# I Need Printer Advice! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 7, 2025, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037 "2025-05-07T20:36:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/1 "2025-05-07T20:36:21Z")
My deluxe laser printer was great. One day the toner started to ignite in the printer. It was very frightening. I might be able to repair the problem myself. A techy friend might be able to repair it, A friend who worked in a Cannon printer support center is certain that opening the case will result in getting toner everywhere. As the printer weighs at least 40 pounds, carrying it up and down the stairs and working on it outside is not really an option. So, I need a new printer. I will need a color printer. I use inkjet printers for many years, The cartridges dry out in a few months once opened- even if you don’t print anything. The printers are cheap. The cartridges are not very much. But, you have to keep buying new cartridges. The deluxe toner printer was a gift. A relative bought it new at a store that sells things from cargo containers. It was new. It came with toner and paper. It had no manual, no power cord and no box. It lasted two or three years. I cannot say what went wrong. It is entirely posible a mouse crawled inside and expired. I cannot afford another deluxe toner printer. I searched Amazon and aam considering these printers [Brother](https://www.amazon.com/Brother-HL-L3300CDW-Multi-Function-Subscription-Replenishment/dp/B0DT7HSCDV/ref=sr_1_365?crid=3EL0OHLKQD51W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VKqw1PWpGiUpQYfdvp9ph7KWZkeGxLxeF9ESjQ7jhV44Mr8wcx3iFU6_4pBLZURl1n_b1yrcyf183NeGeOISjea9cFiJeWqqiReqTf2fK3OnxAQy7QqMhiOdTbU3AUebpGOb_W_JYnVBsP5su2T1tBC8y-NB-qadnYiTyoPB3oewoakBnAG5bPJH0FYPujKRdr6X_S9n4B2YmzsAlDTDKOL4_4OXJ8v-WEr6GEILRm4_qbi5vWjc7RxbqVKsP3bKwL2DbRRY4qQ2lvVLgISdPcaMePTvVA3bQu5wYEkgSmw._V3PDtXo_WwxZwiBc0nu7VZnwNhqD_MJf7zsYZ7IC54&dib_tag=se&keywords=toner%2Bhome%2Bprinter&qid=1745249476&s=pc&sprefix=ton%2Ccomputers%2C181&sr=1-365&xpid=uSEzHQN_z3BoS&th=1) I see that one is now out of stock. Bah. [Canon](https://www.amazon.com/Canon-3103C025-Color-imageCLASS-LBP1127C/dp/B0BRT17W3G/ref=sr_1_108_sspa?crid=3EL0OHLKQD51W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8FAKsQcn1cxlqRNb3t7eTrbUr35tI-k39wPh0P85YVvrbUm5AXLt6jddDoLzeNzu7Ja6A5WqtfRzRfYqKz4mKKgDkCaIqnCajokSzvJ-Gc5w6ejOk3kgnW5p0fTGCrMPM1ShLaLtwom7YfuXjma1NkjIgf07WW5OYEx4yzYOispkORO3Xn27tM_QvC_b22bHajLsRW0Gn3Q6euqEg_PG2udNmAo9D0qyp4lqCSqO-Hq_KouT1QYNhDz-4lJ9plddQ-lX0tYeGbpVFp8P2BuBwcaMePTvVA3bQu5wYEkgSmw.6NmqQYZxKZhcTLvZJaka8FUakH4oYs8wEWv60a_x8VE&dib_tag=se&keywords=toner+home+printer&qid=1745247113&s=pc&sprefix=ton%2Ccomputers%2C181&sr=1-108-spons&xpid=uSEzHQN_z3BoS&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9idGY&psc=1) I appreciate any help Dopers can give. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/2 "2025-05-07T20:40:27Z")
See here from ~6 months ago. > [@Laser Printer recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-printer-recommendations/1010766): > > My Lexmark has stopped working so am looking for a replacement. I don’t print a lot, but enough that having a printer would be nice. Parameters: Color – though 95% will be B+W that being said, individual toner so I don’t need to replace magenta if yellow is low Speaking of toner, as little lock-in and “subscription” as possible I don’t need a scanner, but it it has one that is OK Should handle 110lb stock Duplex preferred I don’t need wi-fi as long as it has USB (though if it has it, fi… ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/3 "2025-05-07T20:46:30Z")
NM, needs its own thread. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/4 "2025-05-07T20:54:46Z")
This is a carry-over from a couple of questions that started as a sidetrack in the Pit. My comment over there was that IMHO laser printers are far, far better than inkjets for quality and reliability and the longevity of the toner cartridge, but then questions came up about whether colour laser printers can do an adequate job for colour photographs. I suspect not, especially not on ordinary paper. My old ink jet excelled at printing photographs on photo-style glossy paper. But it was such a pain to use that I only used it for photos and my faithful black-toner laser printer for everything else. Eventually I got so sick of dealing with ink jet problems that I threw it out. I find myself curious about the machines they have in some drugstores around here that will print photos from JPEG files. The quality is really good but back when I used them a few times I wasn’t sure what tech they were using. If it’s ink jet, how do they avoid the standard problem of the jets clogging up if not used for awhile? It would be interesting if they used colour laser tech, because the quality really is excellent. There surely must be some standardized technology used today by commercial businesses that produce prints from JPEG files. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/5 "2025-05-07T21:06:14Z")
I will probably not be printing photographs. IIRC my last big print job was a double-sided page advising readers that all were doomed when the stars were right and Cthulhu returned. Projects like that demand color. **LSLGuy** Thanks. I read the linked thread and now know to stay away from HP products. I still have many questions though. I really don’t want to spend $599 for a printer. I could use guidance in finding a lower priced option that fits my needs. I would like to print card stock from time to time. I would also like a printer that weighs less, if that is possible. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/6 "2025-05-07T21:06:50Z")
