Lost in a printer jungle

Help, help! After tossing my third inkjet out the window today—making it three in just four years—I’m seriously considering making the jump to a laser printer. I specifically need one that handles color.

The thing is, my job occasionally requires color prints, which is exactly why all my previous inkjets died on me; they just clog up every single time I try to use them. I’ve basically been throwing money down the drain on ink refills, head cleanings, trying to dissolve clogs, repair shops, or paying way too much at local print shops... it's just constant headaches.

I’ve been doing some digging online, but honestly, the more I look, the more confused I get.
The guys at the repair shop where I usually take my gear are actually suggesting I look at older models—like, they think I should grab a used laser printer instead because apparently the toner capacity on those new ones you find at big-box stores is pathetic compared to the old stuff (mentioning things like an HP LaserJet Pro or a Lexmark).

I don't really care about the brand; I just want something dead simple to use with toner that won't break the bank. I don't need any fancy networking, faxing, or a thousand other useless features. I just want a machine that actually works when I need it to, without the toner costing as much as a used car and hopefully lasting more than five minutes.

Thanks in advance for any solid advice.

Well, you aren't exactly alone in that feeling 🙂
. Personally, I’ve always put my faith in Lexmark, so if you're looking for a solid recommendation while keeping a tighter budget, I'd suggest this one
.
Now, look, it really wouldn't hurt to actually sit down and read through this guide or perhaps this article before you go ahead and pull the trigger on buying anything at all.
😉

And honestly, you might want to give some serious thought to Xerox as well.

brisktinker15 said:Help, help! After tossing my third inkjet out the window today—third one in four years—I’m seriously thinking about switching to a laser printer. I need one that does color.

The thing is, I occasionally need to print color docs for work. Every single inkjet I've owned has failed me by having the heads clog up before I even use them again. I've dumped so much cash into ink, cleaning kits, dissolving clogs, repairs, paying print shops... just constant headaches.

I've been browsing online, but honestly, the more I look, the more confused I get.
The repair shop where I usually take my printers suggests going with older models—basically saying I should grab a used laser instead. Apparently, the toner capacity on these new ones you find at big-box stores is tiny compared to the old stuff. (like an HP LaserJet Pro or a Lexmark).

Brand doesn't matter to me. I just want something easy to use with reasonably priced toner. I don't need network printing, faxing, or any other useless bells and whistles. I just want a printer that actually works when I need it, without the toner costing as much as a used car, and ideally something that lasts.

Thanks in advance for any solid advice.

You have to look at this from a different angle.

Ask yourself who actually benefits from you printing things for cheap.
Maybe the Merchant >> small profit
Maybe the State >> a little extra tax for the Treasury

Basically, everyone wants you to pay top dollar for every page.

So, you really have to hunt for someone where you can actually share the win.

You save money, and they make a little too.

Of course, if anyone actually offered you that upfront, you'd probably just scoff.

rustysurfer79, I'm totally lost on what you're getting at here.

Jamie Ramos5, that works, I guess, but honestly that Xerox looks a little flimsy to me—I'm not a huge fan of all-in-one setups because they just feel so bulky, and since I’ve already got an inkjet combo sitting right there, I’m really just hunting for a straightforward laser printer. Lexmark seems alright.
I can't find much info on their toner situation yet, though I'll probably spend some time digging around online.

What's the deal with HP's laser printers? I spotted an HP LaserJet Pro CP1025 in their lineup.

Let's just say my budget tops out around $1167.

And okay, this might be a pretty rookie question, but do they actually come with starter toners included, or am I going to have to buy those separately?

All laser or inkjet printers come with half-full toner cartridges, so you don't have to worry about it.

all of those lasers are a bit too bulky for what you need,

if you're sticking with HP given that specific budget, then honestly, your only real move is to check out this one

then there's maybe this Epson model. I actually put together this comparison right here

brisktinker15 said:rustysurfer79, I honestly have no idea what you're getting at.

The answer is actually pretty simple.

You’re out here chasing brands like HP Lexmark Epson, just hoping to snag a cheap print job.

They won't tell you to your face, but they're all thinking the exact same thing: "Forget about it."

Once that reality finally hits you, well, you just gotta deal with the fallout.

And if someone tries to pitch you a different way to do it? It's basically the same deal. Only the consequences change.

Later