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Original poster

can anyone recommend a wireless printer to use with my laptop?

17 replies

MrsMcNulty · 10/05/2012 18:53

Just so I can print out school things etc. I have a laptop and want to be able to print things from it wirelessly.

Am pretty clueless and un-techy, don't want to spend £££ (pref under £100), and nothing where I will spend months trying to find where to buy replacement ink cartridges etc. (you can prob tell when I last owned a printer Blush)

Help!

OP posts:
flatpackhamster · 10/05/2012 19:22

Do you need to be able to scan and copy on it too? Are you planning to use it for good quality photos? Are you likely to be printing heaps of coloured stuff on it (in which case cartridge cost is an issue).

Original poster
MrsMcNulty · 10/05/2012 19:31

No, no, and no!

OP posts:
NetworkGuy · 10/05/2012 21:47

LOL. Just marking my place.

Must be 10+ years since I last had a printer (that wasn't one passed on to be by a client after they bought a new one)... I really don't remember the last time I printed anything!

(But it might be worth looking into a wireless printer for a new venture, and having kit in 4 rooms here now.)

flatpackhamster · 11/05/2012 07:43

In that case, I'd probably choose a model like this:

www.amazon.co.uk/Epson-Stylus-Sx235W-All-In-One-Printer/dp/B005LLE7UM/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1336718396&sr=1-2

The SX235W is an older unit but you'll still be able to buy cartridges for it for the next few years, which sadly is longer than most inkjet printers last these days. Gravity-feed for the paper is less prone to jamming than the 'pull-it-through-from-below' feed (whatever the technical term for that is). Epson printers are usually pretty good. Wireless technology for printers has improved no end over the last 3 years as printer manufacturers have realised it isn't just about bunging a card in. And it's half-price.
Buy genuine cartridges for the first 12 months so that you don't invalidate the warranty.

Original poster
MrsMcNulty · 11/05/2012 08:06

Oh wow I love the price of that, thanks flatpackhamster!

Can I just ask what you mean by "you'll still be able to buy cartridges for it for the next few years"? Does that mean that in a few years I'll have to replace the printer as won't be able to get new cartridges?

OP posts:
flatpackhamster · 11/05/2012 08:17

No, I doubt it. Even if the manufacturer stops making them generic companies will be churning them out. But don't expect your printer to last more than 5 years because sadly they just don't.

FrozenChocolate · 11/05/2012 09:10

Flatpack, can you print from an iPod with that one? I have read what it says, I just don't understand it Blush

And does it come with some ink? Or do you have to buy some ink to get started? I've never owned a printer before!!!

flatpackhamster · 11/05/2012 09:48

Hi FrozenChocolate

As with all simple things, Apple likes to make it complicated for us PC users! There are various ways this can be done. There's a thing called AirPrint which works with some printers (see the list here.

Then some printers have their own software, like Epson's iPrint.
The Epson FAQ for this printer suggests that you can use Epson's iPrint to print to this printer from an iDevice so long as your iDevice is connected to the same wifi network as the printer.

Sorry this rambles a bit.

YourCallIsImportant · 11/05/2012 09:54

Agree with going for Epson. We've just bought this for £49, and it's fab. We can print from our iPhones to it wirelessly, as well as from the laptops. I've printed photos too and the quality is really good.

FrozenChocolate · 11/05/2012 10:14

Ok, it looks like with the epson iPrint you can only print photos so I have chosen a printer on the list for Air Print. That was very useful, thank you.

Do they come with a starter pack of ink to last a week or two or do I need to buy my own from the beginning?

flatpackhamster · 11/05/2012 10:16

Sorry about that, I didn't answer your second question!

Yes, all printers come with cartridges. However the cartridges aren't full. Instead of 200 pages you'll get about 50.

FrozenChocolate · 11/05/2012 10:17

Your call that's the one I have upgraded to! It looks like I may be able to print pages (not photos) from an iPod touch.

FrozenChocolate · 11/05/2012 10:19

Lovely! Isn't Mumsnet great?

Original poster
MrsMcNulty · 29/05/2012 12:15

Hi, I just wanted to come back and say a big thank you to flatpackhamster in particular. I bought the printer you recommended and had it up and running within an hour, not bad for a complete technophobe! print quality seems great, I am amazed it was so cheap as well. Thank you Thanks

OP posts:
flatpackhamster · 30/05/2012 16:55

You're welcome. Glad to help.

PooshTun · 08/06/2012 00:23

I recently bought the SX235W mentioned upthread and I highly recommend it.

I had an older Epson but it cost £90 to buy a pack of 6 cartridges whereas the SX235W cost £40 for a pack of 4. Not particularly eco friendly but I did some mental maths and decided that I would be ahead if I dump the old still working Epson and buy the SX235W plus a pack of cartridges.

Tesco is also selling it at the Amazon price so if you rather just drive off with a printer instead of waiting for postie ....

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