May 22, 2006
There are many different printers that you can buy. We will talk about 2 very popular printers. The first type is an "Three in One printer" and the second is a regular printer.
A "Three In One" printer will copy, scan, and print. The nice thing about one of these is that it will copy without being plugged into the computer. When going to buy you should purchase an InkJet All in One machine or an Inkjet 3 in 1 machine. A 3 in 1 machine does not have a fax machine. An All in 1 machine has a fax machine. Most people don't need or want a fax machine.
Staples Prices - $200 to $300
Wal*Mart - $47 - $133
Here are some reviews on brand names:
Lexmark - Eugene and I don't like Lexmarks. Mine didn't seem to last too long.
Epson - Our Epsons have been okay. I purchased an Epson because in advertisements it says the ink with last 70 to 80 years.
Canon - Canon seems to work well. My dad prints pictures with a Canon and the ink lasts a long time it does well.
HP - We have all had great experiences with HP. This is the one we suggest. The directions seem to be easy to follow.
We can also get a normal printer.
I suggest that you go get a mid priced HP printer.
Don't forget that you will need a USB cord that will cost $10 dollars or so.
Additional Printing ideas:
Ink will be your biggest expense. You might think that you can save some money by filling your own cartridges. We suggest you don't.
Look to Staples for returning old ink cartridges. They will give $3 dollars for each cartridge.
Here is how to keep your printer running well.
Don't let your printer sit for a long time. Make sure you print at least once a month. The ink will sit still and plug up your printer.
Make sure you use brand name ink. Harriet has had success with Staples Ink. The price and quality have been good for her.
Here is some basic maintenance.
Click Start
Click Control Panel
Click Printers and Other Hardware
Click Installed Printers or Fax Printers
Locate the regular printer that you use.
Right Click on the Printer.
Left Click Printing Preferences.
Look for a tab called Maintenance, Tool Box, or something like that.
Left Click Maintenance or whatever the word is.
Look for something like Head Cleaning. Click Head Cleaning. A head cleaning is self cleaning.