I currently have a Samsung Multi function printer which is difficult to connect to the wi fi.

I see a lot of ads for Cannon Pixa printer and supposed to be wi fi certified etc. Is it worth getting. I print mostly
documents in black and white and only a few a day. Given my needs is it better to stick with laser or is the inkjet now
is also economica now.

If any of you have experience with any of these printers please let me know.

I had a Cannon Pixma printer for a year, my flatmate and I shared it for work etc (we worked in the same company) I believe we were using the cannon pixma MP 610.

to answer your question on comparisons of printers there is a decent article on this website (for the nitty gritty details)

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/color-laser-printers-2,1534-2.html

In short if you know what you are doing inkjets and laser jets are pretty much the same.

As for the Pixma printers I would have to say we had no issues with our printer, we had 2 (wired desktops), 2 (wireless laptops), and the printer (wireless) running off of a linksys n-router with no hiccups. The printer itself is easy to use and has the usual multi functions; again we never had issues with the wireless network, I am sure you would be pleased if you purchased a pixma printer.

However in closing I would have to say based on your usage is it really a bother wiring your printer?I mean if you are using the printer for a few black and white sheets a day why get another printer? If laying long cables though your home is an issue then there are other alternatives - you can set up a network through your home using your power cables too, the name of the set up escapes me right now, but this link shows you how it works based on something in the UK

http://www.homeplugshop.co.uk/

I hope this helped and wasnt too long winded LOL, feel free to message me though if you have any other questions.

Simply put...

LASER both the machine and ink are more expensive in the beginning, but in the long run it's cheaper since it doesn't really have to be maintained that much and the ink lasts longer.

Inkjet both the machine and ink are cheaper in the beginning, but in the long run it's more expensive since the ink doesn't lasts long...

The Pixma is actually a fantastic printer - I have the 318 and it does everything I need including scanning and faxing and highly recommend it

In ths past, Ink jet printers were not so good at printing text and were only good for pictures.
So this is no longer thru?

As of the moment laser is still better for text, although ink jet printers have almost caught up.

I'd go with the laser.  The inkjets cost more money in the long run because of the cost of replacing ink cartridges.  Since there are more parts to the inkjet, I'd have to say it's alot less effective over time.

i recommend epson tx111. it have scanner and printer functions.
can modify for injected ink. it is very economical.

Thanks for all answers.

I understand that till a couple of years ago inkjets were indeed more expensive but now according to salesmen, the per sheet cost for low volume prinng is actually cheaper
for inkket - is this true?

Also I am told now you can change just one colour e.g. black, if you print mostly text and therefore you don't have to change the entire cartridge. This system is also
supposed to keep the costs down.

I had a Linksys G router which worked well with my desktop and laptop and printed with the Samsung. But now I have a Linksys N router and it does not seem to work.
I bought a Linksys print server but that again does not support Vista or the multi-function printers.

What about the HP Priters whch seem to be the most expensive and come with "wi fi attachments" etc.

i am also looking for a printer.
I read that epson printers have some kind of auto self cleaning that turns on automatically if you do not print for more than a week and this self cleaning wastes alot of ink.

anyone with an Epson inkjet? Is this true?

I am thinking of picking this one.

http://www.officemax.com/catalog ... ncode=19-35193967-2

You can change just one color ink.

I have had 2 PIXMA's which were both excellent and made great photos.  I think the current one is the MP950

i was using an Epson TX110 in the office before. and i agree that the inks are really expensive.  we should be practical now as the economy is not going well at all. so i made some research. found out that we have a so called "ink-refill" thing (philippines). i had my epson TX110 convert the cartridges, so that i could just refill the ink by myself at a cheaper cost.

Disadvantage: after many print out. the ink warning light will turn on and an error message will appear to your computer. this means you need to clean the head of the converted cartridges.  it's really a head ache because you have to keep on trying and trying untill you make the right way.

SO, i made some research again. later i found this shop inside the mall. the staffs are very pleasing. they gave me some advice about the most recommended printer for converted cartridges.   CANON PIXMA MP198

Disadvantage: NONE at ALL. the good thing about this. the original cartridges of Canon doesn't need to be change. they will just put a silicon hose to your original cartridge. unlike the Epson, the original cartridge will be replaced.

I hope this might help.

Thanks.

Can refills or "compatibles" be used with other Cannon models too e.g. Pixma 640 etc?

each prnters has it's own specs for ink refill.

If you print black and white, then absolutely go for laser.
Inkjets are messy, they dry up, they take time to refill, and have spotty quality and reliability.

You can get one of those nice little HP personal lasers for under $100 now, and at your rate, a toner cartridge will last you a year. Refilled toners are cheap now too.

The other thing is laser ink doesn't run when it gets a bit wet. Inkjet just blobs up and goes all over the place.

try some of brother printers, i agree that some of the cannon machines are but they have this chip on their inks which makes it annoying to generic ink. i remember spending 250ish and 400+ on the ink in 3 months.

This is one of the main advantages of using a laser printer. I've had an HP1100 for a good 10 years now and it still functions perfectly. If you're only printing black and white and you're not printing images, then get a laser printer.

My Canon MP780 is great in terms of printing resolution, but as everyone mentioned, the ink runs out quickly. In addition to refilling the individual ink cartridges yourself, you can also get your printer customised to siphon from external reservoirs that cost a lot cheaper (by volume) to replace. If you're in HK, I know there's a shop in the Sim City Arcade in MK for this.

Pixma printers are great. Search for "continuous ink system" on Pixma.

Canon quality and reliability is good.  

Cost is OK for low volumes (you qualify).  It's certainly very convenient.  

Perhaps most importantly, Canon is easy to set up and instal.  Even your GF should be able to use it