Printer issues?

I really need some advice on which all-in-one printer (scanner/copier combo) I should grab. Right now I've got an EPSON SX105, but I think I might've actually broken it. 🤷 Honestly, I know zero about printers, but since money was tight, I picked up some third-party inks that were supposed to be compatible. A few people tried them out and now the machine won't recognize any of them—not even the original color that's still in there. I have no clue what happened; I thought those inks were perfectly fine to use. 😁 It won't print a single thing, it just flashes at me and says the colors aren't recognized... 😢

So, I'm guessing it'll be cheaper to just buy a new one than try to fix this mess. I’d love a recommendation because I am seriously lost when looking at everything available. Plus, the folks at the local big-box store weren't exactly helpful when I mentioned I wanted something that could run on the cheapest possible ink—you know, third-party stuff or whatever...

To sum up: I need an all-in-one device, lowest price possible, cheap ink/toner is the priority. I don't care about speed and I don't even need Wi-Fi... I just need it to do its job. 😍 I don't print much, just the occasional photo or some text for school stuff... If anyone has a link to something like that, let me know... 😍

Amanda Sullivan said:I really need some advice on which all-in-one printer (scanner/copier combo) I should grab. I’ve been using an EPSON SX105, but I think I totally trashed it. 🤷 Honestly, I know zero about printers, but since money was tight, I bought some third-party inks thinking they'd be fine. A couple worked, but now it won't recognize any of them—not even the one color that's actually original. I have no clue what happened; I thought those inks were perfectly legal to use. 😁 It won't print a thing, it just flashes at me and says the colors aren't recognized... 😢

So, I'm guessing it makes more sense to just buy a new one rather than trying to fix this mess. I'd love a recommendation because I am seriously lost when looking at the options. The people at the local tech store weren't exactly helpful when I mentioned I wanted something that could run on cheap ink, like generics or something similar...

To sum up: I need an all-in-one, lowest price possible, cheap ink/toner is the priority. Speed doesn't matter, and I don't even need Wi-Fi... Just something that gets the job done. 😍 I don't print much, just the occasional photo or some text for studying and stuff... If anyone has a link to something like that, please... 😍

For stuff like that, there's a Plug and Play bundle: Printer + Scanner + Copier + reliable refill cartridges that actually work (meaning it's not the latest model) + ink for the 88 cartridges. But unfortunately, nothing cheaper than that $167 + sales tax. Basically, it's a very similar printer, but the whole package actually works.

If you go out and buy a brand-new, latest-gen model plus generic cartridges, you'll just end up banging your head against the wall again in a few moon cycles. For other reasons too, the whole setup just won't cooperate. It's not in anyone's interest to make it easy; they just want to take your money again. Including the "sales tax."

So you're telling me third-party inks aren't actually meant to work, they're just designed to... wreck your printer? 😕

Can someone give me an example of a printer that uses permanent cartridges? (Never heard of that, how do you even refill them?) Got a link?

Amanda Sullivan said:So you're saying third-party inks aren't actually meant to work, they're just designed to... wreck the printer? 😕

Can anyone give me an example of a printer with permanent cartridges? (Never heard of that, how do you even refill them?) Got a link?

Right. And rustysurfer79 is out here fighting the global industry conspiracy. I mean, he’s basically exposed HP, figured out who shot at Kennedy, what’s hiding on the dark side of the moon, who the mysterious passenger was in Čačić's car in Canada, and even let the public know Monica was spitting on Clinton......

Hey, you got any tips, or maybe someone else does? 😁 😉

Gregory Scott4 said:Oh, totally. rustysurfer79 is basically fighting a global industry conspiracy here. I mean, he’s already exposed HP, figured out who took the shot at Kennedy, knows what's hiding on the dark side of the moon, identified that brunette in Čačić's car over in Canada, and even let everyone know that Monica was spitting on Clinton...

Man, those are nothing compared to the conspiracy Canon cooked up to fight off those Chinese knockoff cartridges.

How so?

