Need advice on: Printer with cheap cartridge refills/photo/document

[Mark B.]

I need a new printer and am looking for advice. This is what I'd like:
-best print quality that I can get for the $$.
-printing speed is not a factor
-economical cartridge refills, most are running 20-30 American dollars.
-occasional photo printing, mostly document printing.
-cartridge longevity.
-would like to keep it $150.00 American $$ or less.
I realize these are lofty printing dreams, but maybe someone out there can
lend some previous experience advice. I have a HP Deskjet 697C. and it's
ok. expensive refills. I am more impressed with my brother's Epson 880
prints. This is for home use, not work or office. Just occasional digital
prints and documents,
Thanks in Advance,
Mark B.

[LauraK]

> I am more impressed with my brother's Epson 880
>prints. This is for home use, not work or office. Just occasional digital
>prints and documents,

The 880 is very nice. Good, all-around printer with good photo quality. But the
ink is expensive.
Best way to go long term is to buy a B&W Laser printer for black and white
printing and save the 880 for digital photos and when you really need color.
Can get both for about $250 or less if you watch for sales, check manufacturer
sites for refurbs. Epson is a excellent source for refurbs.
The laser printer is more expensive but when you figure out cost per page, you
save the difference in ink very fast.
Another possible is a Canon 450s. Decent printing, OK color. Not very good for
photos although photo ink is available.
You have the choice of replacing the ink cartridge or the ink and print head
cartridge. Ink cartridges go for $12-13 for the black, with printhead about
$25-30.
You could get both the Canon and the Epson 880 for about $150 if you go for
refurbs on the manufacturers sites.
I've had an 880 for about six months, use it a couple of times a month. Have
not had a problem with clogging.

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