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Converging Technology

Edgy DC Jul 09 2005 11:40 PM

My printer done stopped working on me, and the guy who recommended it to me orignally gave me the exact advice I expected an that's to get a new one. Thanks. Anyhow, shopping about, I realized that, as expected, many different all-in-one printer/scaner/fax machine/copiers are available. I mean that was expected, as they're all different ways of doing the same thing, turning an image into data and turning data into an image. But unexpectedly, their prices are almost comparable to plain printers. Should I get myself an all-in-one this time? Which brand? What to watch out for? I suspect a primary problem will be four disks worth of buggy software.

getalife Jul 10 2005 08:27 AM

I left CompUSA yesterday mumbling and in cold sweat. What a cluster fuck of plastic solutions. I want a color printer and now color laser printers are making their way into the home affordability universe. This one is $350 after rebate but if you needed to replace the cartridges all at once it would cost you almost $400. Eeeek. I would never buy one of those all-in-one jobs, but I can't give you any really good reason why. I have a scanner and and a cheapie fax. You can copy on a scanner.

TheOldMole Jul 10 2005 09:17 AM

I have a 3-in-one (no need for a fax) from HP, and have been satisfied with it.

Bret Sabermetric Jul 10 2005 11:11 AM

I resist multiple devices because when one needs to go into the shop for months on end, you lose all six machines in the package. Of course if you don't take things into the shop, then you'd buy a new X to replace your malfunctioning X. If the prices are all equal, why not go for it and save on space. The other disadvantage though, if you're like me and have a hard time following assembly directions, is that the setup instructions on a 4-in-1 tend to be a killer. Of course, you may not be reading my posts anymore, so this may not be the best use of my time, but I like like writing them anyway.

Johnny Dickshot Jul 10 2005 12:30 PM

I use the printer that came with the computer, and it does the requistite scanning, copying & printing well and without issue. However, replacement ink is available only through Dell (as far as I know) and the printer drinks it down like a Hummer swallows gas.

Rockin' Doc Jul 10 2005 03:25 PM

When I bought this computer from Dell in November 2004, they threw in a free color photo printer. It works really well, but it seems to constantly need ink cartidges. I have been unable to locate a replacement source other than buying them directly from Dell. My prior printer didn't require new cartidges nearly as often as this one does. No wonder they give me the printer, they apparently plan on making it up in replacement cartidges. Hopefully, another supply source will become available in the near future.

TheOldMole Jul 10 2005 10:26 PM

I always use the "fast draft" setting when printing text.