My dad has a HP ColorSmart C5180 printer/scanner, which broke.

It still scans and copies, and can print from memory card, but via USB it'd only print partial pages - on investigation it seemed to randomly disconnect and reconnect. Tested different cables and computers, and came to the conclusion it's a faulty USB port/controller on the printer end.

It also has a network port so part of me wonders if I could extend its life by ordering whatever the cable is that allows direct 1-1 networking, assuming that would even work? (Could be a waste of time if the disconnect/reconnect issue is not actually at USB level.)

Anyhow, probably need a new device, and that's the main reason for this thread: I've got no idea and the research he's tried doing left him no closer to knowing what to get.

Primary uses are printing/copying documents and family photos.

So needs to...
* be reliable and straight-forward to use.
* be able to scan/copy/print (unless there's a compelling reason to get two distinct devices).
* work with Debian - which I think just means IPP support, and most/all have that these days?

The ability to print from SD card would be a nice feature (but seems to be one that's disappearing).

He had a recommendation of a Epson EcoTank (I forget the specific model) - can anyone backup or refute that?

Alternatively, any other thoughts on good/bad brands/models etc?

Thanks.

I have previously raised the idea of getting photos done remotely, given how cheap and relatively fast the turnaround is, but I think he just wants to be able to do it then and there.

Anyhow, he's just emailed me with the following:

Epsons are good for Photos But whilst photos are important i need it to be good and cheap at documents too. Ink and running cost. Speed . All are important

• Epson EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Inkjet Printer
• HP Smart Tank 559 Wireless Inkjet Printer
• HP OfficeJet Pro 7720 A3 Inkjet Printer (expensive)
• HP SmartTank 7005 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer

I guess Wireless is the new way but USB as well would be good.

Are you able to let me know about compatibility with the ThinkPad as some rely on Apps etc HP seems to be quality but tends to be expensive , i've been looking at what Argos are supplying.

I agree on still preferring a physical connection, at least as an option, and definitely anything needing a mobile app to manage basic printer functionality is out.

I'm less fussed about up-front price - would rather pay a bit more for something that'll work better, but obviously don't want to be wasting money.

Also I'm guessing he didn't notice the third one being A3 - that's not needed, and possibly even wont fit.

Also, thanks, that's an interesting review site - not just for printers.

* It MUST function when connected to a Debian-powered computer.
* Being able to print from SD card and/or USB drive is a bonus.
* It does not need to be usable from a mobile phone, and MUST NOT require one.

If there's a laser that can do colour documents and adequate quality photos, I'll happily look into it, but now that tank-based inkjets are becoming mainstream, lasers no longer appear to win on the economical front.

For £330, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 has an estimated 7,885 black prints and 4,681 colour prints before needing refilling, at a cost of ~£63 for a full set of bottles.

For £535, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw is the "Best Color Laser Printer", but can only produce 2,412 black and 2,169 color, with a full set of toners costing ~£352.

(The "Best High-Yield Laser Printer" can do 9,577 black prints per toner cartridge, which only equals the 0.003 US$/print of the ET-3850.)

But again, I'm just trying to narrow down options, I'm not pro-ink nor anti-laser.