Looking for a printer that is black ink only
Looking for a printer that is black ink only. My HP won't even let me check ink levels anymore. It seems that most printers require you to have a color cartridge even if you don't want to use it.
As I understand it, HP date limits their cartridges even if they still have plenty of ink.
applegrove
(123,117 posts)keithbvadu2
(40,106 posts)Prob too expensive for my low volume printing
TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)I have one I got years ago for around 60 bucks. Not wireless, but does everything else you want. Model LD 2320
Still on the original cartridge.
Otto_Harper
(702 posts)The cost difference between a low-end laser printer vs an ink-jet is in the ink cartridges. In my own experience, a laser printer, for home and small business related printing is far cheaper to own, over time, than an ink-jet.
(There was, for example, the ink jet printer I owned where the print nozzles would regularly clog, and it would clean them by spraying copious amounts of ink through the nozzles. The printer cost $100 on sale. At some point, I just tossed it. Ink cartridges are too expensive to use as a cleaning spray).
LiberalArkie
(16,500 posts)of paper and Just now bought 1 black toner cart for $15. Can anyone go 10 years on an inkjet and only spend $15. I turn out off when I am through. No reason to burn up the fuser.
I have an older Hp Photosmart inkjet that made fantastic photos, but the carts all gunked up, so I only use it for a scanner now.
lastlib
(24,905 posts)Yes, a little more expensive initially, but the savings in toner vs. ink cartridge most definitely tips the scale. I bought a HP 2300 laser printer (monochrome) in 2004; it's still on my desk, on its second toner cartridge. (I don't do a lot of volume printing, but I could--in fact, I do have rare moments that I put a lot through it. Only expense I've had with it after the printer itself was a memory expansion chip (well worth the money to max it out!) and one toner cartridge about six years ago.
The only problem I have is that I'm using Windows 7--may have to upgrade in the near future, and I doubt seriously that there will be a driver for this printer--meaning I will have to buy a new printer, even though this still works. But it may well be the best $650 I ever spent.
LeftInTX
(29,998 posts)I had my last Brother printer since 2009, they use toner which is extremely efficient and doesn't clog jets.
The $30 you pay upfront pays for itself in a few months!
If you don't do a lot of printing, the toner does not dry out either.
keithbvadu2
(40,106 posts)I have gotten some good advice from this question. I've been looking for the L2320d Brother laser printer but it seems hard to find. Even Amazon doesn't list it very much.
Best buy lists it but constantly out of stock. Three times they've told me it's back in stock but wrong, wrong, wrong.
Made in Vietnam
LeftInTX
(29,998 posts)My circuit board died on my Brother last year and I searched everywhere. I ended up getting an HP, but now HP no longer makes the one that I bought. It was the only one available for miles. (I do alot of printing...alot)
I see this one at Office Depot. It may or may not be available. Office Depot says it is.
https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/9371730/HP-LaserJet-M209dwe-Wireless-Black-And/
It's also on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/HP-LaserJet-M209dwe-Wireless-6GW62E/dp/B08VF1PKPF
I prefer Brother. HP is funky with their toner saving settings, but I do alot of printing and can't afford to be picky.
keithbvadu2
(40,106 posts)LeftInTX
(29,998 posts)It isn't wireless, but neither was my old Brother... I plugged it into my router, so that it could be used on our home network.
https://www.amazon.com/Brother-HL-L2320D-Mono-Laser-Printer/dp/B00LEA5EHO?th=1
Grasswire2
(13,708 posts)I have a brand new monochrome printer waiting for me to set it up.
I hate HP printers, but am hoping that this HP monochrome laser jet (that doesn't use tiny cartridges but rather toner in a bigger container) will do well for me.
The model number is HP Laser Jet Pro MFP M2271 fdn. Bought through amazon.
So, no cartridges. But a toner tank.
Grasswire2
(13,708 posts)Mine varies. Many months of low volume, but then more when working on a project.
One benefit to a toner rather than cartridge is that cartridges dry up, don't they, if not being used?
canetoad
(18,122 posts)Diabetic syringe. Fix clogged ink jets.
canetoad
(18,122 posts)Your only practical option is a laser printer if all you want is B/W.
However there are alternatives to being tethered to a brand and its ink requirements. The main problem is the ever 'updating' of cartridges and therefore the obsolescence of ink for previous models.
In my experience, you are far better off money wise, to ignore the warranty conditions of using only certain, approved ink refills. When you buy a printer, do your homework; what ink does it use and are generic cartridges available. If not, don't touch it. The printers of today may last a couple of years if you're lucky. Buy something cheap with easily available generic cartridges for a coupla buck and it will probably last five years or so.
My preference for home printers is Brother; they are inexpensive, work on generic ink and are reliable. If you were to go for a laser printer - I'd still say buy a Brother. They work well and the overheads are minimal.
royable
(1,369 posts)After about one toner cartridge refill, you will have saved money with the laser print, if you total the cost of printer plus toner cartridge vs. printer plus several expensive ink cartridges that provide considerably fewer copies per cartridge. Plus, you don't have to worry about the ink cartridge drying out or getting clogged up.
Doodley
(10,382 posts)Brother laser, not expensive and wireless.
Beakybird
(3,391 posts)Haggard Celine
(17,022 posts)and I'm very satisfied.
LiberalBrooke
(565 posts)It was under $100 and I can print what I want as well as scan and copy on less than $20 a year on toner costs. Ive already had it about 5 years and will do the same when I need another one.
mahatmakanejeeves
(60,935 posts)I have never owned a Brother laser printer, but Walgreens used to sell those for quite a low price, and a starter toner cartridge came with the printers.
NCjack
(10,297 posts)Paid $110 including shipping. No regrets moving away from inkjet printers.
PJMcK
(22,886 posts)They can be bought for under $100 and they last forever. I have an HP thats 25 years old and its worked perfectly with 5 different computers. The toner cartridges last several thousand pages.
Good luck!
discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,577 posts)keithbvadu2
(40,106 posts)I actually have some paper for that thing. (Thrift store)
I bought the multi-sheet feed paper for the carbon paper that sits between the sheets.
Tear off the holes on the sides and it is useful paper as well.
discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,577 posts)left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)Here's one I just now found on Amazon. Googling 'monochrome printer' may find you more or cheaper than Amazon.
Pantum Mini Monochrome Laser Printer for Home Office School Student Mobile Wireless Printing- Small Laserjet P2502(D1m0n)
https://www.amazon.com/Pantum-Monochrome-Laserjet-P2502-D1m0n/dp/B085VTNKRW/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=black+ink+only+printer&qid=1631452356&sr=8-10
And there is eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=monochrome+printer&_sacat=0
keithbvadu2
(40,106 posts)Thanks all for the words of wisdom.
Sometimes it is cheaper to buy something more expensive.
I can still keep the (derisive adjective) HP for the scanner function.
Haven't made any decision yet but you've given me plenty of ammo.
MerryHolidays
(7,715 posts)I've had one for nearly 5 years and it has performed flawlessly (printer, scanner, copier, and fax). I bought a color one last year too.
As others have noted, inkjets are cheaper initially but those cartridges are REALLY expensive. I'm not at all a fan of HP anymore.
You can new and refurbished ones relatively inexpensively: https://www.brother-usa.com/business/printers/home-office/all-in-one#sort=relevancy