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Ask HN: What's a Good Physical Printer?

xxrd about 7 hours ago 6 comments

HI version is available. Content is displayed in original English for accuracy.

I want to buy a printer.

I have a theory that all printers are made by predatory companies that want to sell you planned obsolescence devices with cryptographically motivated expensive cartridges.

Am I not fully correct? Is there a good option outside of this realm? Should I buy an old used laser printer?

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Discussion (6 Comments)Read Original on HackerNews

dredmorbiusabout 2 hours ago
Brother, B&W laser. That consistently tops independent review sites, e.g., NYTimes Wirecutter: <https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-home-printer...>.

It replaced an HP mispurchase made against my recommendation a couple of years ago, and is absolutely solid and boring.

If you only need occasional colour prints, you can use a print service (most office-supply stores, druggists, package delivery (FedEx/UPS).

There are tank-based inkjet printers which may avoid some of the higher-cost ink / DRM issues. Mostly I avoid them as overpriced and problematic.

Avoid HP like the plague it is.

jryan49about 5 hours ago
https://www.crowdsupply.com/open-tools/open-printer/updates

Hopefully this actually works when (if) it comes out

brudgersabout 4 hours ago
Printers are hard. They require high precision mechanical and materials engineering. Their supply chain requires multiple bespoke manufacturing facilities.

That is why there are no successful open platform printers.

It is why Ali Express is not a viable option for most types of printers.

brudgersabout 4 hours ago
A good printer for what?

Owning a printer is a bit of a lifestyle choice.

Laser, inkjet, dye sublimation, thermal, and even impact printers are each good for some workloads and each is terrible for other workloads.

Budgets for money, space, time, and noise should probably be part of any conversation, too.

rickcarlinoabout 7 hours ago
HN often recommends Brother printers for their lack of innovation and good-enough design. Printer companies are sleazy, you’re not wrong.
rivetfastenabout 2 hours ago
My b&w laser from brother has been working perfectly for over 10 years. No software installation. Wifi, Ethernet, or USB. Everything I need and nothing I don't. Color would be nice but I've never seen it be worth the hassle to own.