It's simple.
1. Someone uses up a disposable Canon cartridge.
2. Someone else grabs it from the trash and sells it to a Chinese supplier.
3. The Chinese guy refills it and sells it to some small-time entrepreneur as a "new" compatible cartridge.
4. Some little guy picks it up because it's 30% cheaper than the actual OEM stuff.
5. But Canon put a hidden flag on the cartridge chip that only kicks in after 14 to 30 days—basically, once the printer recognizes via the serial number that the cartridge has been used before. It locks the cartridge down, regardless of how much ink is left or if it’s ever even been in that specific printer. On the flip side, if you just refilled it and kept using it in the same machine while making sure you didn't run dry, the printer wouldn't lock it. This whole setup prevents recycling one thing for another. Unless, of course, you manage to use it all up before Canon locks it out. So yeah, you can only recycle it once.

So why don't they just lock it immediately?

Because then the little guys would realize what's actually happening. They'd miss the window to return a faulty cartridge and instead just send it straight to that third-party ink manufacturer. Then they'd be like, "Fine, from now on I'm only using original ink."

It's pretty much the same deal with Lexmark. But that also affects the printer itself.

With HP, it doesn't work quite like that. But their printheads are way more sensitive than Canon's, so we end up right back where we started.

Basically, EPSON + permanent cartridges and a proven ink setup is the gold standard for cheap prints.

Quote : Amanda Sullivan

Amanda Sullivan said:You got any advice, or is anyone else around with some? 😁 😉

If he tries to hawk some homemade junk to you, just ignore him. Otherwise, you can find the textbook definition of this kind of troll right here:
Just read that Wikipedia entry on schizophrenia. Heavy stuff. Makes you realize how much of a mess the human brain can actually be.
Schizophrenia? It's just that heavy-duty psychiatric disorder where your brain basically loses its grip on reality. Chronic, serious, and messes with your thinking so much it flips your behavior upside down. Real unpleasant stuff.
Schizophrenia basically comes from the Greek roots schizo—meaning to split or tear apart—and phrenos, which refers to the mind or soul. So, you're looking at a "split mind" or a fractured soul.
The first sign of schizophrenia is basically when someone's thought process and perception just break down—they can't tell what's happening inside their head from what's actually going on in the real world. You'll see people complaining about hallucinations, or just acting like things are happening that clearly aren't. Once you factor in the inability to hold down a job or function socially, and rule out any physical brain damage, that's usually how you land on a diagnosis. Research shows it's a mix of biological and social stuff, though newer studies are digging deep into the biochemical and genetic roots of how the brain works.

My advice? Just grab whatever brand the local refill shop actually keeps in stock. Forget about rustysurfer79. He’s just trying to peddle that super-duper ink that the Nazis used to print fake pounds to fly people out of the UK. That's how they caused hyperinflation in the 40s. They even used that same ink to make fake documents for Hitler. And he’s still hiding out in Brazil today. Radovan didn't use Adriatix Colibri ink, so when he tried to pass off those fake Euros without that special ink and high-end paper from rustysurfer79, the mob wouldn't have any of it.

Gregory Scott4 said:If he tries to peddle any of his homemade DIY nonsense, just tune him out. Otherwise, if you want a clinical definition of this particular breed of troll, you can find it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia
"Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a chronic, serious mental illness that primarily affects one's ability to think—essentially distorting reality, which leads to behavioral changes and distressing sensations.
The term itself stems from the Greek schizo (to split or cleave) and phrenos (mind or soul), which translates roughly to a 'split mind.'
The first sign is often considered a fragmentation of basic thought processes and cognition, alongside an inability to distinguish internal experiences from external ones. Those suffering from schizophrenia might report hallucinations (or appear to be reacting to them), or express views that have no grounding in reality. Social or occupational impairment, combined with other symptoms and the absence of a clear organic cause, can help confirm a diagnosis. Research suggests a mix of biological and socio-cultural factors contribute to its onset, while more recent studies point toward biochemical and genetic drivers within brain neurobiology."

