[colug-432] Top Photo Printers (not AIO) for linux

[R S Prigan]

Greetings

I am seeking recommendations.

I may be in the market for a new *photo* printer.  I want high
quality, longevity, and best linux compatibility.  I seek a photo
printer, not an all in one, with the compromises that usually entails.
 The printer should be accessible by ethernet -- or just via CUPS to
other printers on network.  (If not network version it will probably
be hooked up to Ubuntu or openSUSE box.)  It will likely have low to
moderate usage.

In the past I have had an
   *  Epson 720 (?)  --  had to do some tricks back then to get it to
work - eventually the jets clogged  (I got a pile of photo paper in an
Epson class action settlement ... and still have much of it!
   *  HP  Photosmart 7960 -- I really liked this one (HPLIP, etc). It
made adequate photos,  has a card reader --  and with HP, every new
cartridge has a new "print head"/jets (though expensive)  ...   but
now it has screwed up electronically such that when one tries to
access it it freezes up!!!  It will print of the card reader OK, but
now the ink tank is running out, and it is sehr teuer!!

I've got an old Canon Pixma IP1500 lying around (with dried up ink
cartridges).  I *can* get it to respond with (trial ver.) turboprint
($).  It is "experimental" in the latest Gutenprint, but seems not to
respond.  (I've tried other things - e.g. drivers from Canon EU with
little effect).
...  I thought of buying a couple of (cheap vs. HP) cartridges, but
fear throwing that $ away since the jets may be clogged after sitting
for a couple of years.  It also has no card reader, and only two ink
tanks (black and combo color) ...

I just started looking.  Most places seem to push AOI's -- but I
already have aa HP j4580 (not too good on handling media other than
letter/legal).  It seems some of the 13" "pro" printers are reasonable
- others quite pricey.  Frankly, 11" is probably good enough.

I solicit your experience and advice.  I don't like having to run to
Walgreens every time my daughter needs a couple of 4x6's, when I'm
sitting on a mountain of assorted photo paper.

Regards

Scott

OSApostle.com