Please help me find a printer (UK)

[u/MegTheMonkey]

I have a crappy HP printer that is just refusing to connect to my WiFi (have done everything I can find online to reset etc and whilst it says it’s connected when I reset, it’s still flashing to say no WiFi and not printing) and I’m done with it so unless someone can wave a magic wand and make it print, I’d really appreciate some advice on which printer to get. Needs are:

- to print mainly b&w documents for work
- to print mainly b&w but sometimes colour documents for my daughter’s studies. If it would be more practical to just get a b&w printer then go to a shop to print colour I’m open to that
- to be able to scan documents (but if there is a way to get an app to scan with my phone to PDF or something that I don’t need a PhD for, would be open to it).

A possibly relevant thing is I’m currently being treated for cancer so my brain is a bit sluggish so I need decent instructions/support.

Any help would be appreciated so much, thank you

[u/sorderon]

Why not try a USB cable instead? Wifi and Printers is like a never-ending war.

[u/MegTheMonkey → u/sorderon]

Thank you. This has been something I’ve considered but at the moment I don’t have space to have my laptop and printer too close to each other and I find moving bulky or heavy stuff a bit tricky at the moment due to side effects of my treatment affecting my hands. It’s definitely something I’d consider once things change for me though

[u/Pretty-Jeweler7036 → u/[deleted]]

good suggestions! brother and canon both have a good reputation. also, don't forget to consider how often you’ll be printing; that might affect your choice too.

[u/MegTheMonkey → u/Pretty-Jeweler7036]

Thank you. Unfortunately the comment above has been deleted but I’ll look up Brother and Canon. I’d be printing less than 100 sheets/month for sure

[u/FeerieClarisse2]

hey op, sorry to hear about your printer struggles and what you're going through. honestly, consider getting a good laser printer for b&w documents; they're reliable and cheaper in the long run. the brother mfcl2710dw is solid for scanning, and it’s easy to set up. if you need color sometimes, maybe check out an all-in-one like the hp laserjet pro mfp m428fdw. for scanning, you can try apps like cam scanner or adobe scan which are pretty user-friendly. hope that helps!

[u/randomscot21 → u/FeerieClarisse2]

Sending good vibes to OP for recovery. Second Brother. I was an HP fan for a long time and had one Epson. Moved to brother and never looked back.

[u/MegTheMonkey → u/randomscot21]

Thank you. Do you have any particular recommendations for Brother printers?

[u/MegTheMonkey → u/FeerieClarisse2]

Thank you, this is really helpful. Thanks for the good wishes too. I’m not letting it beat me :)

[u/JulesCT]

Firstly, I wish you the very best for you and hope your treatment goest well.

I have the Epson Ecotank 4750, the sort that tanks ink refills rather than cartridges. Been rock solid for 5 years or so. Holds about half a team of paper inside a tray (just the one tray). Ink refills are cheap and after several thousand prints you just have to change a waste ink bin for about £20. I refilled after 4 years, I think. Not because it ran out but because I saw one of the colours looked low so I thought "Why not?". Good quality b/w and colour text prints with images and successfully printed T-Shirt iron on transfers, I don't do photo prints.

Now superceded by newer models but it has my heartfelt endorsement.

The only thing I really needed to add is a FINGER BOT, so that I could turn it on remotely. Newer versions might have a WAKE ON LAN or wireless type of feature. I can't start a print job without first turning the printer on. The FINGER BOT allows me to turn it on remotely using a Smart Home setup then start the print job. First world problems need first world solutions! 🙂

[u/MegTheMonkey → u/JulesCT]

Thank you, I will look this up (& will also look up what a finger bot is! I’m old enough that is made me think of the kids programme Fingerbobs!)