Looking for a modern printer

[TehMac]

One of my printers went bust, an old Samsung from around 2009.

I'm looking for something contemporary, preferably under 300 bucks, and with a decent ink consumption standard.

For example, my Canon eats up ink cartridges, and they're quite expensive, so I was looking for something like a laser jet. I'm not sure efficient they are versus toner dust.

If anyone could give me any clues, I would appreciate it. I'm generally clueless when it comes to printers.

Thanks

 

[zinfamous]

moving to the un-locked peripherals forum for teh n00dz.

 

[palswim]

For printers that might have "expensive" toner, monoprice sells replacements for pretty cheap.

For printers that don't support networking, I love this guy. He goes on sale from time to time (keep checking Hot Deals) at Buy.com or Amazon or elsewhere.

 

[palswim]

Oh, please no n00dz.

 

[Zepper]

Teh Mac,

You need to let us know more about how you use your printer for us to make a useful recommendation: e.g. is photo quality output important, is duplexing ability important, how much do you print, what types of papers do you use. Lots of factors go into the selection of a printer - the more we know, the better. Lasers are good for b/w, but I'd hardly consider one for color.

.bh.

 

[boorns]

My experience:
I have an old laser printer from HP. I don't use it often, but before, a cartridge would last about 2000 pages. Granted the toner is $50+, it will last a light user a long time. I don't think laser is good for color anything. The toners cost too much and those color printers cost a lot more than a b&w one. The quality is funky.

I've used many inkjets. Much better color quality, but the ink refills killed me. Refills outpriced the printer itself, and when I wanted to upgrade, it wasn't even worth the price. I'm currently on a HP Officejet. Prints like a laser (cost per page in B&W), and the ink is fairly cheap. 1000-2000 page Black ink cartridges for around $30. Color costs a little more, but 850 yield cartridges are $15. I bought the printer based on ink prices.

Consider what you print. If it's photos and graphics, look into inkjets. If it's general colorless documents and text, look for a laser or affordable inkjet. Color will cost you in the laser area.

As others have said, if you update your criteria, it's easier to suggest something.