Hey, sorry if this isn’t the right place to ask this (feel free to show me the way). I want to get myself a printer that can also scan. Main purpose is to not have endless sheets of paper laying around, but to scan Documents I recieve and then throwing them away so that I only have them digitally and can print stuff out only when I need them. Now I know that printers are the worst piece of hardware known to man and my needs not office-level.It doesn’t have to have any more buttons or features than are needed to scan a doublesided document and print them, without clogging/eating paper, and print black and white text without complaining about being low on yellow ink.
So my question generally is: what is the most minimalist, non-bullshit printer/scanner that I could get? But since all my devices run Linux I figured I’d just ask this here. Are there any big issues I have to look out for? Brands to avoid? (i.e nvidia being a no go for a lot of linux users) Preferably
I know this isn’t what you asked but just have the documents sent to you electronically and cut out the middleman while saving some trees! You can also send them electronically if required. Paper is so 1980’s.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll make sure to do this where possible :)
Our Samsung color laser AIO was getting flaky, especially for net access. I replaced it with an Epson EcoTank AIO and it’s been absolutely hassle-free.
I was apprehensive at first, because using inkjet printers back in the 90s was just painful. But so far, never had clogging and hardly ever had a paper jam. I’d say the running costs are comparable or lower than laser.
Color laser printers always run out of yellow because they inline a yellow fingerprint. AFAIK this isn’t the case with inkjets. So savings and additional privacy there.
Part of my job is working on printers and a word of warning, Eco tanks have a pretty common clogging issue if you’re not printing regularly. Usually a few cleanings will take care of it or a power cleaning if they don’t, but it’s still something to be aware of.
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+1 on Brother, plus the generic toner is dirt cheap.
What’s the make/model?
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I use the hl2340d that has held up really well. Think I’ve had it like 6 years now
I’ve also used their MFC printers and they were pretty awesome
@Cinnamon3431
Brother MFC machines are what I’ve always used without issue in linux. Brother offers linux drivers for both print and scan on their site and they’re fairly simple to install.
@linuxI’m happy with my Epson ET-2820. It is a wireless inkjet printer, but it uses ink from bottles what is not that expensive. The printer hasn’t dried up, yet.
The device works with the generic CUPS “driverless” printer driver, so no configuration on Linux computers to print. Scanning worked out of the box, too with sane.
tl;dr: most flawless working printer I ever owned.
HP is a awful company with a well deserved terrible reputation, but their linux support is great. I have a combo printer/scanner that works without a single issue.
All you gotta do is install…hplip i think it is? and plug the printer in.
Personally I’d keep them separate unless space is an issue.
For a scanner I like my Cannon LiDE 110 It just works with simplescan. For printers, any laser that supports PCL or Postscript should be fine. I’d recommend Lexmark or Brother. For black-only, I like my Lexmark B3340. I have a couple of older HP color lasers but honestly don’t really use them except for printing trail maps every now and then. For color pictures (and the maps) I now use a Canon Selphy CP1300.
preferably not too expensive (just a minimalist small printer/scanner that just works)
Get a Brother laser aio.
As others have said, Brother laser printers are great. I’ve had mine for ~10 years, it works better on Linux than it does on Windows, and the toner cartridges last an absurdly long time. I don’t print heavily but I think I’m only on my third toner cartridge since I bought the thing.
I’ve had fantastic luck with a Brother MFC b&w laser. Aftermarket toner cartridges are $20 and last a ridiculously long time. The wifi is jank so I’d recommend keeping it connected to your computer via USB, but I was able to get it running on a CUPS server via a Pi easily enough, and brother does make Linux drivers available.
I have a Brother MFC Color Laser and everything here is true for the color version as well. I haven’t had too many issues with wifi jank after I set a static ip both on the router side and the printer side, and then map the printer by ip port on the computer. However, it still acts up every now and then. I plan on fishing some ethernet to that corner of the office, but haven’t gotten around to it yet.
My wifi jank was less related to routing as much as it would just… forget how to send data. Especially when scanning. I think it was a controller issue so YMMV depending on which model. USB is still vastly more reliable.
I just have a simple Brother laser printer: It has never failed me. Not even sure what model it is but I imagine their scanners/MFPs are pretty similar.
The Brother printer I bought recently was easier to install on Linux than on Mac. I think that says something. Always works too
I’ve also never had any issues with my laser Brother printer.
Agreed, Brother!
I got a Brother MFC-L2750DW and networked setup was so simple. My every device I own detected it including my phone.
Note I haven’t tried connecting it via USB, just network.
Probably a good old fashioned printing press. Unfortunately, I don’t think they’re compatible with Linux.
My Brother HL 230 laser printer is so reliable. Had it for years and it never failed me.
I recently ordered a Brother printer, and it just works. “Brother MFCL3730CDNRF1” At one point it was a bit tricky to add it to Cups, but after it, it worked flawless.
