black and under $100?

 

[Zepper]

No laser printer can print directly onto CD/DVD discs. Generally only some Epson and that model HP inkjets are it in the US unless you want to mod a Canon to Euro specs - the parts are available and it's not too hard to do. Instructions are all over the place. The HP seems to have integrated head cartridges which are likely to cost $$$s. Be aware that Canon recently started shipping printers with yet a new generation of chipped tanks that both cost more and contain less ink than the previous generation (PGI5/CLI8 tanks) as the folks had created many ways around the earlier roadblocks.
. If modding an earlier gen. Canon is the way you choose, go to the forums at nifty-stuff.com for lots of info on their stuff (refilling, clone chips, clone tanks, disc print mods, etc.

I'd prefer using paper labels for my discs rather than finding a printer that will print on the discs, as I would decide based on the primary usage which printer to get. The only necessity for paper labels is a way to get them nearly perfectly centered so there are limited balance issues in today's high speed drives. The better disc labeling systems come with a jig for getting good alignment of the labels.

.bh.

 

[Lemon law]

Unless you can find an decent used inkjet unchipped Canons based on the BCI-3&6 cartridges, the present canons based on the CLI-5&8 cartridges are something to be recommended on the new market if you are willing to learn how to refill your own cartridges. Which is very easy on either model.

With either of those Canon type models, ink consumable costs will be about 3 cents per 5% coverage page and about 8 cents for mixed color. Using OEM Canon cartridges.

Refilling can slash those costs by a factor of 5x to 10x, depending on how much ink you buy at a time. But for Cli-5&8 type printers, you may have to invest $40.00 or so in a chip resetter.

In terms of printing to CD&DVD, a DVD drive with labelflash or lightscribe technology might be the better way to go if you need it only occasionally.

In terms of most prosumer single cartridges lasers, consumable costs are usually in the 2-3 cents a page range but non-oem toner cartridges can cut that cost.

 

[Griffinhart]

For printing directly to DVD/CDs, I really do love my epson. I have the Epson RX680. Currently they are pretty cheap directly from Epson's web site. $80.
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/S...ookie=yes&oid=63069505

It's an all-in-one, though it does not have fax capabilities. I picked one up from CompUSA at the beginning of the year when they were closing. I couldn't say no to it at $50 after a rebate.

The CD/DVD printing works extremely well, photo's are outstanding and with Epson Paper and Ink are supposed to not fade for 100 years if displayed 200 if stored. I love the built in Duplex printing as well. It really is a great printer for $80.

 

[leglez]

Thanks Griffinhart. That is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again!