Printers Printers

I used to think that I was bad as far as computer systems go. The number of active computers I run has ranged from 2-5 for more than a decade now. With two down right now (one probably permanently), I am down to two, the one I am using right now (SYSD), and my server (SYSH). And then I hook my laptop (SYSE) in to my network occasionally to sync and backup everything.

What I find I have now in abundance are printers. I now have five of them hooked up to my systems, most often through multiple paths. Why so many?

• Inertia


• eBay


• Different printers have different advantages and disadvantages.

Here is the current list:

• Epson EPL-8000:
  • High speed laser printer.
  • Connectivity:
    • LPT1 on router to Ethernet.
  • Advantages:
    • Very fast, esp. for easy printing;
    • Reliable;
    • Relatively cheap to operate;
    • Runs through print server to Ethernet.
  • Disadvantages:
    • It is old enough that it doesn't feed labels or envelopes anymore;
    • It doesn't have a sleep mode;
    • So, it uses a lot of power due to its age and lack of sleep mode;
    • Enough power that it can heat up the room in the summer;
    • Print cartridges are expensive (but last a for a lot of pages).


• Brother MFC-5100C:
  • Multifunction inkjet scanner, copier, printer, FAX.
  • Connectivity:
    • USB to SYSH
    • LPT1 to SYSB
  • Advantages:
    • Flatbed scanning;
    • FAX.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Expensive to run due to cost of ink cartridges (esp. because it uses all four colors when printing B/W);
    • Somewhat flaky.


• HP BusinessJet 2300:
  • High speed business quality inkjet printer.
  • Connectivity:
    • LPT2 on print server to Ethernet.
  • Advantages:
    • Very cheap to operate for an inkjet printer;
    • Cheap for color printing;
    • Capable of taking HP's biggest cartridges, which are now refillable;
    • Two paper bins/cartridges (I use the top one for labels and envelopes, and the lower has plain paper);
    • Fast for an inkjet printer;
    • Reliable and built to last - this is the type of printer that HP built its reputation on;
      
    • Runs through print server connected to network (I can buy an Ethernet adaptor for more than I paid for the printer, but with the print server available, why bother?)
  • Disadvantages:
    • More expensive for B/W than laser printers;
    • Prints colored text quickly, but complex images like photos are slower than Photosmart printer.


• HP Photosmart 7450:
  • Photo grade printer.
  • Connectivity:
    • USB to SYSH
  • Advantages:
    • Fastest for printing colored graphics, such as photos;
    • Able to read different memory chips (which is how I now upload photos from my camera);
    • best quality print.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Most expensive ink;
    • Slower printing text than 2300 or laser printers;
    • Not built to last.


• Brother MFC-8300:
  • Laser Multifunction for print, copy, and FAX.
  • Connectivity:
    • LPT1 to SYSH
    • USB to SYSB
  • Advantages:
    • Sleep mode for laser printer;
    • Laser printer for FAX (better cost and reliability);
    • Phone for FAX;
    • Laser for copying.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Scanner isn't flatbed;
    • Missing feed tray extender;
    • Shortage of software, esp. compared to MFC-5100C;
    • Somewhat flaky.