Printer Recommendations

[Mr Pee]

Paper can make a difference - if it's either too thick or too thin. Some may also have dust, which may clog up the works, though it seems unlikely.

Re your specific problem - not quite sure. Do any lights come on at all, or is it really cold/dead? Try bumping it gently, or rocking it about to see if that fixes anything. Seems unlikely to be anything too serious if it was working and wasn't overloaded and didn't stop in midstream, but might still cost more to fix than to buy a new one. Wires loose in the plug maybe - if it's one of those kettle varieties try a new or spare lead. Make sure it's pushed in firmly at the printer end.

Does turning your computer on or off make any difference?

Thanks for that. No lights, no nothing. Hence the plug fuse change, which made no difference, neither did off and onning the computer. Will try a new lead if I can find one that fits and let you know!

[Dave2002]

Thanks for that. No lights, no nothing. Hence the plug fuse change, which made no difference, neither did off and onning the computer. Will try a new lead if I can find one that fits and let you know!

It's not sounding good. Have you checked that the replacement fuse still passes current - put it in something else and see if that works - do that after you've checked the plug's pushed well in as a final check on the current state. I have seen some dud fuses which give an obviously misleading impression, so don't give up straight away. Also check against another known working device/appliance plugged into the same socket.

The old bumping, banging technique, plus turning upside down and shaking etc. - if not too violent, can sometimes bring things to life. There are various reasons for that, but worth a try if it's already looking rather dead. Also try turning the switch (I assume it has one) on and off a few times - maybe 10 or more - in case it's not engaging properly.

If all this doesn't at least get a light on, or something to move, then maybe it's getting close to last rites time, and you can use it for artwork or a happening.

[MrGongGong]

When it does die (which they all will)
don't throw it away
do something like this with the stepper motors

http://simonblackmore.net/weather_guitar.php

I have up on Epson printers as they seem to dry out when not used for a month or so
currently using a Canon Pixma that does onbody CD printing as well as photo quality
separate ink tanks but not as expensive as I was expecting .......

[Quarky]

I have a Canon MF8000 series laser printer, which I would thoroughly recommend. Admittedly three times more expensive than an ink jet printer of the type in PC World (and three times the size!), but I am free from the expense of continually buying new ink cartridges, and the expense of replacing the printer when it breaks down every year or so.

[Thropplenoggin]

Thanks to all for their suggestions, particularly David for his very detailed and helpful insights into the thorny world of printer purchases.