Alternatives to Canon printers

[wilko]

Since the introduction of the IP4000 Canon printers have generally been regarded as the best all round printers for the masses. However, since the IP4500 Canon has introduced smaller cartridges and different chip technology and the latest IP4850 (in the UK) has, I believe, opaque cartridges to deter refilling.

I am not sure that any of these measures will deter dedicated refillers but I wonder if there are any alternative printer manufacturers who can offer the same specifications as Canon printers with cartridges that are refillable. In particular do they offer duplex and CD\DVDprinting?

Epson are generally regarded as an alternative to Canon but I don't think that duplex printing is available on the cheaper models, or am I wrong?

 

[nche11]

It really depends on your need for an inkjet printer. It is true that Canon has been releasing new printers that are for the purpose of emptying your pocket. It not only hurts consumers Canon will realize it hurts their business as well. My recent trip to the largest computer store in California, Fry's Electronics, really made my stomach sick after looking at what they had to offer this Christmas season. No wonder most people are playing Apple branded new toys these days. Canon's inkjet printer business is going down hill. I am considering to switch to HP again. HP has printers with large capacity ink cartridges.

 

[wilko]

I still can't see an alternative to Canon for the masses. Leaving aside specialist areas and AIOs what other printer can deliver great text and photo prints as well as offering duplex and CD/DVD printing?

Canon may be slightly bettered by Epson for photo printing but not for text, e.g P50 and there is no duplex printing offered by Epson in this range.

Like most people I am becoming disillusioned with Canon but can't see an alternative to the Canon 4xxx series but i would love someone to come up with an alternative.

 

[tony22]

This is kind of ironic for me. I was an Epson dye printer user for many years, owning and using 4 of them (in series) over the course of 12-14 years. I gave up because my usage profile was not compatible with the habit of Epson's non-removable print heads getting clogged if not used on a frequent basis. When I saw HP dropping their interest in enthusiast photo printers - and knew that Canon had replaceable print heads - there wasn't much of a decision for me. I have to say I'm pretty happy with the 9000 Mark II as a nice photo printer. Yes the carts are insultingly small, but I think it's well made and the output is frankly better than anything I could produce with my older Epsons.

 

[The Hat]

I go along with tony22 on this one, I used HP, Epson at first then moved to Canon because of print problems.
I would sometimes turn on the printer to print something and get total hassle, so I dumped them.
Canons are far more reliable and dependable + you can usually see a problem starting and be able to fix it before it becomes too serious.
One of the problems I have with Canon is the way their print drivers over write older printers settings and convert them to (one suites all ) mentality..