Multi-function printer recommendations

[unpossible]

I'm looking to get a multi-function printer mainly for copying, but also the occasional PC print job. I don't need fax or color, though if the price is right, either or both would be nice. Are lasers cheaper long-term, or should I stick with ink? I'll probably be printing/copying in the vicinity of 100-200pgs/month. Oh, and though not necessary, ethernet connection would be very nice. I'm pretty flexible on price, though I'd like to keep it under $400-500.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[shortylickens]

NOT Lexmark.

You can get an HP 3330 in that price range.
My mom has had one for three years and it works great.

 

[LuNoTiCK]

NOT HP.

If you can find an old model Canon that will do, the Canon MP780's are nice if you can find that. Epson's are prone to clogging. If you want to save, you can even try brother although their reliability is questionable.

 

[tw1164]

You may want to look at the brothers line of MFC. I know they have ones w/ ethernet within your pricerange. Depending on how much coping you will be doing at one time, you may want a model w/ and document feeder. That's my only complaint about my brother MFC. I only paid $70 though...

 

[Lemon law]

Even though a multifuntional non-chipped Canon inkjet would be a fine choice if you refill, it still sounds like a job for a multifuntional monochrome Laser to me.

 

[Zepper]

I'd also suggest a look at the Brother MFCs (three digit model numbers, not four digit: 420, 620 etc.). You can get one with auto sheet feeder for under $200 which allows for up to legal size originals. The ones w/o sheet feed can only do letter size or two pass for longer. W/O sheet feed are under $150. Frequently available rebates. (640 was $125 after $75. rebate at Office Depot last week (actually thru today if you have an OD nearby). Their photo printing isn't very good, but may improve with driver updates. Other output should be acceptable - reports on output quality vary.

The original Canon Pixma MPs (750/760/780 - or even some of the lower models that take the BCi-24 series ink tanks) are good too if you can find one at a reasonable price. My nearest Staples still had a 780 in the box last week.

.bh.

 

[Zepper]

I got the Outpost.com eMail ad for this week and it has a Brother 420CN refurb for only $40. after $30. rebate! Now that's cheap!!! A full set of new OEM ink tanks for it cost more than that...

.bh.

 

[acegazda]

canon and hp are the only ones I would get, even though my current gateway was bundled with a lexmark, (SUX!) The hp ones are very good at using ink efficiantly. What I mean is it takes a long time to run out of ink for each cartridge. I've heard very good things about canon's mp line, especially the midrange mp580 or somthing like that. Not sure about the exact model #, don't quote me on that.

 

[Lemon law]

If color is unimportant I still ask why even consider an inkjet? As soon as you want color---then inkjet becomes a consideration. But $400-500 should buy you a very nice monochrome multifunctional Laser
with ethernet support.

As for me, I want color---and in MHO opinion you could not beat a Canon MP780 for inkjet---its a printing economy champ---can use third party prefilled cartridges readily available on the internet or be refilled
with ease.--sadly the newer chipped Canons can't use third party cartridges and refilling is a greater hassle.--and ethernet support is more do it yourself in a chipped or non-chipped Canon.