[Discuss] color laser printer

[dbarrett at blazemonger.com (Daniel Barrett)]

I've had good luck with HP color lasers. My previous one, a LaserJet
2605dn, lasted for 7 years without a repair. Just a few weeks ago, I
replaced it with a LaserJet M451dn for about $350. The output is quick
and gorgeous, with automatic duplex. Works on Ubuntu 14, Windows 7,
Windows XP, and Mac OS X without a hitch. The web interface is
convenient and intuitive too (settings, toner levels, etc.).

My main application is business printing, which is mostly black and
white but with color figures. On occasion we print full-color holiday
cards, photos, etc.

Toner is expensive ($300-400 per set of genuine HP toner) but I don't
care. Printing is a part of life, and I expect the cartridges to last
6+ months with our normal use.

We also have a PIXMA iP8500 inkjet for printing photos on photo paper.
The output is attractive but the paper feeding is unreliable.

I've owned two Brother mono lasers in my life and hated both. One
curled the paper terribly and made loud gronking noises that sounded
like the internals were being eaten by robots. Brother replaced it
under warranty and a few months later, the new one was gronking too.
This was 8 years ago so YMMV.

Reading printer reviews online is uninformative. Nearly every printer
has detractors screaming that it's the worst thing ever. For $350 I
took a chance on the HP and am very happy so far (1 month in).

--
Dan Barrett
dbarrett at blazemonger.com