[NTLUG:Discuss] [Bulk] Re: Color printer for Linux

[Leroy Tennison]

Todd Robinson wrote:
>  > ... [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=
>
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>   
I had actually been wondering about your point concerning non-use.  I've 
got my B&W laser already.  I would love to go totally paperless but 
there are just some situations where it's got to be hard copy.  Right 
now I'm going to take a variant of your photo option, Office Max and 
Kinkos will print an 8.5x11 non-photo for $0.89 and it will satisfy the 
current need.  I may have to stick with that until my color printing 
needs increase significantly.
  Thanks for the reply.