Whats the best printer under $250

[MGallik]

The old Canon has had it, just wondering if any better products are
out there for a small home network. Kids homework, maybe a photo or
two, general home use with decent graphics.

Thanks

 

[SDTom]

Check out the HP 9xx models

Tom

 

[bacillus]

the Epson 800 series is very good!

 

[gittyup]

Maybe look at CNET printer review. There is a $250 and under category for Inkjet printers.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I'd second the Epson 800 series reccommendation, my 740 does everything you described ant it only cost me $70. Everything I've heard about the 800 series says that they are even better and just as much of a value.

Zenmervolt

 

[lenjack]

lexmark Z52 or HP932 which is more convenient to use and is my choice.

 

[frustrated2]

I would only own an HP printer whatever $250 will buy is what I would have if it were me. just my 2 cents

 

[frustrated2]

Also you might have some trouble with network sharing on HP printers. I think it is the 970 model or the 990 model from HP that is network compatible this might cost you a little more but if you need the network capability it would be money well spent I think.

 

[Wuming]

you can get canon bjcs for less than 250 easily, such as the bjc 8200.

 

[ToXiCRaGE]

i wouldnt go with anything than EPSON, had a Lexmark and it blew biggie.... for me EPSON all the way.

 

[Taz4158]

The Z52 is good and fast.

 

[Wingznut]

Another vote for the Epson 880. Quietest inkjet printer I've ever heard, and the quality rocks too.

 

[Yoshi]

Epson or HP. I got my HP Deskjet 970Cse for about $250 and love it. Superior photo quality and the ability to automatically print 2 sided pages.

 

[SonOfZeuz]

The Lexmark Z52 - fast and reliable
Avoid HP - Nothing but problems
Epsons do not have the print heads in the cartriges therefore after a while you will be stuck with cloged print heads, the HP and Lexmark have the heads right in the cartrige so everytime you change cartriges you get new print heads. There have also been reports of fading ink in the epsons.

 

[Ausm]

I think Lexmark's lack quality I only buy HP printers from now on ...go with the 9XX series

Ausm

 

[TimeKeeper]

My old Lexmark 3200 serve me well for 3 years, before I got tired of buying ink cartridge.

If I must buy a inkjet, I got straight to Lexmark Z42 or Z52 for it 2400x1200 dpi quality.

 

[dave127]

Im with sdtom, the hp 9xx series of printers is a great buy for the money

 

[Mem]

Another vote for the Epson 880.

 

[erub]

HP printers are the best. Sometimes they write drivers that wont work over the network - but I've forced mine to work somehow. I think i went to the add printer wizard rather than installing their software...but I can't remember .

 

[Leo V]

All my HP's were great and trouble-free. Ran for many years without serious problems, and supported under any OS including Linux. Once, I diversified and got my uncle an Epson 740. I regretted it, since he encountered many problems afterwards. I'll think twice before jumping the HP ship next time!

 

[MGallik]

Geez, I thought this thread would make picking a winner simpler.

Thanks for all the input guys, I still haven't made a choice yet.

 

[luckydragon]

maybe use a online coupon and buy a hp p1000, it might be over your 250 price but not by much and its a very nice printer

 

[lonewolfz28]

'nother vote for HP. 970Cxi rocks with no probs, excellent quality and fast/easy setup. Had nothing but trouble with my Lexmark P.O.S. Finally gave away to my sister for homework printing.

 

[RossMAN]

Another vote for the Epson 880 and HP970Cxi.

Read C|Net's top 5 inkjet printer reviews. The only reason the Epson and HP models aren't listed is because these are all BUDGET printers but it gives you some ideas.

Again Epson and HP make great quality inkjet printers, why not use a search and engine and look up some more reviews?

 

[RossMAN]

Also do you have a PC using Windows only?
Do you need Mac compatibility?
Is your PC newer and has USB ports?