I need a new printer...

[palmer6strings]

Hey everybody! Its been a very long time since I've been on here. Hope everyone is doing well.
Had a lot of ups and down the last few years for sure. Hopefully I'm back and able to help out now and again.

But I'm in need of some help myself. My printer is extremely outdated. No supported drivers anymore and can't even get ink carts.
I have been looking at the Epsom eco tank printers and they act like they print very well but I'd like to see your alls thoughts on the mater because I dont want to be disappointed with poor prints and lack of support.
I think I'd be ok with spending $300ish if that helps.

[Arseen]

I think paper and correct settings matter more.
Any inkjet should work fine.

[palmer6strings]

Good to hear from you man.
Yeah, I'll just have to look and see whats on the market I guess.

[TDIRunner]

I suggest ink jet as well.  I use a Canon MX922.  It's a printer and scanner and even has the ability to print on CDs.  It's several years old, so I'm sure that specific model is not on the market anymore, but I get excellent prints when using the correct paper with the proper print settings.  I also am strict about using Canon brand ink rather than generic.  I always purchase the XL cartridges since they offer over double the prints for slightly less than a 50% pay bump.  It's worth mentioning that my printer is a bit of overkill since the scanner includes a document feeder.  You would never need that for scanning game covers, but I use it for work which is why I bought it. 

[marioxb]

What about the printers where you just replace one color at a time? Like your yellow is out- just replace yellow. I forget what they are called. Anyone have one?

[Bear78]

I'll second a Canon Inkjet / Scanner combo.  Been using one for years now with great results.

[sgtmo]

Depending on how much you print, if it's a lot, I HIGHLY recommend the Epson ET-8550. It has individual ink tanks and most importantly it has the Photo Black ink. Most printers you buy off the shelf don't print true black. They mix in a color with the black, it's nonsensical but that's just how they're made. With this one though, the black ink is true.

The ET-8550 is a wide format version (the ET-8500 is the regular sized version).  It prints up to 13x19 I think. I use it for prints on Universal Game Cases with 11x17" photo paper. It can print on CD's as well. I've tried it and it prints perfectly on them. There are 6 ink tanks, and a bottle of Epson ink can range between $16 to $19. I can say though that I can get anywhere from 125 to 150 full page prints before any of the ink wells run out, and they won't run out at the same time. The one that runs out most often is the Photo Black. You could also get a full set of off-brand ink on Amazon for $40 to $60.

I speak so highly of this printer because it was about the 8th or 9th one that I have tried. I tried various Canon and lower numbered Epson printers. It also has a very decent scanner, which has a larger sized platen than a regular sized printer/scanner would have.

Photo Paper:
I love the Koala double-sided 69lb 8.5/11" paper for my regular DVD size and below prints. It's super heavy and the prints look amazing. You can get it on Amazon or Koala's website. Amazon will get it to you faster but sometimes Koala's website will have discounts and they have a rewards program. Koala used to have 11x17" paper as well but I think they discontinued it becaue I haven't seen it on their website for about 6 months.

For the wider format stuff -- Universal Game Case and things of that size -- I use Uinkit Glossy Photo Paper. It is single-sided, 62lb, and 11x17". The prints look quite good on that paper as well.

I think the pricepoint is going to be a barrier for some. I paid around $700 for it. I think it is worth every penny because the prints are beautiful, the ink economy is great, and I've printed over 7,000 pages on it and all I've had to do is change the maintenance box a couple of times and run the regular maintenance programs built into the printer.

That's pretty much my print setup. I have both the ET-8550 and the ET-8500.

SGT_Mo

[palmer6strings]

I ended up getting an Epson ET-2800. I have 2 weeks to return it if my satisfaction is not met. Did a lot of research and this model seems to get good reviews. I didn't need an AiO because I got a quality dedicated scanner a while back and I also didn't need fax.
I'll post an update later with how I think the quality is.

[palmer6strings]

Turns out the Epson ET-2800 didn't work out. Took a while to get it set up and I got it to print some really nice prints but it will not print borderless on letter size and I need it to do that.
Am looking into other printers now.

[Taketheword]

I suggest ink jet as well.  I use a Canon MX922.  It's a printer and scanner and even has the ability to print on CDs.  It's several years old, so I'm sure that specific model is not on the market anymore, but I get excellent prints when using the correct paper with the proper print settings.  I also am strict about using Canon brand ink rather than generic.  I always purchase the XL cartridges since they offer over double the prints for slightly less than a 50% pay bump.  It's worth mentioning that my printer is a bit of overkill since the scanner includes a document feeder.  You would never need that for scanning game covers, but I use it for work which is why I bought it.

I also use an MX922. Fantastic printer. You can buy them nearly new on eBay for a good price. They burn through ink fast but the print quality is good. You can print on CDs and get custom trays for other stuff.

[Hoggs17]

I use a black friday special that i got 3+ years ago - Canon Pixma TR8520. Works great for covers. Just make sure you use good paper. I have been using Semi-Gloss as recommended by Rockabilly in another thread. Covers pop when the proper settings are used. I just buy the ink off of ebay, real cheap to find the generics.

[irvgotti452]

Turns out the Epson ET-2800 didn't work out. Took a while to get it set up and I got it to print some really nice prints but it will not print borderless on letter size and I need it to do that.
Am looking into other printers now.

I have the ET-7700. I am able to print borderless and it comes with a ton of ink that even almost 2 years later I haven't run out of the packaged ink. I mainly use it for photography prints and covers. I think it only prints up to A4 though iirc.

[BadChad]

I have the ET-7700. I am able to print borderless and it comes with a ton of ink that even almost 2 years later I haven't run out of the packaged ink. I mainly use it for photography prints and covers. I think it only prints up to A4 though iirc.

The ET-7700 is a fantastic printer that is unfortunately discontinued. Was recently looking for one and they're no longer available

[irvgotti452]

I have the ET-7700. I am able to print borderless and it comes with a ton of ink that even almost 2 years later I haven't run out of the packaged ink. I mainly use it for photography prints and covers. I think it only prints up to A4 though iirc.

The ET-7700 is a fantastic printer that is unfortunately discontinued. Was recently looking for one and they're no longer available

I wasn't aware. I saw a few prices that made my jaw drop just now  .