Networked laser printer for home use

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KiwiSurfer

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#214225 2-May-2017 18:30

I'm keen to set up a networked laser printer at home.

My criteria is basically:-

Can be linked up to a Linux home server for networked printing (either via USB or Ethernet)
Cheap toner
Reliable

I'm not too fussed about the cost of the printer itself. I'm happy to pay up front for a good printer as long as the toner is reasonably priced.

Some things that would be nice but not absolutely neccessary:

Printers that can accept print jobs directly over the network (wireless or otherwise) from at least Windows and macOS machines (as long as the drivers that are neccessary to suport that are reliable and don't come with additional software I don't need)
Supports AirPrint from iOS devices
Colour printing

Happy to consider both new printers as well as perhaps looking on Trade Me for older models. I've heard that the older LaserJets are pretty good but it's becoming difficult to figure out which are good and which are not.

Had a look at Warehouse Stationary and it seemed Brother had some decent printers. There were also quite a lot of plastic looking HP LaserJets as well which I don't think would hold up as well as the older LaserJets.

Do comment below about your home printing setup (even if it's not meeting the above) and whether you would buy again or not.

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Networkn
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#1774507 2-May-2017 19:03

In this space, you can't go past Brother.

sonyxperiageek

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#1774508 2-May-2017 19:04

I started off with the common Black and White Brother HL-2140 laser printer and still have it to date after about 5 years now. Still on its starter toner lol. Says a lot about how much I print!

Eventually saw a good deal on the Brother HL-3040CN Colour Laser Printer which is network capable so I have that connected to my switch and it receives jobs from over my home network.

There is a trick to continue printing for quite a long time after it complains that the toner is low. For the Brother Colour Laser Printer, I had to press a combination of buttons to get into the service menu and reset the toner warning. For the B&W one I had to cover up a hole with black tape, which must've been a sensor. Both still printing with no issues at all.

You can always generally buy the printer cheap, it's the consumables that will cost you. When I do have to get a new toner I might go and get it refilled for cheaper instead and see how they compare to the originals.

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Amosnz

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#1774522 2-May-2017 19:15

Like above I started with a Brother HL-2150N (b/w laser). Decided we needed scanning ability at home so ended up with a Brother MFC-9140CDN (colour laser/scanner/copier) when it was on sale and Brother had a rebate thing going. Scanning to PC is super useful. Haven't had a problem with either yet, the 2150 is probably still in the roof storage somewhere.

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mattrix

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#1774526 2-May-2017 19:27

@Amosnz
I'm actually after a HL-2150N.
Want to sell yours?

antoniosk

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#1774533 2-May-2017 19:39

I got an HP 477fdw for $299 from Pbtech in welly. Not sure any laser printer toner is cheap

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sonyxperiageek

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#1774537 2-May-2017 19:43

antoniosk: I got an HP 477fdw for $299 from Pbtech in welly. Not sure any laser printer toner is cheap

No, but the refills are cheaper.

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timmmay

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#1774538 2-May-2017 19:44

Brother MFC-9140CDN here, color, network via ethernet. I've had a it a few years, just about to change to the new toner. Works great. Wouldn't mind one with a feeding scanner.

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mattwnz

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#1774539 2-May-2017 19:47

I got a cheap HP second hand off a computer recycler. Heaps of recyclers on trademe. You may even pick up one from a business who no longer needs one. It was a business grade one, so the toner is big, and the refilled 3rd party replacements are quite cheap. Best of all is it does duplex and very quick. I wouldn't buy an entry level one, as they come with quite small toners, and the third party refills for them aren't much different in price than the large toners.

cadman

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#1774552 2-May-2017 20:06

I have a HP CP1025NW which is colour. It was an absolute pig to set up to print wirelessly directly and now it won't show up at all (perhaps it was always slightly faulty). Luckily it still has ethernet and USB. It's hopeless on gradient colours as are many cheaper lasers. I think I paid about $200 new and it's still on its first toners but the black is running on fumes but it's done the job I bought it for 5 years ago. I liked the fact you could set up an email for it and mail documents to print remotely from either any email address or just pre-added ones.

froob

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#1774558 2-May-2017 20:10

timmmay:
Brother MFC-9140CDN here, color, network via ethernet. I've had a it a few years, just about to change to the new toner. Works great. Wouldn't mind one with a feeding scanner.

Was looking to buy one of these, as an upgrade to my basic brother laser. The specs list it having an automatic document feeder - I assumed for scanning. Interested to hear if that's not the case?

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gehenna

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#1774560 2-May-2017 20:11

Brother HL series. Can't go past them for cheap home laser B&W printing.

Dynamic

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#1774561 2-May-2017 20:12

sonyxperiageek: When I do have to get a new toner I might go and get it refilled for cheaper instead and see how they compare to the originals.

I've tried refilled cartridges from various suppliers a number of times over the years including recently, and have been somewhere between disappointed and brassed off every time.

One of Brother's strengths is the warranty. 4 years on site support (for the laser models at least) if you only use genuine ink or toner. For my commercial clients, this is fantastic. We've only had one client really make use of it... three times the printer was serviced, and on the 4th time the printer was replaced after I asked nicely on their behalf.

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sonyxperiageek

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#1774567 2-May-2017 20:20

Dynamic:

sonyxperiageek: When I do have to get a new toner I might go and get it refilled for cheaper instead and see how they compare to the originals.

I've tried refilled cartridges from various suppliers a number of times over the years including recently, and have been somewhere between disappointed and brassed off every time.

One of Brother's strengths is the warranty. 4 years on site support (for the laser models at least) if you only use genuine ink or toner. For my commercial clients, this is fantastic. We've only had one client really make use of it... three times the printer was serviced, and on the 4th time the printer was replaced after I asked nicely on their behalf.

How so were you disappointed? I'm not sure myself, which is why I'm asking.

For commercial, I'd definitely use genuine everything.

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Amosnz

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#1774578 2-May-2017 20:33

mattrix:

@Amosnz
I'm actually after a HL-2150N.
Want to sell yours?

Can do, I'm down in New Plymouth which might problematic? Just had a squizz for the original box but I think that's long gone. PM and we'll see what we can sort out.

Pretty sure the toner is relatively new, still got the one we took out too if you wanted to refill.

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Dynamic

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#1774588 2-May-2017 20:42

sonyxperiageek: How so were you disappointed? I'm not sure myself, which is why I'm asking.

For commercial, I'd definitely use genuine everything.

Every time (I'm thinking approx 5 times in 10 years), the print quality has been sub-par. 4 times I've replaced the refilled toner with genuine and the issue was sorted. Once I had to replace the drum unit as well to restore print quality.

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

Referral links to services I use, really like, and may be rewarded if you sign up:
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