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Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 4:52 pm
by ayjay
I'm looking to buy a new printer, (I won't bore you with the saga of the new cartridges in my current one.)

I don't use a printer much, (part of the problems above) so a cheapish one will do.

I'm looking at a Canon TS 5050 - http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing- ... rcid=11026

Reading the specification, under "System Requirements" it lists *Internet Explorer 8*

What's that all about, why would it matter what browser I use?

A different Canon model that I'd also considered doesn't mention the browser at all, just the Windows system required.

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 4:54 pm
by wine~o
Probably meant windows 8 or later. Currys are notorious for that sort of error on their website.

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 4:55 pm
by Dave54
I don't know for sure, but I'll have a guess that it's just to get to the help /support pages and download drivers etc.
Any browser will do in that case. I haven't used IE for years.

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 5:11 pm
by Someone-Else
wine~o wrote:Probably meant windows 8 or later. Currys are notorious for that sort of error on their website.
'fraid not.

Easy-WebPrint EX requires Internet Explorer 8 or later.


Minimum System Requirements

Windows: 3.1GB disk space, Internet Explorer 8
Mac: Internet connection, 1.5GB disk space, Safari 5
Display: 1024 x 768 XGA

Click here

Other thing to note is the "super duper long lasting ink" is Optional.

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 5:12 pm
by Evostance
I'd stay away from canon and epsom. Take a look at the HP envy range. They come with a trial of instant ink which sends you in when you need it.

I don't print a lot, but £2 a month for 50 pages a month suits me fine.

Had an epsom before that, 4 ink cartridges and it wouldn't print anything if any of them were empty. Was £20 a cartridge too so I'm quids in

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 5:15 pm
by Evostance
Can't seem to edit my post, but this is the one i have
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing- ... 2-pdt.html

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 5:16 pm
by Dave54
I'm obviously wrong with the reason for needed IE then, but Firefox and Chrome have add ons that allow you to print just what you want from a web page.
Don't know what's special about Canon's own, but if it meant using IE, then I wouldn't be. :-)

I've got an HP, and that's fine. I just buy ink as I need it.

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 6:17 pm
by ayjay
I guess it's not a problem then, I don't want to print anything directly from the web, never have done yet and can't see it happening in the future.

I just looked at a couple of HP printers and they use a single cartridge for the separate colours, which is not what I want.

I'm staying away from Epson definitely, (that's what I have now) the print head nozzles clog up if you don't use them regularly and the cleaning process makes it worse. :roll:
http://www.inkmagic.com/shopcontent.asp ... ad_Nozzles

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 6:33 pm
by Timllfixit
We have one of those Epson "Workforce(I think) ones with the ink tanks. We did loads of printing while my daughter was doing her A levels, and only had to top it up once. Even then the replacement ink wasn't that expensive. If you are going to do a lot of printing it's probably worth it. I think they were on offer in Macro, but are undoubtedly sold elsewhere.

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 6:36 pm
by wine~o
ayjay wrote:
I'm staying away from Epson definitely, (that's what I have now) the print head nozzles clog up if you don't use them regularly and the cleaning process makes it worse. :roll:
http://www.inkmagic.com/shopcontent.asp ... ad_Nozzles
Telll me about it... Although a pipette and methylated spirits clears the worst of it.. :shock:

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:03 pm
by kellys_eye
Think I saw an article on the Gadget Show this week where they did a survey of printers based on 'infrequent use' - acknowledging the problems and costs of using such printers at irregular intervals and the 'waste' this incurs (due to the print mechanism having to non-print but waste ink to keep the heads working).
You might find this on playback somewhere - ISTR they found a printer that worked out at around £1.56 for 20 text pages and 10 colour pages.

Either way, they offered a service to identify the printer most suited to those that had a very limited use for them based on lowest ink costs over a period of time.

Re: Printer question

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:27 pm
by Timllfixit
We've had an HP wireless all in one too, but that was utterly useless on wireless, disconnecting about 100 times a day( I know I did an actual check and printed out the evidence! print quality was good but we wanted something that worked.............
To be fair this one we have has been great, and has soldiered on through A levels, and printed out hundreds of pages with no problems for the wife's child minding policies......and does ACTUALLY WORK on Wireless so the Mrs. can print from her phone.

We had an Epson one about ten years ago that did need cleaning every five minutes, but this one seems to be fine.

Re: Printer question

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 9:37 pm
by OchAye
Ayjay, if you do not need colour get a laser printer. Maybe more expensive to buy but fewer things to go wrong and you can work out how many pages you will get per cartridge etc. (However, all printers have tricks to catch you out unless you buy a 20 year old HP office laser printer).

Re: Printer question

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 9:43 pm
by OchAye
These are the supported operating systems (ignore the crap about Internet Exploder 8)
Supported Operating Systems

Windows 10
Windows 8.1 (including Windows 8.1 Update), Windows 8
Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1
Windows Vista SP2
Note: For Windows, .NET Framework 4.5.2 or 4.6 is required
Mac OS X v10.8.5 - OS X v10.11
Supported Mobile Systems

iOS,Android,Windows RT,Windows 10 Mobile
Source: http://www.canon.co.uk/printers/pixma-ts5050-series/specifications/

Re: Printer question

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 10:41 pm
by ayjay
I do want to be able to print off some pics so a Laser jobby would be a bit pricey for what I need.

Printer is in situ now and hooked up to the Wifi: next step is to work out how to actually print something. :oops:

Spoke to nipper this evening and he reckons I've not got the drivers installed yet, (or something like that) I got a bit brassed of with setting it up yesterday and didn't look at it today. I'll have another bash at it soon.