Time to replace an HP OfficeJet Pro

[jimblock]

I have used Epson printers for over 40 years and have generally been happy with them. I currently use an Epson EcoTank photo printer, ET-8550 which prints exellent photos (up to 13 x19 inches), as well as scanning, and my ink has lasted over two years (although I did buy new black ink after about 18 months). It is more than most users want unless the print large photos and is more expensive, but the less expensive 4-color EcoTanks are similarly good in performance.

I use Epson and third party software for scanning. For printing, Epson software is included in MacOs and is update occasionally using the Epson Software Updater.

I have only very rarely had any print head clogs and they have been easily cleared by the printers software.

[Kuntzelman (Scott Kuntzelman)]

My workhorse (such as it is) printer remains a Canon imageCLASS MF4890dw, and I’m really quite sad to see the announcement on the webpage that “imageCLASS MF4890dw has been retired. Product support is no longer available. Driver and content updates are not being made.”
I don’t print enough to really justify replacing it, but at whatever point it stops working (possibly with MacOS Tahoe), I’m going to have to figure out an option.
I’m really frustrated by the majority of the print vendors that have been moving to a “subscription” or “rental” format, as I really DON’T use it enough to justify a monthly fee at all. I might print 2-3 documents in a quarter. There are months that go by where I don’t print anything at all. I don’t need the scanner - I have a Doxie scanner that works superbly (which replaced a ScanSnap). If I really need to scan photos, I have a flatbed scanner which hopefully will still work - it’s been at least 10 years since I needed it. I’m reasonably confident that VueScan will support it if and when I need to pull it back out (mostly to scan photos).
From everything I’ve seen to date, I’ll probably get a Brother for print if/when I have to replace the Canon. I absolutely don’t need a color printer (I used to have a Dell color laserjet that worked quite well, but it’s been probably 15 years since I really had a need to print in color). I’ve bought a couple of low cost inkjet printers over the years, but they really don’t work well if you don’t use them regularly - either the ink cartridges stop working, or the rollers stop feeding the paper, or both.

[Shamino (David C.)]

@Simon

Can anybody comment if there’s a non all-in-one version of the Brother MFC-L3780CDW ? I think it might be the HL-L3295CDW , but not 100% sure.

That would me my guess. In general, if you compare the PPM and toner cartridge type, you can usually guess pretty well.

The MFC-L3780CDW features:

• 31 ppm (black and color)
• TN229-series toner cartridges

The HL-L3295CDW looks to be the same. Also the same paper trays (250 sheets, optional 500-sheet).

Looking over all their color-laser print-only devices with duplexers, I see one other printer with a 31 ppm speed, the HL-L8245CDW. The differences between the 3295 and the 8245 appears to be:

• The 8245 has larger paper trays (280 sheet standard, 530 sheet optional, vs 250/500)
• The 8245’s bundled toner cartridges are larger (3000/1400 pages vs. 2300/1200 pages)

They use the same toner cartridges (229 series - standard, XL or XXL capacities), same drum units, same belt units, same waste toner box, same optional lower paper tray.

It seems to me that both the 3295 and 8245 are based on the same print engine with only trivial differences. But the 8245 may be discontinued, since the Brother web site doesn’t have pricing information or a purchase link, but only has a link to locate a dealer.

[Simon]

Thanks, that’s about as far as I got.

But perhaps more importantly, looking over these various specs I realized Brother also has an HL-L3280CDW model that is very similar and differs perhaps only in slightly reduced print speed and paper input options. None of that matters to me for my home use, but I’m pleasantly surprised by an almost $100 price difference. The included black toner is indeed larger for the 95 model than the 80 model, but toner cost doesn’t make up for the sticker price differential. $324 for a fast color laser with Gigabit and 802.11/AirPrint sounds like quite a sweet deal to me. Especially when you factor in that toner isn’t a rip off.

[Shamino (David C.)]

@Simon

But perhaps more importantly, looking over these various specs I realized Brother also has an HL-L3280CDW model that is very similar and differs perhaps only in slightly reduced print speed and paper input options.

Absolutely true. I didn’t mention other models because you were asking about the equivalent to a specific MFC model, which I assumed meant “the identical print engine”.

I am using an HL-L3270CDW - the predecessor the the 3280, and I’ve been very happy with it. It works well with AirPrint drivers and is easily managed using its built-in web-based configuration page.

I have never tried calibrating its colors and I’ve never used third-party toner, so I can’t say anything about those subjects.

The big difference between the 3280 and the 3295 is (as you already figured out)

• Slower printing (27 ppm vs. 31)
• No option for a larger paper tray or for a second paper tray.
• No support for the “XXL” size toner cartridges. You can only use the standard and “XL” size.

And I agree that these differences really shouldn’t matter for home use.

