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printers - which is better epson dx4400 or canon mp170?

  • 01-02-2009 7:51pm
    #1
    breadbin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 692 ✭✭✭


    i have been given 2 printers and can choose between them, none have ink so can't test them. just wondering if anyone knew which one i should hold onto? the epson is fairly new i think but not sure of the canon it looks good enough;) don't do much printing just b&w assignments and what not, the occasional photo or something. any help is appreciated


Comments

  • #2
    Diver79
    Closed Accounts Posts: 105 ✭✭Diver79


    Personaly I would choose the Canon, it can scan up to 1200 x 2400 dpi has a memory card reader and supports heavier paper (105g/m2). The epson does appear to be slightly faster but the spec sheet has the below disclaimer on print speed which would put me off.

    *Print speed (PPM) when printed on A4 plain paper in the fastest mode. 10x15cm photo print speed when printed on Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper in draft, borderless mode. Print speed may vary depending on system configuration, print mode, document complexity, software, type of paper used and connectivity. Print speed does not include processing time on host computer.

    One thing to note is that if neither printer has ink and has not printed in a while then there is the possibility that the print heads have dried up. It would be worthwhile checking this out before deciding on the printer to keep. Print heads can be quite expensive.


  • #3
    breadbin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 692 ✭✭✭breadbin


    i thought it was just a case of putting new ink in? what are the print heads, can i not just clean them etc with the software?


  • #4
    mathew
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,488 ✭✭✭mathew


    no way of cleaning print heads with software. They get blocked by dried ink..
    When you click 'clean print heads' in the software, the printer forces ink through the heads at high pressure in the hope of clearing out the blocked ink.
    This wastes ink and isnt always successful. If it doesnt work, you have to get a new print head.. which is expensive..

    HP printers clean the heads with 'windscreen wiper' type things so theres no ink there to dry, and most if not all HPs (new ones anyway) have print heads on the ink cartridges so you get a new one everytime you replace the cartrige....

    As for the print speed, when a manufacturer measures the print speed its at the lowest possible quality so as to get the fastest time.
    You will probably get nowhere near that performance printing standard quality.

    Personaly I would go for the Canon, I find them a much better make.
    Also the higher resolution scanner and the card reader are a plus...
    The card reader not only allows the printer to be used alone (without a pc) but it also works as a memory card reader for your pc.. particularly handy if you cant find the wire for your camera...


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