the b&w printer quality is getting worse - do we repair or replace?

[catsheane]

i don't know if there is a repair that will improve print clarity and eliminate smudging or if we should start looking at getting a new printer... thoughts?

[catsheane]

a couple of ideas for replacement printers (these are multi-function, which may or may not be necessary):
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2475707,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2482185,00.asp

[elliottw]

maybe a new toner or toner head? I think something like that was purchased, not sure installed.

[phipolis]

We received a new drum unit May 2 and I installed it. We received a new black toner cart May 19 and I'm 99% sure Katherine installed it. Together that was $125 in supplies, so hopefully we can get it working satisfactorily. I'm looking into any self-cleaning modes it may have.

[phipolis]

PS, the toner is "supposed" to last 8k pages; the drum, 30k.

[catsheane]

thanks phip for looking into repair/cleaning options, let us know what you find out!

[phipolis]

I "cleaned the corona wire" (which turned out to just be moving a green plastic tab side to side several times) so report back if there's any change in quality.

There is also cleaning the drum unit that we could try.

[catsheane]

printer issues (low print quality, smudging, paper jamming) were brought up again recently on slack and at the town hall. there seems to be momentum towards at least looking into getting something a little more reliable and higher quality. i don't know anything (price, functionality, etc.) about the following models, but here are ideas that have been mentioned and/or suggested as possible options:
from chris: Dell 1815DN, HP LaserJet M5xx series, great quality but toner is on the expensive side
from emma: Dell 2230ds and 2330ds (or the 2330dn for networking), laserjet 4L, find someone who does IT for a business with at least 30 printers, find out what model they buy and what issues they see with it, and buy it.
from andrew (who was here a coupla weeks this summer and goes to a bunch of coworking spaces): Brother MFC-L8850cdw
i want someone who knows more than i do to do this research if possible.

[elliottw]

working with emma on this

[catsheane]

as you guys look at options, my one request (if it doesn't compromise the normal stuff you're probably already considering) is reliable double-sided printing. thanks!

[elliottw]

as per emma rec