One thing to note, if you haven’t used a Brother laser printer before, is that the drums and toner cartridges are separate units that snap on to each other. When changing the toner, you disconnect the drum from the old cartridge and connect it to the new one. The drum does need to be replaced after a while (for the TN229-series, this is $180 for a set of four drums, and they last 20,000 pages), but the page count is high enough that you may never have to actually change them (or if you do, probably no more than once over the printer’s lifespan).

Other printers (like HP) use a toner cartridge with the drum built-in to it. This means you never have to worry about the drum’s lifespan, but it does mean replacement toner costs more, because you’re buying a new drum each time.

I personally like the Brother mechanism - I don’t want to pay extra to replace parts that don’t need replacing - but it is different from what I’ve experienced from other brands.

If you keep the printer for a long time, you may also need to replace the waste toner box (~$35) and the belt unit (~$150). These should last 50,000 pages.

The printer will alert you when the remaining life of the drums, waste toner and belt units is getting low, so you will have plenty of time to order replacements before they run out.

You can, if you choose, use the printer’s control panel to reset these counters if you don’t want to replace them. The manual tells you how, as a part of the replacement procedure. You might consider doing so if your drums and belt seem to be working OK (good print quality, no paper jams), but pay attention to the potential problems so you can replace them then. I wouldn’t ignore the waste toner box, because I’d be afraid of dealing with the aftermath of it overflowing.

[Will_B]

@Shamino

You may want to see if VueScan supports your device.

I think it could be harder to find a device they don’t support. Been using them since the first release of OS X (which only seemed to acquire a cat name later…)

[carylwenzel]

I would like to recommend the Xerox C315 color laser printer. It includes a scanner (and even fax capability). I print mostly black, but when color is needed, the color is quite good for photos and other color stuff. Because of a technical problem, I have to use the USB option for scanning and porting over to my Mac. It runs on my network, but the scanner does not talk on my network. Otherwise, it fits my needs to a tee. The majority of my printing is done on a Brother workhorse (HL-H5200DW) and an HP LaserJet Pro 402n (neither have scanner capability).

[sfmitch]

I have been setting my clients up with Brother printers. Easiest software. Good performance. Reliable. I stay away from HP - unreliable and terrible software.

[mpainesyd (Michael Paine)]

I have two HP printers but avoid using HP software as much as possible. I did dive into it in order to try and solve the “Expired certificate” problem but it was hopeless. I ended up using a different HP printer driver.

All my devices seem to be able to print to either printer without issues. As I mentioned, for scanning to a Mac I use the Apple Image app.

[rory (RoryCL)]

I’ll put in a vote for the Brother HL-2350 series of Black & White printers which are very inexpensive and extremely reliable in our experience. They work well cross-platform.

For scanning we use a terrific app called TurboScan which works much better than most scanners with a decent phone but obviously not very usable for documents of more than say 10 pages. Large documents are scanned to a much higher standard by our local printer. (This is the only app I’ll miss when I leave iOS!).

Our family agreed that B&W was better than the insipid colours inkjets normally produce, but of course, others disagree.

[Shamino (David C.)]

@rory

For scanning we use a terrific app called TurboScan which works much better than most scanners with a decent phone

Quick question. I see that it is free, with a $10 in-app purchase for “Premium”. But the description doesn’t say what gets unlocked by that purchase.

Does it just suppress nag screens asking for a purchase or does the app’s behavior change (e.g. watermarking scans before purchase or disabling features)?

I also see that they have a $10 pro version. Should I assume that this is the same app, but with the license pre-paid instead of via in-app purchase?

[rory (RoryCL)]

@Shamino

the description doesn’t say what gets unlocked by that purchase.

I’m sorry to say that I got it before the premium option existed. I just checked the app and appear to have “vanilla” TurboScan and it seems to work great; I don’t get any nag screens, but perhaps that is a long-time user perk.

I guess there is little risk to trying it out, though?

[randy2 (Randy B. Singer)]

I really like Brother for laser printers, and Canon for inkjet printers, but only certain models of either. If you want a multi-function color inkjet, this one is a gem:

Canon PIXMA TR8620a
All-in-One Printer Home Office|Copier|Scanner|Fax|Auto Document Feeder | Photo, Document | Airprint

$216 direct from Canon:
https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/pixma-tr8620a?color=Black&type=New

$194
https://www.amazon.com/Canon-TR8620a-Document-Printing-Airprint/dp/B09TRZLPXP/ref=sr_1_1

$195
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-pixma-tr8620a-wireless-all-in-one-inkjet-printer-with-fax-black/6494259.p?skuId=6494259

Macintosh downloadable drivers and manual:
https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/details/printers/inkjet-multifunction/tr-series-inkjet/pixma-tr8620/pixma-tr8620?subtab=downloads-drivers

Note that there is a TR8620 and a TR8620a model. They are identical, except the “TR8620” (no “a”) has Bluetooth as well as AirPrint. The “a” model only has AirPrint. If you have an iPhone and a Mac, you only need AirPrint. But you need Bluetooth if you have an Android phone (e.g. Samsung).
So…if you have a Macintosh and an iPhone, EITHER model will be fine. The “a” model will be cheaper.

