On Mon, Sep 24, 2012 at 3:08 PM, Peter Humphrey <pe...@humphrey.ukfsn.org> wrote: > On Monday 24 September 2012 18:45:29 James wrote: > >> So now I'll have to think about all of this some more.... >> HP printers have worked for me for over 14 years with linux, >> unix and bsd systems...... >>
Both Xerox and HP have had good cross platform support and make some sturdy reliable printers that can last decades. The problem of course is that they both have their good/bad years and can be relatively expensive for the laser MFP's and associated supplies. I used to buy HP laserjets only, but then their costs went sky high while reliability and features went down. I switched to using Xerox Workcenters....but Xerox has a tendency to end-of-life troublesome models early and requires active support contracts for any real support after the initial purchase support period. On the other hand, the color laser MFP purchased in 2006 for the home office is still going strong. To my knowledge, Brother had a better reputation decades ago but recently is known more as a low-budget competitor. I'd definitely second that you focus any evaluation on the printer implementation of postscript...postscript is the true universal language in this industry. If you don't have any major feature needs, than also pay attention to the standby power usage, time to warm up for prints, power needs during startup, and cost per page for color and b/w prints. My MFP draws a huge amount of power briefly when it begins the day, uses solid ink that normally lasts me 9-12 months and then about every 2 years I have to spend ~$150 for an updated maintenance kit(toner?). I can live with all that, but I'll probably be paying more attention to power util on the next purchase 5-10 years or so from now. Matt
