Any recommendations for replacing HP LaserJet 4L.
Must be compatible with Digita Taxability.
Old 4L a bit slow now.
Alan
Replies (6)
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Printers
I've been using laser printers for nigh on twenty years. I've used most brands and have had varying levels of joy and sorrow.
There are new dodges now that you have to be wary of, most printer manufacturers recognise that printers are loss leaders for sales of toner, etc., and have various ways of ensuring continued revenue streams.
Two new ploys are region-coding of toner cartridges (to stop you buying them for cheap dollars abroad) and the requirement of a strangely-specified fuse, without which the cartridge will not work and which no electrical shop can provide.
I'd always be happy to look at HP, and probably Epson and Canon. Every other make I have used has given me problems - I can barely force myself to type Kyoc, Kyo, no, Still can't do it.
I'd counsel caution against colour lasers just now, I think it's an unrefined market at the moment, I don't think they have all of the kinks ironed out.
Brother
I used to think HP made the longest lasting and strongest laser printers which is why they could justify being about twice the price of the opposition, but I believe that recently that's no longer true.
I find Brother to be the cheapest to buy and the cheapest to run, very happy with both the Brother printers I use and compatibility is no problmes.
Drivers
It's less the printer and more the quality of the drivers that matter. HP drivers are usually the best integrated into Windows - particularly 2000/XP upwards - although the variability amongst the other makes is less than it was.
Kyocera use a different imaging technology that isn't as pin sharp as the standard drum cylinder in laser printers, but uses less consumables. Although I feel their lead here is less than it was.
The best approach is to pop down your local Staples/PC World and get them to run test prints off the laser printers for you. Then you can see what bang you get for your cash. The market changes rapidly so don't rely on old prejudices - go see them in action. (old = more than three months).
If you can hang fire a few months then it is likely that Colour Laser printers will drop into 'no brainer' price territory. The Epson Acculaser C1100 is now £235.00 and I expect the other manufacturers to follow the lead.
Rgs
NeilW