I have an HP color laser printer. It prints, it scans, it copies. In theory, it faxes, although it’s not attached to a phone line. Basically, it works fine. But it’s software locked to check that you are using genuine HP toner cartridges, which are incredibly expensive. And the starter cartridges it comes with are very small, so we _did_ need to buy more, despite not printing a ton. So I can’t recommend it. (It was a good purchase for us, though. We bought it during the pandemic supply chain problems, and it was literally the only one we could find that fit in our office. I’m satisfied.) ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/7 "2025-05-07T21:16:29Z")
Sorry to hear it couldn’t be salvaged, but based on your prior reporting and all available (quick) research, I think you’re doing the right thing by replacing it @DocCathode As I mentioned in the thread linked by LSLGuy I’m part of the Brother printer teams. I have one, and I got another for my 85 year old father a few months ago. They’re _less_ uptight than most about checking for brand-specific toner packages, which opens up a few options, though I suspect a LOT of third-party options are going to see major price increases given the current political reality (and that’s as much as I’m going to say about THAT, I promise). I do really like options where I can manage a direct wired option, because on every brand of wireless print I’ve used, there’s always that time when you need a quick print and the darn thing fell off the network requiring reconfiguration. Nice to be able to plug and play when you need it! As for specifics, maaaaybee this one? > **[Amazon.com: Brother HL-L3220CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer with...](https://www.amazon.com/Brother-HL-L3220CDW-Wireless-Subscription-Replenishment/dp/B0CFCYYZLM)** > > The Brother HL-L3220CDW digital color printer is designed to complement the way you work from home. With practical features, this proficient single-function printer completes every task easily and efficiently. It consistently produces laser-quality,... It’s single function, since I tend towards the KISS principle, but it’s only $250 new, $200 renewed, and under 25lbs. Slower than most, but, well, we all know the Old Ones are endlessly patient, time is just something we mortals use to separate ourselves from the greater reality… ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/8 "2025-05-07T21:17:45Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > I will probably not be printing photographs. IIRC my last big print job was a double-sided page advising readers that all were doomed when the stars were right and Cthulhu returned. **Projects like that demand color.** My bold. 😮 No kidding. Plus sound effects. And scratch & sniff pods. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/9 "2025-05-07T21:30:09Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > As for specifics, maaaaybee this one? Coincidentally, in order for this old dog to get a sense of what prices were like in these newfangled times to answer @ThelmaLou’s question in the other thread, that was exactly the model I used as my low-end example. But … > [@puzzlegal](#): > > Basically, it works fine. But it’s software locked to check that you are using genuine HP toner cartridges, which are incredibly expensive. And the starter cartridges it comes with are very small, so we _did_ need to buy more, despite not printing a ton. So I can’t recommend it. This is true. My HP laser printer is quite ancient now and I did eventually have to replace the original cartridge that came with it, which apparently contained very little toner, with a proper and full new one. But even the original one lasted for many years. I expect that this one will last forever. Speaking of which, while glancing through various new toner printer prices, I was reminded of the plague of the new “subscription model” for toner cartridges. Beware! For the vast majority of users, this is a total ripoff and just a cash grab. I hope and assume that it’s optional. I absolutely despise this sort of unwanted meddling and profiteering. If I need a new toner cartridge, I’ll go out and buy one, TQVM. And as long as the current HP LaserJet holds out, that will probably be never. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/10 "2025-05-07T21:35:13Z")
It is optional. They suggested it to me a couple of times, and eventually stopped nagging me. And i expect the real cartridges i bought to last the life of the printer, even though they are fairly small, to fit four of them. I’m happy with both the print quality and the scan quality. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/11 "2025-05-07T21:36:15Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Speaking of which, while glancing through various new toner printer prices, I was reminded of the plague of the new “subscription model” for toner cartridges. Beware! For the vast majority of users, this is a total ripoff and just a cash grab. I hope and assume that it’s optional. For the one I bought my father, it was optional, and I of course opted out. And bought a pair of cartridges up front, since he does quite a lot of printing (and of course I wasn’t paying for it!). My older model happily accepts third party B&W (I don’t print color) cartridges, but I agree it’s an ongoing issue, still, I see plenty of aftermarket options for Brother as opposed to HP. 🤷‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/12 "2025-05-07T21:38:09Z")
Thanks! I don’t really need a fax or a flat bed scanner (I do want to make digital copies of a lot of family photos. But I can either borrow a scanner or just take the photos to a friend’s house). This saves me over $100. **ThelmaLou** [Here](https://imgur.com/gallery/me-as-cultist-of-cthulhu-eW25dsQ) is me as a Cultist Of Cthulhu yet again at the Henri David Ball. The Necronomicon I am holding is hollow and filled with the tracts I printed. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2025, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/13 "2025-05-07T21:48:59Z")