Excellent source for ink cartridges when you run out:
$19 for all 5 cartridges!

Canon PGI-280XXL & CLI-281XXL Super High-Yield Compatible Ink Cartridge...

NOTE #1: This is an inkjet printer. If you don’t use it regularly (e.g. once a week), it will eventually clog its heads. This isn’t something unique to this model, it is endemic to all inkjet printers. Especially Epson printers. If you won’t be using your printer for weeks at a time, you may want to get a laser printer instead. However, a color laser printer has its own set of problems.

NOTE #2: Several manufacturers put computer chips in their inkjet cartridges that keep you from using third party ink. Especially Epson and HP. Good third party sources for ink cartridges supply their own chips in their cartridges causing the printer to think that it is an OEM cartridge

[Technogeezer]

@randy2

Several manufacturers put computer chips in their inkjet cartridges that keep you from using third party ink. Especially Epson and HP. Good third party sources for ink cartridges supply their own chips in their cartridges causing the printer to think that it is an OEM cartridge

Why even bother with cartridge based inkjet printers? Opt for inkjets with refillable tanks and say good bye to this problem for good.

[Shamino (David C.)]

@Technogeezer

Why even bother with cartridge based inkjet printers? Opt for inkjets with refillable tanks and say good bye to this problem for good.

It depends on your usage. If you print a lot, an “ink tank” system is a no-brainer.

But if you only print occasionally, then you may suffer from clogged heads and other related problems.

This is one of the reason I loved my old HP DeskJet 842c. Although pricey, its ink cartridges had the heads built-in. So every cartridge gives you a new head. If it sits idle for a long time and the heads clog beyond your ability to fix, you can just put in new cartridges.

Vs. what everybody else was selling, where they are separate parts. A non-repairable clog would require replacing the heads, which often cost more than a new printer.

The downside is that the ink ends up costing a lot, because you’re buying new heads with every cartridge. (FWIW, I paid about $65 for a pair of black and color cartridges in 2011. Today, they cost about $130 for that set. They typically last about 500 pages for normal printing, and a lot less when printing photos.)

And for the curious, I replaced it because HP stopped providing driver support. A macOS update (I think this was 10.5, on my PowerMac) no longer supported the driver. I was forced to start using Gutenprint drivers, which worked but had very poor color accuracy. I bought my first (Brother) color laser printer when the ink ran out.

[david_blanchard]

@Shamino

But if you only print occasionally, then you may suffer from clogged heads and other related problems.

That is what I experienced with an Epson SP2200 printer. But a bigger problem was when Epson stopped making ink cartridges for that printer. I recycled it last year (via Best Buy).

[LarisASalins (Laris Salins)]

My first computer was a 1985 512K Fat Mac. I became a mac family and friends software trouble shooter and hardware upgrade and repair guy. (Seems a common profile among TidBits members.) I love my M1 MacBook Pro, but there is nothing for me to upgrade and repair. Had a time warp experience today. My HP Laserjet 2055dn has been flaky about paper feeding. Paper starts feeding but fails. Jiggling the tray usually gets it working again. The printer is over 15 years old, so it doesn’t owe me anything. Asked the internet about my problem. I found a YouTube – just 5 minutes long – that showed how to remove the rubber ring that encircles the paper feed rollers: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwmEOqxxk64. Washed the rubber with dishsoap and rotated it a half turn so a less worn down part of the rubber contacts the paper. Wow! This old school kludge actually works. The rubber on the roller will continue to wear down, so I did also order a new paper roller with fresh rubber on it. Just $7. A satisfying hour of puttering.

[ShermanWilcox]

I have an old HP Laserjet I was thinking of replacing with a Color Laserjet. Do you find it works well with macOS? It’s connected via Ethernet.

[Ladd]

I have a xerox workcentre 6515 color printer/scanner which works fine with Mac OS Sequoia. Can’t speak to Tahoe, nor do I know if the printer is even available new anymore. I can only assume that its replacements will work just as well.

[josehill]

@Ladd

I have a xerox workcentre 6515 color printer/scanner which works fine with Mac OS Sequoia. Can’t speak to Tahoe, nor do I know if the printer is even available new anymore.

Famous last words, but the Xerox Workcentre 6515 should work fine with Tahoe, though you probably should check the Xerox support forums before updating to Tahoe. I had a 6515 at my old office, and it was great. It supports PostScript, so in the worst case, it will work in Tahoe using a generic driver, but I see that Xerox offers Tahoe drivers. The only question is the scanning function, but I’d wager that will work, since it uses Apple’s ICA driver.