Need help looking for a new printer...

[pentupanger]

Hello all, I have been looking for a GOOD (or GREAT  )  printer that will print photos, box art, papercraft models and do normal every day printing.

I have looked into laser printers and have decided that the cost of toner might be out of my budget, so I am looking for something that will print VERY well without costing me a lot every time I need to replace ink.

I am also wanting to be able to print on shiny metallic gold and silver paper (the kind you might see around the holidays), so I'll need something that will be able to print on that type of paper without smearing the ink (or I can at least let the ink dry.

Being a wireless (Airprint) printer is a HUGE plus considering I have two laptops, a desktop, an iPad 2, a Samsung Galaxy 10.1 tablet, a couple of iTouchs,, and one iPhone 4.

I want to be able to print crisp and retail-like game covers too.

My cost range would be around $50-$250 (for a REALLY good one).

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Pent

[amarthar]

With laser printers you must note that the cost of the toner may seem way too much, but remember, that the toner lasts much longer than an ink cartridge.

[Vt102]

Epson Artisan series.

[CadmiumRED]

With laser printers you must note that the cost of the toner may seem way too much, but remember, that the toner lasts much longer than an ink cartridge.

He's right on that one.  Toner does indeed last way longer than ink cartridges; you'll spend more money replacing the cartridges than you would be replacing the toners for the printer.  I still say you should get a laserjet.  Also, make sure if you get a laserjet printer that you get paper that can go through the printer; some paper may or may not work in it because the printer uses heat to produce the color onto the paper.

[tiktektak]

If you refill ink tanks the cheap way it costs next to nothing.

I'd never use a laser color printer. Just doesn't look as vibrant and natural in my eyes.

[amarthar]

If you refill ink tanks the cheap way it costs next to nothing.

That is a very good way to clog the printer.

[tiktektak]

If you refill ink tanks the cheap way it costs next to nothing.

That is a very good way to clog the printer.

Depends on the ink you use for teh refill. Don't believe everything the printer company tells you.

My father refills his tanks for years now and never had any problems.

[PDDestro]

If you refill ink tanks the cheap way it costs next to nothing.

That is a very good way to clog the printer.

Depends on the ink you use for teh refill. Don't believe everything the printer company tells you.

My father refills his tanks for years now and never had any problems.

That's what I'm going to do as well. BTW tik what brand/type of paper do you use when printing your covers?

[marioxb]

If you refill ink tanks the cheap way it costs next to nothing.

That is a very good way to clog the printer.

Depends on the ink you use for teh refill. Don't believe everything the printer company tells you.

My father refills his tanks for years now and never had any problems.

Like where you have gallon containers of ink with hoses connected to the cartridges? I was always wondering about doing that.

[Arseen]

If you refill ink tanks the cheap way it costs next to nothing.

That is a very good way to clog the printer.

Depends on the ink you use for teh refill. Don't believe everything the printer company tells you.

My father refills his tanks for years now and never had any problems.

Like where you have gallon containers of ink with hoses connected to the cartridges? I was always wondering about doing that.

Interesting idea, but I doubt that would work, as the hoses would restrict the movement of the print head.
You'll just have to fill the cartridges with surringe.

[sheep2001]

continuous ink systems (CISS) already available for lots of mdels - i know plenty of people using them for epsons with no problems at all.

[Arseen]

continuous ink systems (CISS) already available for lots of mdels - i know plenty of people using them for epsons with no problems at all.

Oh?

Gotta get me one of those.

[pentupanger]

I've decided to get an inkjet Epson Workforce 840.  The reviews on it say that it is pretty much as awesome as you can get right now.

Wireless printing, text/black printing that rivals laser jets... and a huge LED screen on the front with memory card slots.

Plus I believe I read you can put almost any size of paper in it as long as it is 8.5" wide and up to 44" long.

Plus it prints on both sides of the paper, so maybe I can finally start doing manuals now...

It just has too many bells and whistles on it to not get it.

The ink doesn't seem to be THAT expensive at this time... but we'll see how fast I can go through it.

[scarmullet]

I have been in the market for a new printer, I have a Lexmark X3430, and it eats ink pretty fast, especially when printing covers...though I think I can rectify that by using semi-gloss paper and printing on lower settings.

[tiktektak]

I've decided to get an inkjet Epson Workforce 840.  The reviews on it say that it is pretty much as awesome as you can get right now.

Wireless printing, text/black printing that rivals laser jets... and a huge LED screen on the front with memory card slots.

Plus I believe I read you can put almost any size of paper in it as long as it is 8.5" wide and up to 44" long.

Plus it prints on both sides of the paper, so maybe I can finally start doing manuals now...

It just has too many bells and whistles on it to not get it.

The ink doesn't seem to be THAT expensive at this time... but we'll see how fast I can go through it.

If you go for a EPSON read this first:

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150626471028#description

Only applicable if you speak german.