I'm sick and tired of my Epson Multi-purpose printer clogging up. Also, the
expensive cartridges with ink levels that drop every time you turn it on, or
print one page.
As I only print a recipe now and then, or an occasional letter to a bank,
and don't print pictures, I thought an inexpensive (b+w) laser printer would
fit the bill. Looking for recommendations. I remember seeing one or two
cheapies in CompUSA before they closed.
Is there any problem with them sitting for a month (either on or off)
without printing?
On Oct 6, 2:39 am, "HankG" <h...@invalid.com> wrote:
> Is there any problem with them sitting for a month (either on or off)
> without printing?
The generally rule is not really an issue. The toner is a dry power.
There "can" be issues with humidity causing clumping, but I've not
personally seen it. This is in models that tossed their waste toner
into a bucket and models that recycled waste toner. The drum if
exposed to light for a long enough period of time can become marred.
It's generally only happens if the laser cartridge is stored outside
the printer, if it has a drum onboard, and if the light shield is
damaged. Not an issue if it's sealed it it's light tight pouch, or
other dark storage, or if the drum is a separate unit.
A few things to watch out for
1) The low priced units tend to use cartridges that cost more per
page.
2) Some brands offer only starter cartridges, so you have to buy a
new cartridge pretty soon after you buy it.
Case in point
Brother HL5240 $200 office depot
Brother HL2140 - $120
I'm going to price the "high yield" cartridges as they are a better
value
The cheaper one takes the TN360 $64.99 with a 2600 page yield (2.5c/
page)
Spending $80 more gets you a unit that takes the TN580 $100 7000 page
yield or 1.5c/page.
This doesn't include the drum, rated at 25,000 pages and about $125
for the Brother HL5240. or .5c/page
Again, the HL2140 the drum costs $100 for an estimated 12000 pages + .
8c page
Save $80 from the get go
Spend less up until about 8000 pages spending 1.2c/page more
Such estimates become worthless if you use aftermarket supplies.
Lasermonks
Brother HL5240 TN580 $53 or .75c/page
Brother HL2140 -TN360 not listed
Nextag
Brother HL2140 - TN580 $34 1.3c/page
While not from the same site, generally there is the same minimal
labor charge to refurbish a cartridge, the toner it's filled with is
trivial in contrast. Higher yield cartridges, or rather the printers
that take the higher yield cartridges, are often better values unless
you refill your self.
This ignores the quality of each printer, which to be honest I've not
seen. They were just two examples to illustrate a point.
"IntergalacticExpandingPanda" <intergalacticexpandingpanda@hotmail.com>
wrote in message
news:4a9b7865-dfe5-484c-9f87-b50028fede74@a19g2000pra.googlegroups.com...
> On Oct 6, 2:39 am, "HankG" <h...@invalid.com> wrote:
>
> > Is there any problem with them sitting for a month (either on or off)
> > without printing?
>
> The generally rule is not really an issue. The toner is a dry power.
> There "can" be issues with humidity causing clumping, but I've not
> personally seen it. This is in models that tossed their waste toner
> into a bucket and models that recycled waste toner. The drum if
> exposed to light for a long enough period of time can become marred.
> It's generally only happens if the laser cartridge is stored outside
> the printer, if it has a drum onboard, and if the light shield is
> damaged. Not an issue if it's sealed it it's light tight pouch, or
> other dark storage, or if the drum is a separate unit.
>
> A few things to watch out for
> 1) The low priced units tend to use cartridges that cost more per
> page.
> 2) Some brands offer only starter cartridges, so you have to buy a
> new cartridge pretty soon after you buy it.
>
> Case in point
> Brother HL5240 $200 office depot
> Brother HL2140 - $120
>
> I'm going to price the "high yield" cartridges as they are a better
> value
>
> The cheaper one takes the TN360 $64.99 with a 2600 page yield (2.5c/
> page)
> Spending $80 more gets you a unit that takes the TN580 $100 7000 page
> yield or 1.5c/page.
>
> This doesn't include the drum, rated at 25,000 pages and about $125
> for the Brother HL5240. or .5c/page
> Again, the HL2140 the drum costs $100 for an estimated 12000 pages + .
