Recommended Multi-functional scanner/printer?

JeffCGD · #1 May 15th, 2005, 07:17 AM

I'm considering getting a multi-function scanner/printer as they do seem to take up much less space. Can anyone recommend any particular brands and/or models for OSX (Panther)? The chosen device will need good drivers (nothing flaky), decent support (service dept. doesn't disavow their own OSX support), and ideally it should be able to output half decent, reliable colour should I actually need to do some sort of colour proofing on it (as well as scanning stuff in well too). Is this all a pipe dream, or have multi-functionals got this far?

Gig' · #2 May 15th, 2005, 07:50 AM

Hi jeffCGD

I believe that you are aware of the fact that multifunctionnal devices means compromising the same way you're using an audio all-in-one rather than seperate elements. I am using an epson cx 6600 and am pleased with it eventhough a sepaerate scanner would probably be performing a lot better. Anyway I'm using it with 10.3.9, the driver's ok and the result as far as my needs are concerned they are fulfilled.
I used to own an HP 2175 and the epson advantage is separate colour catridges and so far proves to be more economical and the scanning functions are faster.

good luck

Durbrow · #3 May 15th, 2005, 09:46 PM

I have a epson stylus cx4600. The good: Works fine with Tiger and prints okay. The bad: Seems to consume a lot of ink which is expensive.

aicul · #4 May 16th, 2005, 01:43 AM

What I can say is avoid the HP solutions. I say this because the drivers that HP has developped are bug prone. The hardware on the other hand is quite good.

**mdnky** · #5 May 16th, 2005, 01:52 PM

I would go with either an Epson or HP model. If you do choose HP, go with their 'OfficeJet' versions instead of the 'home/consumer' models.

As far as color goes, I haven't tried any Epson AIOs in a while. The HP OJ6110 will handle color just fine. The HP OJ7210 should do the same, if not better as it'll also accept the photo cartridge.

chornbe · #6 May 16th, 2005, 02:44 PM

After much looking, several purchases and the subsequent returns, I landed with an Epson RX500. The drivers are native (not thunked into classic) and full featured. The hardware is nice - ink is a *little* pricey but not bad and the output is fantastic!! Scanning is nice, but there are nicer. It's far and away better than the other Epson scanners I looked at and the only one that seems to have OS/X on the brain when the drivers were being developed (The Epson Perfection series seems cobbled together).

I recommend it. And at $299 for a Scanner/Copier/(photo)Printer, you can't really beat it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffCGD

I'm considering getting a multi-function scanner/printer as they do seem to take up much less space. Can anyone recommend any particular brands and/or models for OSX (Panther)? The chosen device will need good drivers (nothing flaky), decent support (service dept. doesn't disavow their own OSX support), and ideally it should be able to output half decent, reliable colour should I actually need to do some sort of colour proofing on it (as well as scanning stuff in well too). Is this all a pipe dream, or have multi-functionals got this far?

jsnap · #7 May 26th, 2005, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdnky

I would go with either an Epson or HP model. If you do choose HP, go with their 'OfficeJet' versions instead of the 'home/consumer' models.

As far as color goes, I haven't tried any Epson AIOs in a while. The HP OJ6110 will handle color just fine. The HP OJ7210 should do the same, if not better as it'll also accept the photo cartridge.

All I can say is DON'T go with HP Officejet 6110 all-in-one. I've got one and it's so not working with several programs. It frustrates me every time I do an OSX update. And HP's service has been crap! Just when I think it's working it stops again, and I didn't change or add or update anything recently.

jsnap · #8 May 26th, 2005, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chornbe

After much looking, several purchases and the subsequent returns, I landed with an Epson RX500. The drivers are native (not thunked into classic) and full featured. The hardware is nice - ink is a *little* pricey but not bad and the output is fantastic!! Scanning is nice, but there are nicer. It's far and away better than the other Epson scanners I looked at and the only one that seems to have OS/X on the brain when the drivers were being developed (The Epson Perfection series seems cobbled together).

I recommend it. And at $299 for a Scanner/Copier/(photo)Printer, you can't really beat it.

Sounds a bit expensive upfront. What about ink cost? are the black and colors seperate or in one cartridge? Are the individual colors seperate or together. I used to love refilling my own but that seems to be a problem with my 2 year old HP piee of crap.