I think I need a new Printer

[Scoosh]

Old Canon Pixma MG3150 has served our 2 children and assorted flatmates through university but is now unable/unwilling to suck up the paper to print it. I've tried cleaning the rotating bits that draw the paper in - but to no avail . [all the Utoob videos seem to be for different models – and how many models do these printer companies really need to make ???]

So it looks as if a new printer has to be purchased.

Mrs S and I have basic requirements:
– very light use, purely in the home – we can go a month or more without using it
– small footprint preferred
– colour print (photos too)/ copy/ maybe scan; probably inkjet
– wifi connection (USB not essential)
– low running costs (natch )
– Max £90

There are so many around and none of the manufacturers appear to have good reviews so is it just a lottery and "you pays yer money ..." ?

Knowledgeable guidance and advice appreciated.

 

[fossyant]

HP instant ink might be an option. From £1.99 a month depending upon print requirements, This means ink's delivered as you need it, all by the power of i'internet.

 

[PK99]

I'm in the same position with a dead Pixma MX475.

Probably plumping for this: https://www.johnlewis.com/hp-envy-6...bled-hp-instant-ink-compatible-white/p5603742

 

[Sharky]

I've been using an HP Envy 5532. Multi function, printing, scanning, copying, wifi and can print direct from my mobile.
Takes HP301 cartridges. I did consider the "instant ink" option, but I didn't fancy a system that was based on the number of pages printed.
So I buy from "Cartridge People" and use their "refilled" cartridges, which contain more than the HP ones.

 

[Bazzer]

I think unless you spend a decent wedge of money, printers seem to be considered as a disposable item.
Probably putting the kiss of death on ours, but we have had good service from our Pixmas. Our main one is one of the 6 range and child 2 has one of the 3 range. The latter has been lugged around home and two colleges.
Shop around and the ink can be bought quite cheaply, using either clones or the refillable ones.

 

[fossyant]

I had a HP photosmart that lasted over 10 years, but it packed in this summer. Ended up with a HP office jet with 9 months free ink !

 

[presta]

Mrs S and I have basic requirements:
– very light use, purely in the home – we can go a month or more without using it

In that case, do what I do: use the printer in the library (or last time, the shop opposite the library). I refuse to be a victim of the Great Printer Ink Scam.

 

[annedonnelly]

T

In that case, do what I do: use the printer in the library (or last time, the shop opposite the library). I refuse to be a victim of the Great Printer Ink Scam.

Think that's what I'll do when my printer dies. I suspect most of my ink goes on head cleaning on the rare occasions that I print anything.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Slightly OT Scoosh - sorry.

Why do we have to keep buying colour inks just to keep our Canon printer printing B&W?

 

[classic33]

Slightly OT Scoosh - sorry.

Why do we have to keep buying colour inks just to keep our Canon printer printing B&W?

They used to have a black ink only print option on some of their printers.

 

[si_c]

Until a few years ago I had an HP LaserJet 4 a solid tank of a printer that didn't go wrong and was fully serviceable. Sadly Mrs C decided it was no longer required and subsequently I haven't had a printer, I found I don't actually need one as I was only really using it print boarding passes for travel.

The only time in the last 7 years we did require a few documents printing was last year prior to travel (Passenger Locator forms and COVID declarations) but Mrs C printed those in work before we travelled. I could print in work, but I don't even know where the printer is.

 

[Sharky]

Re cartridges, ours has two, a seperate B/W one and a colour one. Once one of the colours has gone, it does mean buying a new cartridge.
I did have an Epson printer once, which had 3 seperate colour cartridges as well as the B/W cartridge.

 

[classic33]

Possible fix for the paper pick-up issue
https://chriswoods.co.uk/2019/08/canon-pixma-paper-feed-roller-problems-diy-sponge-fix/

 

[All uphill]

In that case, do what I do: use the printer in the library (or last time, the shop opposite the library). I refuse to be a victim of the Great Printer Ink Scam.

Five years ago our printer stopped working; we decided to try living without one and instead use the services of Mailboxes Etc.

I probably cycle down there four or five times a year for copies. Total cost approx £10 per year, and one less piece of plastic cluttering up the place.

 

[Scoosh]

Possible fix for the paper pick-up issue
https://chriswoods.co.uk/2019/08/canon-pixma-paper-feed-roller-problems-diy-sponge-fix/

Aye, that was one I have tried but he's got a different model to mine and I can't get right into the workings like he can.