**That** is impressive. And a bit scawwy. I don’t think I’ll let my cats see that picture. 🫣 ---
**Author:** ![pezworld](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bb73d2/32.png) [@pezworld](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pezworld)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/14 "2025-05-08T01:21:05Z")
Husband says he read somewhere, like The Verge, “always buy whatever Brother laser printer suits your needs.” He’s not a printer guy but I’m a printer girl, and I’ve had several Brother laser printers and they’ve all been quite good. My current one has lasted several (like close to 10) years but it’s a behemoth, monster color laser Brother multifunction scanner/sheetfed/duplex/wifi the works. Toner is expensive but lasts for-freaking-ever. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/15 "2025-05-08T03:51:46Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > There surely must be some standardized technology used today by commercial businesses that produce prints from JPEG files. I think those are dye sub printers: [https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART150983](https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART150983) Expensive and good for photos and not much else. You can get home dye sub printers like [https://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-selphy-cp1500-wireless-compact-photo-printer-white/6521752.p?skuId=6521752](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-selphy-cp1500-wireless-compact-photo-printer-white/6521752.p?skuId=6521752) but they only print small photos. You’d still need a regular printer for bigger documents. Commercial print shops have much bigger versions of those, along with other kinds of printmaking techs. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/16 "2025-05-08T04:16:21Z")
I also really like Brother lasers, and have owned several that all performed very well and lasted a long time (only getting rid of them when I had to move across cities & states). That said, I want to put in a good word for a surprisingly useful HP service here… HP Instant Ink: [https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/l/v2](https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/l/v2) For $1.79/mo, you get 10 pages of full-color prints each month (with a limited rollover into the next month for unused pages). For occasional printing, this ends up being much cheaper (about $22 a year) than buying ink cartridges every so often, especially when they run dry. All ink and shipping is included in the subscription so you never have to worry about it. They just ship you more cartridges when you need it. I even lost a cartridge during a move and they sent me another one for free. You can cancel anytime (but the cartridges won’t keep working; they’re DRM-protected [unless you hack them](https://hackaday.com/2024/09/28/man-in-the-middle-pcb-unlocks-hp-ink-cartridges/)). I wouldn’t have bought an HP inkjet to begin with, but my girlfriend already had one when I moved in with her, and this was the cheapest way for us to keep using it. We only print like 20-30 pages a year, so this was the perfect way to still have a printer at home (a sunk cost) without the upfront cost of a new laser printer. Because of this service, HP has kept us as a customer for the the last few years… we would’ve switched to a Brother laser otherwise. HP makes $22/year from us, and this will eventually surpass the cost of a color laser printer, but not for more than a decade. They also offer a paper add-on to the subscription, but that makes no sense… just buy a big ream at Costco and it’ll last a decade. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/17 "2025-05-08T05:46:03Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > I think those are dye sub printers Or thermal wax. > **[The Ultimate Guide to Thermal Wax Printers](https://tritonstore.com.au/thermal-wax-printer)** > > A complete guide to a thermal wax printer. Find out how thermal wax printers work and what are its advantages and disadvantages. (Or those might not work well for large images.) ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/18 "2025-05-08T07:00:25Z")
I have a Brother DCP series all-in-one colour laser printer (which is also a scanner and copier and apparently, fax machine although I have never tried that part). It’s pretty good and it prints colour documents, charts, posters etc very well. Downsides: In my experience, colour laser printers are never especially good for printing photos; there may be an exception for photocopier-size machines, but desktop/home-office colour printers are not good for photos, I think. In particular, the consumables for the Brother printer are somewhat complex, comprising: Toner cartridges in 4 flavours Carriers for toner cartridges (this is the part with the electrostatic transfer drum) Belt mechanism (the part that transports the paper under the drums) Fuser mechanism (the part that bakes the toner onto the paper) I suppose on the whole, it’s good that the cartridges and drums are separate things because the drum isn’t usually worn out after the toner in a cartridge is used up - in some other brands/models of printer, the drums are integrated into the toner cartridge and this makes the cartridges more expensive - the choice is basically: more complex (Brother) vs more expensive (HP) ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/19 "2025-05-08T17:05:42Z")
People used to sometimes refill cartridges. But I’m guessing HP has made that as close to impossible as they can manage. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2025, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037/20 "2025-05-08T17:47:35Z")
I got so tired of connectivity problems, constant rebooting and running out of toner, I dumped my printer. I now go to Fed Ex/Kinko’s if I need anything printed. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-printer-advice/1018037.md?page=2)