> 8c page
>
> Total estimate
>
> Brother HL5240 $200 office depot 2c/page @ 5% coverage
> Brother HL2140 - $120 office depot 3.2
>
> Save $80 from the get go
> Spend less up until about 8000 pages spending 1.2c/page more
>
> Such estimates become worthless if you use aftermarket supplies.
>
> Lasermonks
> Brother HL5240 TN580 $53 or .75c/page
> Brother HL2140 -TN360 not listed
>
> Nextag
> Brother HL2140 - TN580 $34 1.3c/page
>
> While not from the same site, generally there is the same minimal
> labor charge to refurbish a cartridge, the toner it's filled with is
> trivial in contrast. Higher yield cartridges, or rather the printers
> that take the higher yield cartridges, are often better values unless
> you refill your self.
>
> This ignores the quality of each printer, which to be honest I've not
> seen. They were just two examples to illustrate a point.
Thanks. The printers you mentioned are way beyond my needs. Was thinking
about a couple I saw at around $100. Can't recall the brands. One may have
been Samsung (do they make printers?).
HankG,
Samsung makes several Laser Printers, I own a SCX-4100 Multifunction Printer
w/o fax (3yrs old). Replacement cartridges run about, $41.00 with shipping,
on ebay. The starter cartridge does not contain alot of toner, but can be
refilled with toner, from a reputable dealer. You will need to have, or
purchase and additional USB cable, since many printers do not come with one.
Rich/rerat (RRR News) <message rule>
<<Previous Text Snipped to Save Bandwidth When Appropriate>>
"HankG" <hank@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:QJGdnRfCtdILg3fVnZ2dnUVZ_uCdnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
Thanks. The printers you mentioned are way beyond my needs. Was thinking
about a couple I saw at around $100. Can't recall the brands. One may have
been Samsung (do they make printers?).
"HankG" <hank@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:suidna6-kd58QXTVnZ2dnUVZ_vadnZ2d@comcast.com...
> As I only print a recipe now and then, or an occasional letter to a bank,
> and don't print pictures, I thought an inexpensive (b+w) laser printer
would
> fit the bill. Looking for recommendations. I remember seeing one or two
> cheapies in CompUSA before they closed.
Brother HL 2040 (and similar older types) were on special
this summer for about $60 i.e. less than the cost of a needed
drum and refill toner for my old HL-1050. (Much smaller
footprint too, which always helps.)
> Is there any problem with them sitting for a month (either on or off)
> without printing?
Not in my experience (8 years with the HL-1050.)
--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)
"HankG" <hank@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:suidna6-kd58QXTVnZ2dnUVZ_vadnZ2d@comcast.com...
> I'm sick and tired of my Epson Multi-purpose printer clogging up. Also,
the
> expensive cartridges with ink levels that drop every time you turn it on,
or
> print one page.
>
> As I only print a recipe now and then, or an occasional letter to a bank,
> and don't print pictures, I thought an inexpensive (b+w) laser printer
would
> fit the bill. Looking for recommendations. I remember seeing one or two
> cheapies in CompUSA before they closed.
>
> Is there any problem with them sitting for a month (either on or off)
> without printing?
>
> Thanks for your input.
>
> HankG
>
>
I was also sick and tired on the Epsons and their constant clogging up and
spiralling, ludicrous ink costs, so bought a Samsung ML-2250 laser. Till
last month it had lasted a year and 4900 pages, before it started feinting
out and streaking. New toner unit didn't clear anything, so in a fit of
blind rage and pique spent 2 sweaty hours sawing and chopping it up into 1"
squares.
Only then did I discover in the bucket of scrap that a red LED feeding some
kind of drum discharge device? had a manufacturing fault on it's small PCB
and it had stopped lighting.
Went out and bought the cheapest laser I could find, a Samsung ML-2010R.
Works lovely. Come when the toner runs out, I'll refill from the previous
cartridges.
Any colour stuff is done on a cheap HP3350 I was given. It's rubbish but
I've been able refill the cartridges a dozen times without any clogging.
"john jardine" (john.jardine@idnet.co.uk) writes:
> "HankG" <hank@invalid.com> wrote in message
> news:suidna6-kd58QXTVnZ2dnUVZ_vadnZ2d@comcast.com...
