Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#1

Post by joshstrange » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:19 PM UTC

I need to print something once a month at best. I can use FedEx or other to print but it can be a PITA. I was hoping there are others here on HN that are in a similar situation. I'm looking for a printer that will do fine with infrequent use and the ink will still work when I go to use it.

I'm looking to print way less that 100 sheets/yr, we are talking shipping labels here, nothing serious.

Re: Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#2

Post by camflan » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:24 PM UTC

a ~$100 black and white laser printer.

I got a HP 1102w for this about 6 or 7 years ago and it's never failed. By getting laser, you can avoid the clogged print heads issues and other issues inkjets have with infrequent use.

Re: Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#3

Post by UI_at_80x24 » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:25 PM UTC

Get a laser printer. The toner won't dry out.

Re: Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#4

Post by deedubaya » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:26 PM UTC

I've given up on owning my own printer. They seem to last all of two seconds. I spend too much time to figure out why they aren't working, eventually giving up.

I have used the Lob.com API to print something, have it mailed to me, and then used. Inefficient and slow, but it is my reality.

If I'm desperate, I go to the public library.

Re: Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#5

Post by elorant » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:27 PM UTC

Any entry level Laser printer will do the work. You have to avoid inkjets because with so low printing jobs the ink will become thicker and it could clog the heads. Shelf life for toner is higher. As long as you keep the printer in a low-humidity area one toner could last you a decade.

Re: Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#6

Post by joezydeco » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:27 PM UTC

Find a used HP Laserjet 1020. Used ones are all over the place and you can probably get a decent one for $50.

Drivers are easy, works on good ol' USB, and a single $20 toner cartridge will last you a decade.

Re: Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#7

Post by glup » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:27 PM UTC

Your neighbor's

Re: Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#8

Post by hprotagonist » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:28 PM UTC

Any base model brother laser printer, preferably any that support wifi printing.

i’ve had one for 7 years, and replaced the toner exactly once.

Re: Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#9

Post by PenguinCoder » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:31 PM UTC

joezydeco wrote: post #6

Find a used HP Laserjet 1020. Used ones are all over the place and you can probably get a decent one for $50. Drivers are easy, works on good ol' USB, and a single $20 toner cartridge will last you a decade.

Seconding this. I have an HP 4250, with three trays and a duplexer. Cost me $40 on craigslist from a bank closing. I've been running it for ~7 yrs, and only replaced the toner cart once. If all you need is black text/graphics, these things are workhorses.

Re: Ask HN: What printer do you recommend for rare printing?

#10

Post by mille562 » Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:32 PM UTC

HP Envy 5055 w/ HP Instant Ink

Just works. We print a couple of times a month and the Instant Ink is fee < 10 pages per month.