[NTLUG:Discuss] Color printer for Linux

[Todd Robinson]

 > ... [my color printer has] been sitting for a couple of years...
 > I rarely use color mainly because of the cost of ink so i would like a
 > color printer which I could somehow clean and store for an extended
 > period of time ...

I think all inkjets require head cleaning when not used for lengthy 
periods. IMO, once that ink cart seal is broken, the clock starts 
ticking. Hmmm, I wonder if a person could re-seal the carts. Maybe use 
silicone caulk. Just peel it off and stick back in the printer to use. 
WARNING: Try this at your own risk!! I do not know if this would work 
and it might harm the cart and/or printer. The idea also does not 
address the print heads. Another idea is doing a frequent cleaning 
cycle. Obviously, the process uses ink each time. Not sure how much.

If the non-usage time is more than a few weeks at a time and usage time 
is <20 sheets each, IMO you should forget about inkjets. I bet all 
brands don't handle that long of non-usage time very well. Perhaps you 
should try to find research in that area. If the purpose for a color 
printer is to print photos (say at most a few dozen every month or so) 
than perhaps you should simply print them at a store or online service 
and get a B&W laser for other printing needs. I'm actually considering 
that route myself for the near future. Most places are < 30c/4x6 print. 
I haven't compared quality yet. Color lasers might be good enough these 
days for photos and $/page might be reasonable now, so check them out.

It's been my experience that Epson is very Linux-friendly and make some 
of the best inkjets. I've heard of Linux-compat problems with Canon. YMMV.

How about just go totally paperless. Don't print anything, ever. :-) It 
seems more and more products are getting into the low-cost-machine / 
pricey-cart. biz. Game machines, ink jets, even vacuum cleaners (hepa 
filters)...
=TR=