>> I'm sick and tired of my Epson Multi-purpose printer clogging up. Also,
> the
>> expensive cartridges with ink levels that drop every time you turn it on,
> or
>> print one page.
>>
>> As I only print a recipe now and then, or an occasional letter to a bank,
>> and don't print pictures, I thought an inexpensive (b+w) laser printer
> would
>> fit the bill. Looking for recommendations. I remember seeing one or two
>> cheapies in CompUSA before they closed.
>>
>> Is there any problem with them sitting for a month (either on or off)
>> without printing?
>>
>> Thanks for your input.
>>
>> HankG
>>
>>
> I was also sick and tired on the Epsons and their constant clogging up and
> spiralling, ludicrous ink costs, so bought a Samsung ML-2250 laser. Till
> last month it had lasted a year and 4900 pages, before it started feinting
> out and streaking. New toner unit didn't clear anything, so in a fit of
> blind rage and pique spent 2 sweaty hours sawing and chopping it up into 1"
> squares.
> Only then did I discover in the bucket of scrap that a red LED feeding some
> kind of drum discharge device? had a manufacturing fault on it's small PCB
> and it had stopped lighting.
> Went out and bought the cheapest laser I could find, a Samsung ML-2010R.
> Works lovely. Come when the toner runs out, I'll refill from the previous
> cartridges.
> Any colour stuff is done on a cheap HP3350 I was given. It's rubbish but
> I've been able refill the cartridges a dozen times without any clogging.
>
>
I have the previous model to the Samsung mentioned above and it works like
a charm. Both were avialable when I bought it and I chose the earlier
model becuase it had a longer duty cycle (but the newer one had a
servicable roller unit, which apparently be an issue). On sale, once in a
while for $50 after rebate at Staples and Micro Center. (Think the day after
Thanksgiving.) Yes, starter cartridge, out of which I got about 1,000 pages,
about half a regular ($85) replacement. Drum is integral, which is why it
costs more. Does quite reasonable graphics too, if not perfect.
On Oct 6, 7:20 am, "HankG" <h...@invalid.com> wrote:
> Thanks. The printers you mentioned are way beyond my needs. Was thinking
> about a couple I saw at around $100. Can't recall the brands. One may have
> been Samsung (do they make printers?).
>
> HankG
Keep in mind the fact that you can ignore a laser for a long time, and
as such it makes some sense to consider the yield of the cartridges.
You won't be loosing money by going one with the higher yield.
The models I spoke of have reasonable low prices per page, but as you
noticed the cost per page goes up the lower the price.
5.0c/page * 5000p = $250
3.5c/page * 5000p = $175
2.5c/page * 5000p = $125
2.0c/page * 5000p = $100
1.5c/page * 5000p = $75
This of course ignores quality of output, only raw cost, which is
usually one's main consideration. Only you know how much you print,
but it sounds like you wouldn't be too put out by a model that costs
2.5c/page But if the price difference is $20 between a unit which has
an end cost of 2c/page and 3.5c/page, that $20 is recovered pretty
quickly, after about 1500pages or so.
The #35A cartridge costs $75 or $56 from amazon.com. Yield 1500 @ 5%
coverage or 5c/page. 3.7c/page if you get a good price on it. There
isn't a separate drum, but as indicated in the brother, the unit with
the separate drum that should be replaced after 10,000 or 25000 copies
costs less per page
There are a lot of under $100 laser printers out there these days.
Samsung, Brother, Konica and others have laser printers for under $60
here in Canada, so I assume they will be similarly priced in the US, if
you are there.
Here's what you will and won't get for that price:
Construction: Most of these printers are small and relatively
lightweight. They will hold up well if not abused, moved too often or
sat upon by pets or others.
Print quality: Amazingly good. Probably at least 1200 x 600 dpi, maybe
even better, allowing for reasonable grayscale and very clean text.
However, some will streak with images.
Speed: Even these low end printer seem to be pretty fast, at least 12
pages of text per minute if not faster.
Interfacing: Most these days will only offer one interface, that being
USB 2.0. Occasionally they will have an older parallel or Mac plug.
