Printer recommendation

[Canetoad]

I'm after a new printer but there are so many models and options to choose from I can't figure out what I want. Firstly, I'd like to be able to attach it to a NAS and access it from PC and laptop. Secondly, I want one that will print labels on CDs/DVDs. Other than that it just needs to do the usual stuff without costing too much.

Any opinions guys? :scratch:

[Tim]

I think the place to start Bernie would be finding out which printers will work with your NAS if that's important to you, as a lot are not guaranteed to work with particular NAS boxes. The manufacturer of the NAS normally has a list of compatible printers on their website or in the documentation that comes with it.

You could buy a recommended printer only to find it won't work with your NAS. Specific forums can help with users who have tried particular combinations, so I would start with research around your NAS box and go from there?

[sburrell]

Epson has these:

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/CDLanding.jsp

Or, how about this, at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-PIXMA-MG6150-Colour-Printer/dp/tech-data/B00400OK2K/ref=de_a_smtd

£99 (reduced from £200) with free delivery and it has built-in Wi-Fi and LAN, so no need to worry about NAS compatibility.

[WAD62]

Beware ink costs, most of the printers are great hardware value but they are sold at 'loss leader' prices to tie you into the replacement ink costs...:eyebrows:

Check to see if anyone is selling generic replacement cartridges for the model you are looking at, before buying anything. :)

I was looking at an HP Photosmart network all in 1 printer myself, but to replace the ink cartridges is more than the cost of the printer...:eek:

[sburrell]

If print consistency is important, however, you are always better with genuine ink replacements - especially if you intend to calibrate your printer (advisable as it helps produce more accurate colours and can also cut down on ink costs). In this regard, Epson is apparently amongst the cheapest:

We can't recommend the Epson cartridges enough with their high performance technology and very reasonable cost per page: 6.1 pence/page with the XL cartridges.
(source (http://www.digitalversus.com/epson-stylus-sx525wd-p477_10065_19.html))
Based on the review from which that quote is taken, I purchased the SX525WD. I'm ashamed to say I haven't yet printed anything on it, but one thing I did do was speak to a representative regarding colour consistency in their genuine ink replacements. I was informed that calibration should not be affected. This is not going to be true for 3rd-party inks.
If you do want to go the 3rd-party ink route, here's a copy of an article from Which? to help you:
https://img.skitch.com/20110908-xycjum97f87kg4bs4d7tmpf6wu.jpg