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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?
Hopefully this actually works when (if) it comes out
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.
https://www.crowdsupply.com/open-tools/open-printer/updates Hopefully this actually works when (if) it comes out
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.
HN often recommends Brother printers for their lack of innovation and good-enough design. Printer companies are sleazy, you’re not wrong.
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.
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.