GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I have been using Canon printers for many years and should never have used non OEM ink. This is the second printer I've had to replace because non OEM ink ruined the print head (I'm a slow learner). I researched how to clean the print head and followed all the instructions and now a printed page comes out in PINK type! The black ink tanks are full, although the colors are low, so that doesn't explain why it doesn't print text in black. I ordered one set of Canon ink for a last ditch effort to resurrect this $60 printer.

I already have a Canon Pro 10 dedicated to picture printing, although I may occasionally print a picture on the all in one.

That being said, I could be swayed to switch brands for my office work printer. It needs to scan, copy, & print and not put me in the poor house buying ink!! I've even considered a color laser printer. Replacement toner cartridges cost more than the printer, but that is true for ink jet printers too. The difference is the number of times they need to be changed for best results.

I've looked at so many options that my head is spinning and would really like to hear what you all like.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

HP Envy 4250 can do a LOT of things including auto print on both sides!

AnnaZ Loc: SW Wis.

My previous computer repair guy told me that the quickest way to ruin a printer was to buy the refillable inks.........and he did NOT sell printers. I only buy Canon inks for my Canon MX922 printer.

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

My MX920 has never let me down. Sometimes it feeds more than one sheet but I just put them back in the tray. Wonderful picture printing from this series.

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

First, try removing all cartridges, dampen a Qtip and move over the print heads, wait a few minutes, replace the cartridges and run the print head cleaning program again. This has always worked for me - so far. Also check Precision Colors for refillable ink. I've been using this ink for over a year now; the printer often sits 2-4- days without printing anything and I've not had any problems. Suggestion above was prior to Precision Colors, which was suggested by a fellow UHHer.

sailfox1989 Loc: Alpena, MI

I've been using Brother all-in-one Printers for years, and have been using off brand ink cartridges for most of that time. I replace my printer every 4 or 5 years, my savings for buying the cheaper ink over that time period is enough to replace the printer 3 or 4 times over.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I use a Canon Pixma 8200 series. I have had that printer for 4 years. Never used OEM inks always buy Ink Farm. 1/2 the price of Canon Ink, save about $50 a set. I figure if the next set of inks kill the printer I am way ahead as I have paid for the printer many times over on the money saved. If you only paid $60 for your printer, time to get a new one. Companies sell the printers at cost, the make their money on the ink. Ounce for ounce printer inks are the most expensive liquids on the planet. Canon all in one printers are as good as any other. Btw if you are a pro, use OEM ink as they are a deductable item, and not worth the very small risk of third party ink. Plus it is said the OEM ink makes more accurate prints. That's my opinion, for whatever it's worth (probably not much)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I have a Canon MX920, but the way they keep coming out with new printers, seemingly on a monthly basis, it's probably an antique now.
(OEM ink only...)

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

This is reasonably priced, doesn't use individual tanks and has a low quality scanner, so it is out of the running.

Thank you for your input, though.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I agree with this assessment in spite of all the hoggers who swear by COMPATIBLE ink. Besides, ruining the print head, the colors aren't right, especially on photos (though that will not be the main purpose of this printer for me).

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I have always used PIXMA Canon printers, but the MX models seem to have all I need. Thank you!

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

You are right that you get better photos using OEM ink, but since this was not my photo printer, I decided to use LD ink. Everything was fine until the second set of ink was put in, especially the larger black cartridge (Pgi 250).

I agree it's time for a new printer. Thanks for your input on the printer you use.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If you go with HP for an all-in-one, consider their ink program for $2.95 per month. They leave you with a spare setof cartridges so you never run out and automatically send replacements when you get low. You never run out of ink and a year’s dues costs just a little more than a single replacement cartridge. Bargain price, never run out, and no trips to the store.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

The Canon PIXMA MX922 has all the features I need. I am a believer in OEM ink, same as you! Thank you!

PeterBergh

My all-in-1 printer is a HP M476dn (color laser with double-sided printing). I've had it for several years and it works like a charm. I bought it on eBay for, if memory serves, around $400.

Generally, a color laser is more expensive but the cost evens out since the toner cartridges last much longer than ink cartridges. I did try after-market toner cartridges. They did not work very well but did not seem to damage the printer.

For me, it's primarily used for office-type tasks, but it works well for photo papers that are not too thick. It also works well for printing photos on ordinary copier paper. If you use too-thick papers, you will have a smudged print and several subsequent pages will also have smudges.

Like you, I have a Canon Pro-10 dedicated to printing photos. I only use Canon inks and have had no problems.