My HP put me through one to many hour-long fights to print a single page and I’m done with it. Going to go full office space on that thing, but first I need a new printer. I’m not a heavy user, so I’m lookng to spend $300 or less. What do yall recommend?

Must haves Color printing Copying (B&W and color) Accepts generic ink/toner

Strongly prefer Printing cardstock up to 300 GSM Duplex printing feeder

Inkjet or laserjet is OK, with slight preference for laserjet. Also, scanner not needed

  • shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    16 days ago

    If you’re a light user, best to have a much stronger preference for laser printer. Inkjets use up that expensive ink to clean the nozzles between uses if you’re lucky, and will fully clog if you’re unlucky (I was unlucky twice and never again). I’m a light user and a laser printer can go for ages between printing.

    If it’s got copying, it’ll have a scanner anyway.

    I’ve got an HP that has served me well and my HP cartridges have lasted ages - not because they’re great or cheap, but because I print so little. At the time, I choose HP because it was more compact. Next time, I’ll definitely lean towards Brother laser on principle.

    • ag10n@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      16 days ago

      +1 to laser for light usage. I have an HP cheapo laser setup with a cups server; everyone just hits the print server instead of needing to install drivers.

    • Jesus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      16 days ago

      I’m in the light use camp, and I agree. Things can dry out before you ever get a chance to empty the tank.

      That said, I have a small place, and I don’t like to dedicate shelf space to a an object that rarely gets used, so I store a small (child’s shoebox sized) color printer in a drawer. And unfortunately, no one makes a color laser that small.

      I might just end up getting a black and white laser because there are few companies that make tiny B&W lasers.