Epsom C66 Printer

Post by **Jean Jeanie** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 7:40 pm

For some time now I have been getting a message saying "some parts of your printer are coming to the end of their service life" Or words to this effect.

My computer expert (son) said ignore it. It's a way of Epsom getting you to spend some money. As long as it works keep going. If it konks out then get a new one! It's a waste of money having it repaired.

It has worked for a couple of months like this.

Well it has konked out! Computer expert is in Iraq!

Do I buy a new printer?

Regards
Jean

Post by **emanday** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 7:49 pm

Hi Jean,

To be frank, it just isn't worth trying to get it repaired. There are so many brilliant printers on the market, and some multi-function ones are selling at the same price that basic inkjets were going for only a couple of years ago.

Whatever you go for, make sure it is one that uses individual colour cartridges! The black always goes far more often and it really used to irk me to have to buy a complete one when my colours were all still nearly full!

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 7:52 pm

Hi Jean

When a printer reaches the end of its natural span - Bin It.
There are virtually no servicable parts in it and you can buy a triple (or even quadruple!) function machine can then scan, print and photocopy all on the one machine. Most simply plug into the USB socket and are almost ready to go.
Consign it to the bin and enjoy better quality.

Russell

Post by **Jean Jeanie** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 8:24 pm

Hi Mary and Russell

Thanks for that.

Best wishes
Jean

Post by **Jean Jeanie** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:54 pm

Next question...........

Being able to buy compatible ink for the Epsom C66 was a great bonus. £1 instead of £7 or £8!!

Also, as Mary says, it is important to buy one with separate black and colour cartridges.

So..............any suggestions folks?

Jean

Thrall · Post by **Thrall** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:09 pm

Russell wrote: When a printer reaches the end of its natural span - Bin It.
There are virtually no servicable parts in it and you can buy a triple (or even quadruple!) function machine can then scan, print and photocopy all on the one machine. Most simply plug into the USB socket and are almost ready to go.
Consign it to the bin and enjoy better quality.
Russell

Hi Jean, I would agree with Russell about "binning" the printer, but the multi function option is less easy. In my experience, a printer only lasts three years or so, so I tend to go with separate items, as the scanner probably will last longer than that. I had to renew my printer a few weeks ago and went for the cheapest Canon I could find with separate black and colour cartridges, a PIXMA iP1700. I am amazed at the quality improvement in three years. Colour photo printing is almost professional quality and altogether much quieter, and can only complain that it is so new on the market that cheapo cartridges are not yet available here, only genuine Canon.

Good printing,

Thrall

Post by **Tracey** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:10 pm

All my printers have had seperate cartridges. I am finding now that it is cheaper to buy a new printer than to buy new cartridges especially as Lexmark cartridges have just got smaller. The latest Lexmark i have comes with two full cartriges and normally the black one on its own cost £16 for the small one and the larger one i think £24. I used to refill my cartridges at home but Lexmark have made it very difficult to get the top off now to refill them.

hbaird · Post by **hbaird** » Sun Apr 08, 2007 11:59 pm

I would agree with Thrall about the quality from the Canon range - I use a Pixma ip3000 and it's wasn't the most expensive in the range. Probably cost 70 quid a year or so ago. But that's not the best of it - buying the Canon cartridges was becoming expensive and then I discovered that Morrisons supermarkets sell compatible cartridges, all three colours in one pack for the price of one brand name one. And they last almost twice as long. Happy shopping!

Helen

sheilajim · Post by **sheilajim** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 1:25 am

Hi All

I agree that the cost of the cartridges are expensive. That is why the printers are sold so cheap. The companies don't make a profit on the printers, they make their profit on the ink. A word of caution if you use the cheap cartridges. Your pictures will not last as long if you don't use the manufacturer's product. It could mean the difference of a picture lasting 10 years or 60 years.

Regards

Sheila

DavidWW · Post by **DavidWW** » Mon Apr 09, 2007 8:35 am

You should have a look at the various computer mags, - I'm sure that you will find a recent survey of printers, and not just of the technical capabilities of the printers themselves, but also the running costs, including whether compatible cartridges are available, - but, if not included, look also for a similar exercise involving compatible cartridge performance, - I seem to recall one not too long ago in Which? Computing ...

David