Printer recommendations

Tom Buskey tom at buskey.name
Fri Mar 8 10:56:31 EST 2013


On Thu, Mar 7, 2013 at 2:08 PM, David & Tina Ohlemacher <
ohlemacher at gmail.com> wrote:

> I am in need of a printer and was wondering if the gnlug would have
> recommendations.  Even brands to look at or avoid would be helpful.
>
> Here is what we are looking for in order of importance:
>
>    - Works with Linux obviously. We currently run Ubuntu, Mint, and LMDE
>    at the house. There will usually be no Windows machines on the network.
>    - Color laser
>    - Ethernet interface
>    - Not overly expensive to operate
>    - Cost under $500
>    - Size does not matter
>    - Bonus:
>       - Two sided printing
>       - All in one (functional Linux scanning)
>       - Wireless
>
>
I recently (November) got a Konica-Minolta 1690mf for somewhere around $200
on a deal (!) from Adorama
It's an MFD w/ scanning, fax, copying, printing.  Color laser, ethernet,
document feeder.  Rated something like 2k sheets/mo.  A duplex device is ~
$150 addon.  A tray for > 500 sheets was also the same $$.

Macintosh, Windows and I use Linux Ubuntu with it (uses ghostscript &
gimpprint I think).  For scanning, I set up a Samba Share to save scans
onto my fileserver.  There are apps for scanning & faxing on windows &
macintosh but I haven't really tried them much.

I've faxed with it.  Copies are decent.  Prints are nice.  Color Laser
photos are ok, but will never be as good as inkjet.  Scans are slow and
adequate.  I haven't tested the ADF.

It has starter toner cartridges that last 700-1000 sheets.  A set of 4
refurbed was $80 & easy to change.

I've gotten some jamming.  It's definately not as robust as a Brother laser
(1540n?)  I got 10 years ago, but it's better then any ink jet I've ever
had.  I'm not sure I'd want it in a business, but I'm happy for home use.
Oh, it's big.  On the floor, over knee high with the duplexer on.

If I was doing more then casual scanning, I'd look at something else.
Heck, I bet there are $50 wireless MFDs that could work for just scanning
that would do more & faster.

I've also had a Samsung color laser.  It was USB only.  I tried various usb
to ethernet devices and was unhappy with them (kept falling off the network
or not waking up).  They run $50-$100 anyways.  The Konica prints a bit
better and the driver seems to work better.
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