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Technical Help & Discussion => Self Building, Upgrading & General Hardware Help => Topic started by: andyhx on January 02, 2010, 12:36

Title: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: andyhx on January 02, 2010, 12:36
Hi,
Can anyone recommend a wireless printer to hook upto a belkin modem router on a home network?
£100 budget and preferably 1 colour and 1 black cartridge...Scanning facility required too.
Needs to be good for genreal and photo printing.

Thank you.
Andy
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Rik on January 02, 2010, 12:54
Take a look at the HP Photosmart premium (http://www.amazon.co.uk/HP-Photosmart-Premium-All-in-One-Printer/dp/B002OHD9H8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262436497&sr=8-2). I've seen deals on it down to £99 in recent weeks. It has Bluetooth, wireless and wired networking plus USB, It includes a built-in card reader, a Pictbridge socket and automatic duplexing. The ink cartridges are separate, though, Photo Black, Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Black. Get the XL cartridges, they are much more cost effective. There's a 6x4" tray for photopaper, but you can print A4 too through the normal tray. It makes excellent photocopies and the scanner is good.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Baz on January 02, 2010, 13:09
WOW!!!!!!!!!  coincidence  :) I have just bought one of these and it is a good printer.Exactly what Rik said about it so cant improve on that.If you go here....comet (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/597830/HP-PS-PREMIUM) is where I got mine from.Order online,I chose to pick up in store and pay for it on collection.There is a code for 5% off if you go there.Sorry to say but they had a code for 10% off on Wednesday which is when I got mine,but thats still a good deal.You get all thats needed in the box,USB lead aswell, but check when you go to store,if thats what you do, as I know some places dont include them.If you go to HP site it states that there is one included if you buy from them.

its a good looking machine,not too big footprint.its quiet when printing,gives good sharp printing even with text.easy to operate with a touch screen and easy step by step set up.Havent tried photos yet but my last one also HP was good.Wireless took a bit setting up for my laptops but that was just me and I find wireless set up on anything  is a bit sketchy :D
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Simon on January 02, 2010, 13:12
What are the cost of cartridges like on the HP?
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Serenity on January 02, 2010, 13:17
I had a HP C4680 Photosmart printer for Xmas  :)  still in the box at the mo, you know me and technology   :hammer:  stand by your beds guys coz I know I will be asking loads of questions when I do install it  :boobies:

I can almost see Sandra hiding now   :peepsofa:  :muah:
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Baz on January 02, 2010, 13:18
yes sorry didnt mention that.I have used cartridges from Choice Stationery for a long time and their brand, Think Cartridges, are good for what I need.Unfortunately they are not yet available for this printer but may be coming soon according to Choice.So genuine HP ones are £7.90 for colour and £8.85 for the black photo.Havent used much yet so cant say what you will get from them.You can also get some which give better value so they say,the XL version, must have more ink in  :dunno:


sorry just a slight edit here:the NORMAL black is £8.85 and the PHOTO one same as the colour £7.90.The normal Black is a slightly bigger cartridge I believe.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Rik on January 02, 2010, 13:21
It does, Baz. I find the black XL does about 650 sheets.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Baz on January 02, 2010, 13:29
It does, Baz. I find the black XL does about 650 sheets.

Sounds good value Rik.  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: andyhx on January 02, 2010, 14:25
Thanks all.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Clive on January 02, 2010, 15:17
Mrs Clive has mentioned a wireless printer for the laptop when it turns up.   :D
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Rik on January 02, 2010, 15:59
Now you know which one, Clive. :)
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Simon on January 02, 2010, 16:09
So, with a wireless printer, do you not have to fiddle about getting it connected to a network?  Does it work with Bluetooth?
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Rik on January 02, 2010, 16:10
No, it's quite simple (though I'd recommend a cable if it's near the router) and yes, if it says Bluetooth too.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Simon on January 02, 2010, 16:13
Hmm...  So, technically, using wifi, I could print stuff directly from my phone?  :leer:
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Rik on January 02, 2010, 16:25
Yes, regardless of whether the printer is cabled or wireless (everything goes through the router). Bluetooth might be easier, though, as it won't need a driver.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Simon on January 02, 2010, 16:29
Trouble is I've still got this colour problem, which I think is Windows related.  Wouldn't want to buy a new printer and still have greeny blues.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Rik on January 02, 2010, 16:31
New printer = new drivers... Have you checked what colour profile your monitor is using?
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Simon on January 02, 2010, 16:56
No, but woulv that be relevant, given that it does perfect direct copies?  Wouldn't know how, anyway.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Rik on January 02, 2010, 16:59
Yes, because the video driver is part of the printing 'mechanism' from Windows. Right click on the desktop Properties > Settings > Advanced > Colour Management.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Simon on January 02, 2010, 17:11
Been there and done all that.  Nothing seems to make any difference.  Even uninstalled and reinstalled the printer drivers. 
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Rik on January 02, 2010, 17:15
Did you ever try it from a different machine?
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Simon on January 02, 2010, 17:27
No, I guess that would be sensible, though.
Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Serenity on January 07, 2010, 08:47
I had a HP C4680 Photosmart printer for Xmas  :)  still in the box at the mo, you know me and technology   :hammer:  stand by your beds guys coz I know I will be asking loads of questions when I do install it  :boobies:

I can almost see Sandra hiding now   :peepsofa:  :muah:


It always happens to me  ::)  unpacked the item and yup the USB lead was missing  :dunno:  as It was a gift and I don't like upsetting people  :blush:  is it possible to attach any old double ended usb onto this?



Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Camstop on January 07, 2010, 09:34
You will most likely need a lead like this..  printer lead (http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/11500803/Cable-Mountain-USB-2-0-Hi-Speed-A-To-B-Printer-Lead-2m/Product.html?ptsl=1&ob=Price&fb=0&&_$ja=tsid:11518|cc:|prd:11500803|cat:Accessories)

They don't supply a lead with the printer but you should get one for under a £5er locally i'd expect.




Title: Re: Wireless Printer Recommendation...
Post by: Simon on January 07, 2010, 09:53
It might even be the same as your old printer lead, Bev.  ;)