An annoying 'what should I buy' thread - low spec printer

elven

Yes, indeed, I thought I'd bug you all with my trivial concerns of a low budget A4 printer.

Basically I just want one that's cheap n cheerful to get the hang of processing for printed output without a trip to the Fuji machine in the shop every time to see the results. If I want 'real' or bigger prints I'll use photobox.

In PC World (yes, I know... but I just want to go and buy it in a shop after work tonight) they have the Epson R245 for €110, and the Canon IP 4300/4200 for €120. Now the only reason I don't just go and buy the Epson is because I saw Morlar's prints from a similar Canon and was pretty impressed, and also the resolution is listed at 9600 x 2400 where the epson is 5760 x 1440. Does that actually mean anything in real terms?

GristlyEnd

I have the Canon iP4300 which I picked up in PC World for €80 (was on sale at the time). I'm very impressed with the prints from it. The ink cartridges are approx €14 each and as far as I know, you cannot refill them yourself as they have a chip in them.

Clseeper

In general people can see any visible difference above 1200x4800 so your right, it is a meaningless spec. Do you really want a A4 printer. You already said you would use photobox for most of your prints. I'd be thinkin bout the costs in ink and paper.

I have a Hp appliance printer [A716]. It does up to 5x7" prints and panaramic. I just print out all my half decent pics on 4x6" and any really good ones I send off to photobox to be enlarged. My one is nearer the high end but you can pick up one for ~€80-120.

DarrenG - I wouldn't be refilling cartridges which I want for photos. Most of the mags recommend genuine cartridges. Thats if you want anyway decent pics.

Dundhoone

I have a canon 4200. You have to buy canon paper to get good results (as far as i've seen). It does print top notch pictures. Its really only for check prints as you said, because trying to print any volume gets very very expensive!!!!

Also we just bought a slighty lower spec canon for teh gf's parents for christmas, and the printers were cheaper in havery norman than Pc world. if thats any good to ya!

elven

Who's Harvey Norman????

Thanks guys busy now but will read through and consider in depth in a while...

thebaz

i got a HP PhotoSmart 7160 in the Camera Store on Grafton st. for 170 -- the quality on A4 is excellent -- recommend it - the price seamed good in comparison to PC World and other outlets !

elven

They are w*****s in that place, wouldn't go near it if they gave me money.

Besides that, I was serious about the low budget part. Beyond €120 (then you also have to add in the USB cable and paper) it starts getting silly for the purpose I want it for. I also don't think it's worth spending the same amount of cash on a smaller print size, I think that's a bit too limiting.

I doubt you can go wrong with the basic epson though, I'll prolly just go pick that one up and see from there. Thanks people

Borderfox

Epson. I have an R200 for the past 4 years and I use it to print out at showjumping shows, still going strong!!

Shiny

I am thinking of getting a printer too.

I wanted that HP printer that has the
dedicated mono cardridge ??? but it is
over 600euro I think. :eek:

I was considering this one maybe.

Out of your range, maybe out of mine too
but it prints A3+.:)

Borderfox

I seen the Espon R1800 for about €400 in Hardly Normal

punchdrunk

get the HP 618 for €150,
honestly the quality of the 7x5's is top notch!

TempestSabre

Are these printers any good for checking out print output. I would have thought you'd need to calibrate your monitor properly to the printer (as in printing shop) you use most often.

I never print my standard 6x4's photos myself, its just not cost effective. Its only cost effective if its a larger print. IMO.