printers

I know that basic printers are pretty much the same -- not multi fax/copy machines, or high quality photo printers -- just plain old printers for text docs.

So here's my problem:
I HATE DELL!!!
Specifically, their crappy free-with-computer printer that, every time I change the ink cartridge, acts like there is no ink cartridge, and gums up my whole computer so I have to reboot. And then it still doesn't recognize that there's a cartridge in there, and gums up again.

I HATE DELL!!!
This is the 2nd time this has happened. Last time I was in tech chat for an hour, and was finally led to a page to download something, and it worked. A freaking hour to get my Dell printer to recognize its stupid overpriced Dell ink cartridge.

And it happened again today. Only this time, I was in tech help for an hour, and nothing was solved. Nada zilcho zip. So I downloaded the driver updates, and still nuttin'.

I should not have to go through this crap every time I change ink. My time is too valuable. And I still can't print anything because my computer can't find the cartridge. Trust me, putting it in is pretty fool-proof.

So now I'm thinking -- how many more hours can I throw out of my life, just to put in a stupid ink cartridge? As in -- maybe I should buy another printer? Might be easier than this garbage.

So my question to you is -- who has had GOOD luck with their printer company? No unfixable software glitches. No hours on tech chat.

All I want is a simple no-frills printer, with no headaches.

How does that song go? Maybe you got a farmer in the Dell?
tee hee....

Meredith, I have an HP Printer and it doesn't have any bells or whistles. Not even fax capability. But I love it. I've never had a problem whatsoever with it. Every once in a while, a storm will come through and I'll have to unplug it and plug it back up, that resets it and I'm good to go.

Its a HP PFC 1510 All-In-One Printer. (Printer, scanner, copier)

We have a fairly new (bought in March)Epson Stylus CX5000 series printer/scanner/copier and haven't had any problems with it. Before that, we had a Lexmark and never had any problems with it either. The only reason we updated to the Epson was because we got a new computer and the Lexmark wasn't compatible with it(do they do that on purpose?) I think if I were you I'd be writing to Dell and/or making some phone calls and seeing if I could get them to replace it or even maybe be thinking about replacing it myself......you can get some good deals on printers these days. Who wants to go thru all that every time you have to replace an ink cartridge??

I had a Lexmark before my HP and I wouldn't give you a nickle for it. That was the worse printer I've ever had and I had nothing BUT problems with it. A friend told me they were made by IBM. At any rate, their technical support were horrible, rude, and remind me of AOHell (AOL) in their manners...or lack thereof.

I've always had HPs and had good results with them...usually wear them out! LOL! I currently have the HP all in one that includes the fax, scanner, copier and printer...5610v

They've gotten really inexpensive...under $150 for a good all in one...the first one I bought several years ago was $600...but it lasted several years...and several moves...

When this one dies, I will DEFINITELY get the one with the "fax" capability. Amen!

I hate my Dell too. Right now, it will print pictures but not words. What is up with that?

Dianne...it must have heard that a picture's worth a thousand words...LOL...I crack me up...what...you aren't laughing...

Another vote for HP. I have had two of them. No problems. Downloading the latest drivers is easy and cartridges last pretty well. Mine is a 3650. No frills. Just a printer.

I have a Cannon BJC-2114 that I bought at Office Depot at least 5 years ago and have never a problem. Never. No fax or other capabilities and slow as molasses, but no problems.

I have an HP Printer and copier , love it and will print Photos also and it as not expensive at all . HP will not fax , but go to Kinko's for that .

Otherwise I love it . I had an Epson and hated it . Would never have a Dell printer

Renee

I had an HP 3-in-1, in fact I had 3 of them because I had to keep taking them back. They must have sent all the dud (faulty) ones to Australia . Now I just rely on an old Lexmark which gets me by.

Thanks to all for your help. Buying a new printer is definitely on my "sooner than later list" as I've spent enough time with this one.

I needed some work printed off this week so I called the local office shops. Maybe it's partly due to the sweet techie kid who works there, but Staples always seems to be the most helpful. At Staples copy center online, you can submit your manuscript file and they print it out. You pick it up and pay at the store. I sent them 100 pages worth, and it was done in 15 minutes.

I also downloaded a free application from their copy center site to make PDF's. It was really simple. The PDF's aren't Staples-specific -- once you make the file, you store it on your computer and it opens with Adobe reader. I know some of you are rolling your eyes, but it's the first time I've made a PDF.

And while I'm on a roll -- I also sent my first ever FAX today. Well, the techie kid sent it. But I paid for it -- that should count, right?

Some of us live dangerously...

I have an Epson, it came with my Dell Laptop and it is great. Watch, that said, now it will stop working, geesh!