OT: computer printer

Stan in Oly, WA

Well-known Member
I prefer to leave our desktop computer on all the time, and put it in the low power consumption sleep mode when it's not in use. It's set to go into sleep mode in a relatively short time if I don't do it myself. My wife frequently turns the computer off when she finishes using it. I don't know why. I notice that when I turn the computer back on, the ink jet printer comes on, too. Does the printer shoot a little ink through the jets as part of a cleaning process when it first comes on? It seems like we go through ink cartridges quicker than the amount of printing we do should use.

Thanks,

Stan
 
Yes, virtually all inkjet printers purge the print head when first powered on.

Then again, if you leave the inkjet turned on all the time but don't print much you are likely to have some clogging problems.

Inkjet gets you coming or going. I ended the madness and bought a cheap laser printer. I go through a toner cartridge every two years and have zero clogging problems. :)
 
She has a tablet that she uses most of the time. It has somewhat different capabilities from the desktop computers we are both more familiar with, so she uses the desktop for some things rather than investing even more time learning new systems that will be obsolete practically before you can turn around. We talked today about how we both would like to cut down our involvement with computers. Being online creates the illusion of doing something meaningful when, in fact, for the most part you're not. For us, more computers is not the answer.

Stan
 
Had a Brother multifunction machine that ate ink to self-clean when left on full time. In an attempt minimize ink useage, we started turning it on only when actually needed, of course it then plugged up totally. Got tired of messing with it and went back to Canon, good ink economy. Have used 2 Canon bubble jets since the early "90s, 1 as a "B size" plotter emulator that turned out a ton of drawings weekly for 4 years. Would still be using them if ink available. Next one will be laser.
 
They're gonna get your money Stan, one way or another.

We bought a laser printer - no color capabilities - because we printed mostly text and the HP inkjet ink was expensive. Lo & behold, the inkjet cartridges have an expiration date built into them, so when we DO want a color print, it demands that the cartridges be replaced due to them being past the "use by" date. I thought I'd researched things pretty good before buying this inkjet, but it looks like they got me yet again.
 
You're exactly right. The problem is, even if you'd be perfectly happy living without all (or any) of the current technology, choosing to do so is approximately the equivalent of deciding to go off and live by yourself in the woods. I use a Tracfone rather than a cell phone (Iphone, Android, etc.), I don't have cable or watch television, I use email rather than Facebook, I read books made of paper rather than on the screen of an electronic device, I use road maps, etc. While I'm perfectly happy with these choices, there's no denying that I'm getting increasingly out of touch with my peers. It's not my intention to be a Luddite or a crank; I appreciate innovation and technology when it relates to something I already care about. What holds me back is that I'm unwilling to find new things to care about, or new ways to care about things, just so that I can stay current. To me, that doesn't seem stubborn, it seems reasonable.

Stan
 
A few observations.....
I used to use inkjet printers. Had multiple problems. Started with HP. Got nice printing, but cartridges seemed to need replacing too often. They clogged up if they were not used often enough. Decided to try another brand. Canon seemed to be the logical choice. Again, the same issues as with the HP. Tried an Epson. Printing was near photographic quality (5 colors) but again, needed to be run frequently to prevent printhead clogging. Once the printhead clogged, the printer was scrap. Replacing the printhead would cost more than buying another printer.
So, I went to laser for most regular printing. Had several lasers, and had GREAT service from them. A bit big/bulky, but generally reliable. Cost per page was a small fraction of inkjet costs. The drawback was black and white printing only. No pictures and limited graphic quality.

About 2-1/2 years ago, I decided to see what was available in COLOR lasers. Ended up with a Brother HL-3070CW printer. Totally pleased with this one. Has (so far) the best of all worlds. Good resolution, will print out pictures with good quality. Toners outlast ink cartridges by orders of magnitude. Toners do not expire, do not clog up if left unused for a period of time, and are refillable.
Drawback: Printer comes with "starter" toner cartridges. These cartridges last for about 300 pages, and then the printer will require them to be replaced. Cost of replacing 4 toners (3 colors and a black) comes out to more than the cost of the printer - at Staples prices. So, I went online to see what alternatives there are. Found out a few interesting facts:
1) Toner cartridges are the SAME as full use cartridges MINUS one small part, and are filled with the SAME amount of toner!
2) Third party vendors offer refilling kits for the "starter" toners that include the missing part that will convert them into full use toners.
3) Cost of refilling toners (all 4) is less than the cost of 1 new replacement from Staples.
4) Refilling is EASY! Not a huge mess as I would have expected. Not expensive either. Totally satisfied - FINALLY!!!
 
Laser is most definitely the cheapest in the long run. I rarely print anything, instead I use the save as pdf for most things and file on the computer. what little I print is handled with a $35 HP laserjet I scored on craigslist. I've had this thing for years and never bought toner, or had an issue with printing, even after sitting for months.
 

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