epson printer

[RAS]

My Epson stylus colour 600 is about 7 years old. Recently it has statred making crunching noises that make me cringe and make me thnk it's on it's last legs. I don't do photographs and I don't need a really fast printer. My PC has USB ports.

Can anyone recommend a reliable printer as a replacement.

Thankyou

[fo3nix]

It could be, yes. An old Epson printer of mine did that after a good few years using it (though it was used a lot).

A good reliable printer: a new Epson.

A laser would be better in terms of reliability if you just want black and white prints, but since you don't need speed, it may not be worth it. In which case any of the cheaper Epson printers will do fine.

[gumboil]

I suggest you buy another Epson too.

I've tried quite a few printers over the years and I've always come back to an Epson.

You also need to seriously consider the cost of replacement cartridges. The price of the replacement original and compatible cartridges is invariably less for Epson printers than others - the cost of Lexmark originals and compatibles is horrendous and Hewlett-Packard aren't far behind.

I've also found that Epson original and compatible cartridges are easier to source than other makes - I'm having no problems soucing cartridges for my working Epson 600.

If you are only going to be using it for black and white, I'd go along with fo3nix and suggest an Epson laser. There's some very nice models in the range.

[heathfield]

Try cleaning the cartridge carriage slide bar with something like a cloth dampened with WD40. Quite a few printers eventually have a problem with dirt or dried ink building up on this slide, and make hair-raising noises! Worth a try?

[RAS]

Thank you all for your advice. You have convinced me to go for another Epson. But before I do, I will nip down to the shed for my well used can of WD40.

Thanks again