HN Explorer

Ask HN: What's a Good Physical Printer?

1 points by xrd ↗ HN
I want to buy a printer.

I have a theory that all printers are made by predatory companies that want to sell you planned obsolescence devices with cryptographically motivated expensive cartridges.

Am I not fully correct? Is there a good option outside of this realm? Should I buy an old used laser printer?

14 comments

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rickcarlino
HN often recommends Brother printers for their lack of innovation and good-enough design. Printer companies are sleazy, you’re not wrong.
rivetfasten
My b&w laser from brother has been working perfectly for over 10 years. No software installation. Wifi, Ethernet, or USB. Everything I need and nothing I don't. Color would be nice but I've never seen it be worth the hassle to own.
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brudgers
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sloaken
I agree, all those details are needed as well as volume of printing.
dredmorbius
Brother, B&W laser. That consistently tops independent review sites, e.g., NYTimes Wirecutter: <https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-printer...>.

It replaced an HP mispurchase made against my recommendation a couple of years ago, and is absolutely solid and boring.

If you only need occasional colour prints, you can use a print service (most office-supply stores, druggists, package delivery (FedEx/UPS).

There are tank-based inkjet printers which may avoid some of the higher-cost ink / DRM issues. Mostly I avoid them as overpriced and problematic.

Avoid HP like the plague it is.

tacomagick
I see your Brother b&w suggestions and raise you Epson Ecotank for cheap and easy refills. Just don't connect them to the internet I guess. I haven't really had an issue with them yet even though I used thr poor thing very bad (not emptying it while moving, not doing regular head cleaning or letting it sit for months unplugged) though mine was pretty old and I eventually gave it away.
deepc4life
Is this not what most companies are turning towards? It's one giant bait and switch operation lol - especially if private equity gets involved!
EPConsulting
I have an epson EcoTank and I'm quite happy with it. Cartridges are non existent... you just get bottles of ink to refill it.
Jeremy1026
EcoTanks all the way. I have a 5850. It'll print full color for about 2-4¢ a sheet.