My advice? Just buy whatever brand the local refill shop happens to stock. Honestly, forget about rustysurfer79. He’s just looking to sell some "super-premium" ink—the kind of stuff they probably used back in the day to print fake currency and fly it over the US in planes. That’s how they triggered hyperinflation in the 40s. They even used that same ink to forge documents for Hitler. And apparently, he’s still hiding out in Brazil. Even Radovan didn't use Adriatix Colibri ink, which is why he got caught when he tried to pass off those counterfeit dollars—printed without Adriatix's "top-tier" ink and their high-quality paper.

Man, his "Facebook friends" really saw right through him, didn't they? How tragic. We could probably throw a few more labels his way besides just schizophrenic.

Dennis Young57 said:Alright, look, I just can't get behind buying used gear.

Here’s a quick little test for anyone thinking about dropping cash on the latest printer model.

1. Print something out.
2. Take that exact same sheet and print over it again.
3. Do that three times in total.

Then you can go ahead and pull your hair out for not listening to the veterans.

See, an old HP DeskJet from ten years ago has such a tight tolerance that any brand-new model could be hidden within a tiny 0.5 to 1 mm gap.

Check out this example of three passes on one print. The offset is less than 0.3 mm.

Using Artist waterproof ink.
Why does this matter?

Because it lets you control exactly how much ink hits the surface.

Seriously, why is it important?

Think about making transfer templates for a Circuit Board where you need maximum opacity.
Or using them as a DIY alternative to a DTG printer that usually runs you around $70k-$80k.$0.00.

But here, you're getting the same result for maybe $1,000.$667. The ink is identical, and you're using the same amount of ink to get the same coverage.

The key thing to notice is that after three passes, the intensity of the template didn't really change because we're talking about pigment ink. Only the transparency shifted.

How much does this actually matter when I'm printing color documents (project specs, energy efficiency reports, etc.)?
I honestly feel like it might not matter at all.
But just to be safe: I'd appreciate some advice from someone with actual experience regarding my office setup. Specifically, based on what you've seen out there, which other printers or all-in-one units should I be looking at?

Dennis Young57 said:How much does color quality actually matter for printing documents (blueprints, energy certificates, etc.)?
Honestly, I don't think I care at all!
But still: I'd love some advice from someone who’s been there. Any suggestions on printer setups that would fit my office workflow? Basically, what other printers or all-in-one units should I be looking at based on actual experience?

An HP Business A3 series paired with a CISS and KMP Premium ink equals a lifespan of 50,000 to 80,000 prints.

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...448.html?dnr=1

It works, trust me.

Same mechanics, same HP 88 head, same HP 88 ink, same CISS = 140,000 prints.

http://rustysurfer79.com/A_REF/Pict/HP-Pro-K-550-140-000.jpg

And why do you think they don't make printers like that anymore?

What is the actual difference in print quality? Specifically, how much water resistance can I expect before the ink starts smearing from humidity?
In other words, what is the distinction between using an HP Thermal inkjet method versus something like an Epson WP-4025DW?
Is the HP Inkjet 2800 just as robust and built to last?
And how smart of a choice would the HP 3525 ?? laser duplex model be for an office setting?

Dennis Young57 said:What’s the actual difference in print quality? Like, how waterproof or smudge-proof is the ink against moisture?
Basically, what's the deal between using an HP Thermal inkjet method versus something like an Epson WP-4025DW?
Is the HP Inkjet 2800 just as tough and reliable?
Also, how smart is it to pick up an HP laser duplex LJ 3525 ?? for an office setting?

Since HP uses thermal tech, they can't really go with polymerizing inks, but they can definitely use UV-resistant pigmented ink.

The HP 2800 is ancient. It hasn't been made in years and honestly, it's junk. Do everyone a favor and toss it in the trash immediately so you stop bothering people.

Buying a laser printer with duplexing is never a smart long-term move. Toner starts sticking to the fuser roller during the first pass, and then it's a mess on the second. Once the fuser goes, you basically need a whole new printer.

