Recommended Printer for CD's, refillable, hackable....

[Javalicious]

Wondering if there's an established front runner for "Best at printing on CD/DVD'S" with respect to

A) Print Quality
B) Cartridge Refilling (easy enough, cheaper non-oem inks)
C) *Software Hack/swappable (meaning the ability to print outside the standard CD/DVD donut with included or alternate software)

*If it is the software only that controls that. I don't own one of these printers yet but am looking to get one - I'd like to know if they are restricted to printing only the standard CD/DVD size or if they could be configured to do other size circles such as mini discs or other shapes even?

Finally, a bonus option for mom - any of them have copy/scan functionality too? My reading experience has suggested that you generally forfeit print quality when you add multi-functionality. Would forum members agree? This seems like a very informed printer-using community so I would trust answers here before the printer salesmans

Thanks for any experiences/opinions offered!

 

[pharmacist]

I would go for a Canon MX850: superb photo printing quality, easy refilling, chip resetter available, relatively large inkttanks (compared to the latest Canon models), ADF, scanner, fax. Grab one if they are still available, as this AIO printer is at its end of life now and being replaced by the horrible and inferior MX860.

And yes: this printer does CD/DVD printing (for the US-models one has to apply a tweak and buy a CD/DVD-printing tray).
The reason for the great photo printing is the IP4500 based printhead giving 3 shades of cyan and magenta, mimicking the more expensive 6-colour printers (CcMmYK) which are considered the minimum standard for true photo printing, but using only 4 cartridges (1+ text black cartridge). And also the large PGI-5Bk pigment ink based text cartridge which gives you razor sharp black text printouts on normal paper, rivalling the ones produced on a laser printer.

 

[Javalicious]

This is excellent! Thank you very much pharmacist

- I was looking at some Canons because they are recommended on here, the Canadian Canon website/resellers aren't very informative though as none of them even say which of the printers can print on CD's. I just came back to shut down for the night and there you are with the EXACT one I was just googling for better info The MX850. I am going to try to convince my mom for this one I think - can you tell me if you have ever put VERY heavy paper through it, like 100lb cardstock? I am hoping that it does not have the bending issues like our current HP - that roller really limits the type of paper that can go through without damaging the images. I thought if it can do CD's it might do stiff card stock one sheet at a time, but maybe CD's are so small they don't feed as much as just sit there? (I've never seen one working)

I had also been looking for an old I560 because the fellow on here has put 110lb paper through it without a problem and I like to print my own cards on that particular weight paper - but so far Staples is the only solution and they're hardly accurate at lining things up as precise as I'd like them to be. If this machine can handle that too I'm going to be thoroughly thrilled

 

[pharmacist]

I think you can, because the MX850 can use rather thick paper by using the back sheet feeder for papers which can not be bend well. The problem with HP printers is the U-shape paper feed making it unusable for thick and rather stiff papers. However the paper must be capable to be bend somewhat to be fed throught the printer.

I have used 300 gsm heavy paper: not sure what 100 lbs paper looks like, but is it the same thickness like a post card from vacation ? If it is, then you can without any problem with the MX850 using the back sheet feeder.

 

[Javalicious]

I think what I use is a bit thicker than todays postcards - closer to bristol board. I'm not sure what the 300gsm feels like but I am going to take some of my heavy stuff with me and see if they will run it through - I'll let you know what happens, thanks again

Cheers!

 

[Kefp]

Just as an FYI:
148 gsm 67 lb. bristol, 100 lb. text
162 gsm 60 lb. cover
163 gsm 90 lb. index
176 gsm 65 lb. cover
178 gsm 80 lb. bristol
199 gsm 110 lb. index
216 gsm 80 lb. cover
219 gsm 100 lb. bristol
253 gsm 140 lb. index
263 gsm 120 lb. bristol
270 gsm 100 lb. cover
307 gsm 140 lb. bristol
308 gsm 170 lb. index
325 gsm 120 lb. cover

http://www.papermojo.com/paper_weight_conversion.html