My old trusty HP R80xi finally broke down and I don't have the heart to try to revive it. I'm looking for a fairly inexpensive all-in-one that has print, copy, scan, and fax capabilty- all four functions. A flatbed scanner/copier is preferred. I've read reviews until I'm blind. So far, the Canon MX310 and Canon MP 530 look to be a decent deal. The HP 6480 also looks like a nice machine. Any comments or recommedations? I'm open for any info/ suggestions.

 

cannons are pretty good the model # of mine escapes me at the moment and im too lazy to go look but the best peice of advice I can give you is stay away from the epson i went thru 2 in less than 2 years I think they have a built in self destruct that kicks in 1min after the warrenty expires but the cannon all in one I have is pretty good

 

just bought a canon 4150 laser super g3. It is a flat bed copier and printer only in black and white. scans in color.
faxs from computer or from unit.

so far so good, it does not do color printing but it is cheaper than my older v-40 all in one bubble-jet printer.

 

I have an older HP miltifunction and it has been amazing. I used it for 3 years then let me Aunt use it for about 6 months now. It seemed to be really light on ink useage, I only had to pick up a new cartridge every year or so.

 

The HP Officejet 6310 is on closeout now for around 120 bucks. It even has an internal print server, just slap it on your router and install the software on all your computers.

 

I have had, sold and installed more printers than I could count. If I had to sell you one, it would be an HP. They are absolutely the most reliable on the market. By far the most reliable paper handling of any.

For exacting photo printing, I'd recommend an Epson. Output is noticeably better than any other brand. Ink is pretty pricey though. Some models will print on CDs, which is kinda cool. I've had good luck and excellent customer service. You *must* turn them off when not using them though. If you don't, they'll dry out the print heads.

I've had terrible luck with Canon. They also have only a USB interface. That means it's not a good idea if you ever want to share it with another computer as is becoming commonplace in the home. I personally wouldn't consider a Canon.

YMMV

Flagship

 

Flagship, I have to disagree on the Epson's. Have had them and will never buy again. Not only are the ink cartridges pricey, they last about 1/10th the time an HP's does. I do find the quality of the HP's to be just as good as the Epson's, and they do have models that do print on CD/DVD's. The D5360 photo printer, and the all in one C5280, although it does not have fax.

 

Well, I haven't purchased a new printer in, oh, a year or so. I know that makes me seriously outdated :o

It was only a matter of time until HP came out with a printer that would print to CDs. And, I know their photo quality is rapidly improving. Like I said, their paper handling is the best in the industry.

Good to know as HP is about the most Linux friendly of all the manufacturers. The CD printing ability is just about the only thing keeping me from wiping Windows completely off my equipment.