posted 06-03-2005 08:11            

We're about to purchase a HP 2710 multi-function printer, which will work well with our WDS (wireless distribution system) as a primary network printer, as well as a dedicated fax receiver. Its software is well-known to be problematical on Wintel machines, but the Mac software works fine and is not intrusive.

posted 06-03-2005 08:48               

In its former place upstairs in the family room is a Brother MFC 5440CN printer-copier-scanner-faxer that we like lots more because it works much better.

A big gripe with the old LexMark was that generic no-name replacement ink cartridges were hit & miss. Some worked & some didn't -- but you couldn't tell which were which till you put'm in the printer & tried'm out. New LexMark OEM cartridges worked fine every time but were pricey.

The Brother MFC 5440CN is working great on some generic no-name replacement ink cartridges I got via Internet from OverStock.com. (In fact, it's about time to order some more.)

The old LexMark worked on 2 ink cartridges -- 1 blank & 1 color.

The new Brother MFC 5440CN works on 4 cartridges -- 1 black, 1 blue ("cyan"), 1 red ("magenta"), & 1 yellow ("yellow"). That way I only replace the ink as the particular color goes empty.

With the LexMark 2-cartridge arrangement, I had to replace the entire color ink cartridge when, for example, only the yellow ("yellow") ink was used up but some blue ("cyan") & red ("magenta") were still remaining. Wasteful, eh?

Plus, the Brother MFC 5440CN opens up so it works as a flat-bed copier & scanner. The old LexMark worked only by sheets of paper rolling through a feeder assembly -- OK for copying & scanning loose sheets, but no good for books & oversize items & stuff like that.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.

posted 06-03-2005 10:56               

quote:

---

Originally posted by LisaH:
I guess yours an inkjet?

---

Yes, the Brother MFC-5440CN is ink-jet all the way.

Price tag at Staples was about $100.

It came with a mail-in incentive offer. We sent in the carton UPC symbol & a copy of the store receipt & got back a $30 Staples gift coupon.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.

posted 06-03-2005 11:04               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Makai Guy:
If I were to do it again, I'd probably not buy another HP all-in-one. Reason being their software is huge and invasive. I still have some vestiges in my laptop that I can't get rid of, despite extensive time spent with their tech support.

---

If you are careful during install and use third party tools to remove startup items you can limit the software that loads from HP. I agree it is too much & intrusive but so are the ones from Lexmark and others. At least the printer/fax/copier/scanner works (most of the time) from HP. None are perfect - HP is the best I've found but there is plenty of room for improvement.

posted 06-04-2005 08:33               

quote:

---

Originally posted by derb:
Need a new 4 in 1 and I recall someone was very impressed with a Lexmark but I can't remember the model nr. Your advise on 4 in 1's please.

---

I have a Lexmark 6170 all in one printer and have been very happy with it. The Lexmark models 6150 and 6170 are far superior to their other models. The difference between the 6170 and 6150 is the 6170 has an automatic document feeder.

I researched many printers before deciding on the Lexmark. This included testing them side by side for print quality, speed, etc. I also own an Epson but it is not as good. What makes the Lexmark 6150 and 6170 good is their print quality because of their relatively small droplet size. Most ink jet printers have a droplet size of 5-7 picoliters. The Lexmark 6150 and 6170 has a droplet size of 3 picoliters. I have had mine for some time now and use it a lot for printing, copying, faxing and some scanning. I have never had any mechanical problems, jamming etc. My son, who is a professional digital photographer, used my printer last summer for some of his Expo 2005 demo photos. Using photo paper he said the print quality was excellent.

------------------
John