How rugged is the HP 3525 ?? compared to a Lexmark E350D at the same price point? Probably less tough.

It's because that thing is a high-speed beast that isn't worth the cost of repairing.

How does one generate a printout showing the total page count, similar to this:

I am considering purchasing a used K8600, for instance.
What specific precautions should be taken when buying pre-owned equipment?

Dennis Young57 said:How can I print out a page that shows the total page count, kind of like this:

if I'm buying a used K8600?
Also, what should I look out for when buying second-hand?

Main thing is making sure the print heads are actually okay. You want to be certain there aren't any flow issues and that the ink tanks are topped off. Honestly, those basic status tests don't tell you much.

The only way to be 100% sure is to have an actual HP service center look at it. Of course, they'll charge you about $50 just for the visit. You can't really do a deep dive on a machine in like 30 minutes.

rustysurfer79 said:HP DesignJet A3 series + CISS + KMP Premium ink === lifespan of 50k - 80k pages

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...448.html?dnr=1

It works. Proven.

Same mechanics, same HP 88 head, same HP 88 ink, same CISS = 140,000 pages

And why do you think they don't make printers like this anymore?

You've got a point there 🙂 But that series isn't meant for Photo printing.

Gregory Scott4 said:You've got a point there 🙂 But honestly, that series just isn't built for high-end Photo printing.

Since when did blueprints become high-res photos?

I mean, who actually needs this level of detail unless they're some hardcore perfectionist?

It’s basically the same engine, same mechanics, and the same ink. The only real headache is that the HP 2800 has a crappy driver, so you have to use the one from the CP 1700—which, back in the day, was basically the gold standard for designers.

Why do they do it?

Because HP wants to nudge their loyal customers toward dropping the big bucks on a B9180 if they want true Photo quality.

rustysurfer79 said:Ever since they started doing Photo prints

Unless you're some amateur looking for decent quality, who even cares?

Same print head, same mechanics, same ink. Only thing is the HP 2800 has a garbage driver, so you have to use the CP 1700 driver—which used to be the gold standard for designers back in the day.

Why?

Because HP wants to force their loyal customers to go buy a B9180 if they want actual Photo quality.

The CP was never the designer's choice. You're talking nonsense. I mostly saw that thing in architecture firms as a cheap alternative to plotters. For Photo printing, it's absolute trash. Today's HP MF units are basically just CP 1700s in disguise when it comes to photo work. The CP is fine for people with zero standards. They pushed it because it shares heads and ink with the big plotters. If you buy a plotter, you usually grab a CP too. So stop acting like it's some legendary machine just to sell more units.

Gregory Scott4 said:The CP was never actually meant for graphic designers. You're missing the point here. I mostly saw those things in architecture firms being used as a cheap alternative to plotters. Honestly, they’re absolute garbage for Photo printing. These days, an HP MF can outprint a CP 1700 any day of the week when it comes to photos. The CP is fine if you don't have high standards, but let's be real—they only sold well because they shared print heads and ink with the plotters. If you were buying a plotter, you usually grabbed a CP too. So, stop acting like it was some holy grail just to move units.

Look, the HP DesignJet 500 and the CP 1700 == are basically the same machine. Same heads, same ink, same drivers. Or at least, if I remember right, there was a Postscript version available. That means it definitely had something for the pros. Most offices don't even need Postscript.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport...ectID=bpd50113

I recently picked up a used HP OfficeJet Pro K8600.
I am satisfied with the purchase thus far.
My next steps involve sourcing refillable tanks and high-quality ink.
However, I am still weighing my options regarding an A3 Scanner/copier and a backup printer.
While visiting a local surveying firm, I noticed a very capable machine: Brother MFC-J6710DW
In my estimation, this model outperforms both the Epson WF-7525 and the WF-7515.
A standalone A3 Scanner is prohibitively expensive. This unit offers rapid A3 copying—including duplex capabilities—two paper trays, and an integrated A3 Scanner all in one package.