making copies with no computer....

[Gibson486]

is it possible to bypass the computer if I have a seperate scanner and printer? I want to make copies without the computer, but all the multifunction laser units are huge. They have a Brother that is a decent size, but the HP's are ginormous.

 

[Griffinhart]

I'm pretty sure that it would require interfacing with some software on your PC to get it working.

But just a couple of questions. If Size is of a concern, which takes up more space? A printer and scanner, or an all in one?

Also, have you considered an inkjet based all in one? You may find the available sizes more to your liking.

I use an epson RX680 but it's pretty sizable. 17.6w x 20d x 13h.

Canon all in ones seem to be smaller. one of the pixma printers are 17w x 14d x 7h

It's just a suggestion though. If you're going to do a lot of copying then maybe laser is best, but if it's just occasional it's worth taking a look at the ink based all in ones. My epson is great at doing those quick photo copies.

 

[Zepper]

There is a thread in the next page of this section on the same topic. Short answer, no. There has to be something in between to convert the image a scanner makes into a data stream the printer can use. Some AIOs have the internal processing power to do a copy in stand-alone mode - other AIOs may use the computer as go-between too. Be sure it says it's capable of stand-alone copying if that's what you want to do.

They have refurb computers at geeks.com and elsewhere for around $100 or less that could be used for intermediary. Once set up, wouldn't require monitor/kbd/mse to stay attached. Or, they have a very compact microATX case at SVC.com for cheap and you could build your own intermediary.

.bh.

 

[Ika]

The cheap Brother A-I-O that we got for $30 on Black Friday (2005? I think... Staples) had a Copy mode. Pretty sure it worked even when the computer was off. Don't remember the model number, though...

 

[bendixG15]

Duh .... they do make stand alone personal copy machines that are small .....

 

[Zepper]

OP apparently has printer and scanner already - wanted to avoid buying more stuff.

.bh.

 

[bendixG15]

Okay, you may be right .. but thats not how I read it.

He says ...but all the multifunction laser units are huge. They have a Brother that is a decent size, but the HP's are ginormous

 

[Zepper]

Well, maybe I'm wrong as the OP seems more on a theoretical level now that I've read it three or four times. The Brother inkjet MFC units are inexpensive but their output quality (at least historically) is not up to those of the other brands but they are now the only ones with passive separate ink tanks that are refillable and inexpensive clone tanks are available. The cost/hassle quotient for the other brands with better output is considerably higher.

.bh.

 

[Griffinhart]

That's why I don't recommend an ink based unit if you need to do a lot of copying. Laser would be the best bet with any sort of volume just from a cost standpoint. but, If he only needs a few copies a week or so, the cost would be minimal.

 

[Gibson486]

i have a printer and scanner (but i want a new scanner since mine is really slow)...so not having to ditch that would be nice, but if I need to buy another printer, I'd want a laser. I noticed that some scanners do have a copy button, but I never had a scanner that utilized one. I am guessing that if I get a scanner that has one, I would push the button, have the scanner scan the picture, wait 1 minute to go through the computer, then it will start printing? if that is the case, I am just gonna get an all in one.

I had a Canon MP500. I got rid of it because the oem ink did not last long and the non oem ink was a pain.

 

[Zepper]

Your scanner>computer>printer scenario is about right. My scanner has a Copy button but I've only used it a couple of times as I almost always want to save a copy of my scans to disk. Changing the scan res and other settings to what you actually need can speed things up. You generally can't change the scan res on a copier - they are optimized to one res.

I'd say it's better to get an inexpensive personal copier as mentioned above than an AIO. As with an AIO, you're paying for stuff you don't need (as you already have them) to get quick copies.

I found a great deal (after rebate) on an Epson 4490 scanner at BeachCamera.com if you need a scanner upgrade too. Their V350 is a decent choice too but probably not as fast. V350 refurb direct from Epson is under $100. shipped by ground for free. Pay $10. more for a new one from Newegg right now.

.bh.