Printer on a Cruising Boat?

[elf]

I'm getting ready to order a new laptop, and for just $31.99 can add a combo printer/scanner/copier to my order (from HP).

I'd like to get opinions on whether a device like this makes sense on for a liveaboard cruising boat. (Don't look at my current boat, we will be buying a bigger boat for full-time cruising...!) It does take up valuable stowage, but I can see where it could come in very handy at times. I'd never considered taking our regular printer, but with the added copy/scanning functions, I can think of more uses for such a device onboard.

Thanks!

[jackdale]

I have a small HP mobile printer. I use it to print out weatherfaxes, etc. so that my students can use them.

Jack

[jemsea]

+1 on having a printer/scanner on board. Saves lots of walking for copies...

[Sailabel]

Yep, we carry one. Besides being able to print out weather fax and text reports; or to make the occasional copies... we also use ours to scan all of our boat receipts for either warranty or other info needs.

Our boat is our home.... all the 'office/housekeeping' functions we did at home, we now do on the boat. Being able to download and print info, or scan documents is quite convenient.

We installed a sliding drawer (with a lock to hold it in place) in a locker. It stays secure, all hooked up, and we can slide it out if we need to use the copy/scan function.

Regards.
Steve

[colemj]

We use our combo print/scan/copy all the time while living aboard and cruising.

Mark

[MarkJ]

Ours lasted about 3 months on board before it did an Epsom and died.
Usleess ink wasting money grubbing machine. The scaner was all but useless and we coppied once - badly!

We are getting a new one - NOT a cheap one; NOT a 3 in 1
Just a NORMAL printer that only uses 2 ink cartrdges (the last used 6! SIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) And its the cheapest ink on the market. I think its the little HP about $100

For a scanner you just use your digital camera. Same with copying.


I am never more infurated about computers than with printers. I would line up all the printer makers and shove them in a bathtub near Somalia. WITHOUT THE PLUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Mark

[maxingout]

We used a cheap, small HP printer. Very reliable. We chose the printer model based on the size of the space that was available for it. Easy no brainer decision.

[Bash]

+3 on the cheap small HP. And +2 on using a digital camera instead of a scanner.

[bottleinamessage]

+4. We've had a HP ink jet (model 1600) for about 5 years now. zero problems and worth the $$.

[jdoe71]

Consumables are the problem with inkjets. If you want cheap consumables buy a Kodak printer. They are marketing their stuff on that one feature. Nine bucks black, 14 bucks colours, 25 bucks combo.

I don't own Kodak shares. Or a Kodak printer. But I did sleep in a.....Oh, never mind.

[speciald@ocens.]

We have a HP all-in-one and use it all the time - printing pictures, documents - copying crew papers - and even faxing using Pam fax and Skype.

[Stillraining]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Ours lasted about 3 months on board before it did an Epsom and died.
Usleess ink wasting money grubbing machine. The scaner was all but useless and we coppied once - badly!

We are getting a new one - NOT a cheap one; NOT a 3 in 1
Just a NORMAL printer that only uses 2 ink cartrdges (the last used 6! SIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) And its the cheapest ink on the market. I think its the little HP about $100

For a scanner you just use your digital camera. Same with copying.


I am never more infurated about computers than with printers. I would line up all the printer makers and shove them in a bathtub near Somalia. WITHOUT THE PLUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark

Mark...what I like most about you is your either hot or cold there is no way to miss interpet you..

[Jesse]

Presently using a small HP but the Kodak sounds interesting.

[gosstyla]

Printer/scanner a great tool for cruising.

Very useful when checking in/out of a country.

I also scan most manuals and documents to reduce weight and storage.

[teejayevans]

Just a note on printers, like most mechanical devices, they like to be used but not abused. If you leave them stowed for months on end, don't be surprised when they don't work. If you have one, try to use it fairly often, otherwise the ink will dry up, heads will clog, etc.
Tom