Inkjet definitely has a place; it's for high-resolution and accuracy printing, esp. photography. Consumer-level inkjet printers are mostly a waste of money. A correctly calibrated ink jet printer will print color more accurately--within it's gamut capability--and be higher resolution than laser printers. I've really liked Epson large format printers in the past, but I'm not sure who currently does the best large photo printers.

[–] Wes_Dev@lemmy.ml 9 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I'm sorry, I was going to reply, but my printer had a forced update and then detected an unauthorized cyan cartridge from a third party, shut down, and called the police to arrest me for violating HP's terms of servitude, er "service".

[–] areyouevenreal@lemm.ee 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

There are better inkjets like tank printers using ink bottles. Cheaper per page than even laser printers, and can't detect 3rd party ink (cause it's a liquid lmao). None of this subscription stuff is required. They don't have the gamut of say 7 cartridge ink jets obviously, but still better than laser printers I imagine. The main drawback is the extra maintenance of an inkjet with them drying up and all that.

So stop buying HP in other words.

[–] Wes_Dev@lemmy.ml 1 points 8 months ago (2 children)

I haven't bought a printer in years, but had to service a crappy one for work. I'm very interested in this ink bottle refill type of printer. That honestly sounds perfect. Didn't know it was a thing. Thank you.

[–] Delta_V@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I've never used a refillable bottle type inkjet, but everyone I've talked to who has says they're a nightmare and never work right.

[–] areyouevenreal@lemm.ee 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Yes that's because nobody actually uses Inkjets correctly. They aren't meant to be unplugged and left to rot. They are meant to be used. If you only use a printer occasionally buy a laser printer.

[–] Delta_V@lemmy.world 0 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Yeah, I imagine they can be decent for businesses with in-house repair staff and that print stuff all day every day so the nozzles usually don't dry up and clog during business hours.

But if you're not in the printing business and don't have someone in the office who is comfortable grabbing a screwdriver to take a printer apart and fix it, then you're probably better off with a laser printer.

[–] areyouevenreal@lemm.ee 1 points 8 months ago

I've never had to take it apart. I have had to run head cleaning a few times, but that's from leaving it unplugged for a while. Aside from that it works alright. I don't get why they would need to take it apart, that sounds like a massive exaggeration.

[–] areyouevenreal@lemm.ee 2 points 8 months ago

Look up Epson EcoTank. There are other companies that make tank printers as well I believe.