Paper handling: Most have a simple tray that holds about 50 sheets.
Delivery is usually via the top of the printer. Some will handle card
and thick stock and envelopes better than others. Some won't handle
heavy stock at all, you will need to test.
Consumables: Most of these printers use an all-in-one toner cartridge
and drum unit which is exchanged all at once. Watch carefully for the
yield of the originally supplied cartridge. Many of these lower end
printers have a "starter cartridge" with 1/2 to 1/3rd the toner of a
full one. Refilling may be easy, doable with a hassle, may cripple some
features once done (or slow down the printer considerable) or may not be
possible at all.
In general, lower end printers have low yields even the full cartridge
is probably small and low, something like 1000 to 3000 copies. The
drums are often good for many more copies than that, at least double is
not uncommon. Often the cartridges on these very low end models cost
more than the whole printer did to acquire. The companies aren't making
the profit on the initial sale.
I recommend trying to find a printer which offers a one year warranty
(parts and labor) standard (some are as little as 90 days these days)
not buying extended warranties, but if you have a credit card which
offers an extra year use it.
Art
If you are interested in issues surrounding e-waste,
I invite you to enter the discussion at my blog:
HankG wrote:
> "IntergalacticExpandingPanda" <intergalacticexpandingpanda@hotmail.com>
> wrote in message
> news:4a9b7865-dfe5-484c-9f87-b50028fede74@a19g2000pra.googlegroups.com...
>> On Oct 6, 2:39 am, "HankG" <h...@invalid.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Is there any problem with them sitting for a month (either on or off)
>>> without printing?
>> The generally rule is not really an issue. The toner is a dry power.
>> There "can" be issues with humidity causing clumping, but I've not
>> personally seen it. This is in models that tossed their waste toner
>> into a bucket and models that recycled waste toner. The drum if
>> exposed to light for a long enough period of time can become marred.
>> It's generally only happens if the laser cartridge is stored outside
>> the printer, if it has a drum onboard, and if the light shield is
>> damaged. Not an issue if it's sealed it it's light tight pouch, or
>> other dark storage, or if the drum is a separate unit.
>>
>> A few things to watch out for
>> 1) The low priced units tend to use cartridges that cost more per
>> page.
>> 2) Some brands offer only starter cartridges, so you have to buy a
>> new cartridge pretty soon after you buy it.
>>
>> Case in point
>> Brother HL5240 $200 office depot
>> Brother HL2140 - $120
>>
>> I'm going to price the "high yield" cartridges as they are a better
>> value
>>
>> The cheaper one takes the TN360 $64.99 with a 2600 page yield (2.5c/
>> page)
>> Spending $80 more gets you a unit that takes the TN580 $100 7000 page
>> yield or 1.5c/page.
>>
>> This doesn't include the drum, rated at 25,000 pages and about $125
>> for the Brother HL5240. or .5c/page
>> Again, the HL2140 the drum costs $100 for an estimated 12000 pages + .
>> 8c page
>>
>> Total estimate
>>
>> Brother HL5240 $200 office depot 2c/page @ 5% coverage
>> Brother HL2140 - $120 office depot 3.2
>>
>> Save $80 from the get go
>> Spend less up until about 8000 pages spending 1.2c/page more
>>
>> Such estimates become worthless if you use aftermarket supplies.
>>
>> Lasermonks
>> Brother HL5240 TN580 $53 or .75c/page
>> Brother HL2140 -TN360 not listed
>>
>> Nextag
>> Brother HL2140 - TN580 $34 1.3c/page
>>
>> While not from the same site, generally there is the same minimal
>> labor charge to refurbish a cartridge, the toner it's filled with is
>> trivial in contrast. Higher yield cartridges, or rather the printers
>> that take the higher yield cartridges, are often better values unless
>> you refill your self.
>>
>> This ignores the quality of each printer, which to be honest I've not
>> seen. They were just two examples to illustrate a point.
>
> Thanks. The printers you mentioned are way beyond my needs. Was thinking
> about a couple I saw at around $100. Can't recall the brands. One may have
> been Samsung (do they make printers?).
>
> HankG
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
Inexpensive laser printer 
Linear Mode
