Printer Question

[cabinetman]

Can printers run off of laptops (USB connection or what)? Are there problems with power? Any suggestions for a good (inexpensive) ink jet?
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[crokett]

Not sure what you are asking.... My printer at home is hooked up via USB. But it has a separate power supply. The last few I've had were that way. Do you mean USB only with no separate source of power? I dunno, I've never seen one like that. For an inexpensive printer, browse craigslist. I don't think I will ever buy a new printer again. There are plenty of perfectly functional used ones that can be had on the cheap.

[LCHIEN]

I have not seen a USB - powered printer if that's what you are talking about.
It is, I suppose a theoretical possibility. There have been battery powered portable printers, made by Canon, I think in the past.

I would do a search on the internet, maybe you can find one. The problem with the USB powered printer would be the amount of power used... slinging around paper with motors is fairly power consuming as opposed to blinking LEDs or sending signals. and there is a limit to power available over USB.

[x00018]

There are battery powered portable printers. You can check out this link for some info.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/12182...nter_tips.html

[cabinetman]

There are battery powered portable printers. You can check out this link for some info.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/12182...nter_tips.html

Thanks for the link. I get PCW and don't remember that article. I guess just wasn't thinkin' printers when reading. I like the idea of small and portable, but I'm not opposed to an optional AC powered model. I run my laptop on AC.
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[just started]

If you are worried about cost, make sure you check on the cost of ink carts for the models you are thinking about. Ink jet mfgr's make their money on the ink, not the printer.