Looking for a laser printer

I'm about to purchase a laser printer on amazon that is around $30-50 for college meaning at least 4 years of durability. The printer doesn't need a fax machine or scanner/copier. I would, however, prefer a printer that has wireless connectivity to my notebook (if not then I don't mind). I'm not very knowledgeable about printers so any advice is appreciated!

 

Don't forget that many routers allow you to plug in the printer though a USB cable and print wireless that way.

 

wireless laser for $30-$50 is going to be tough. would have to be an amazing combination of coupons. network-capable (ethernet connection) printers aren't cheap either. the router route to function as a print server might serve your needs but you'd need a new router if you don't already have one.

brand-wise, I happen to be a fan of brother laser printers, especially last gen since they're durable and get really cheap, right around your price range. i believe the hl-2140 is around $60 or so at newegg.

 

I own the Brother HL-2140, and it is a fairly good and reliable printer. It also works with my router (which is not cheap though) to allow me to use it for wireless printing.

 

I heard good reviews about the hl-2140, but isn't it a little too bulky for college? I'll be in a dorm with 2 other people and from the looks of it that printer looks pretty big. Just my thoughts. Maybe I should consider getting an inkjet printer as they are smaller and cheaper. They should be enough to get the job done since I'm only going to be printing essays and other work for school. Do you know any decent/cheap inkjet printers? Also do you think it will be better to get the hl-2140 anyways as I heard it is very efficient in using ink which might save me money in the long run? Appreciate the advice!

EDIT: Just read that the printer doesn't come with a usb cord so I would have to buy one so that would be an extra $15 added to the price ~$75 for the hl-2140

 

Brother Remanufactured HL-2170W Laser Printer | Staples®

HL-2170W refurbished from staples for $70, add a few coupons to get it lower to $50

still 1 year warranty, people who have it say its reliable and good(i have its non-wireless cousin HL-2140 refurbished running as a print server behind the USB-Asus A696 router)

its a little bulky(i used to live in a suite with 3 other people, put it in a corner in the common area and was fine)

 

Your best bet is the brother HL-2140 wired or HL-2170w wireless.

 

I'm fairly new to laser printers so I was wondering if I had to buy an extra toner even though it comes with it.. I heard the one that comes with it lasts about 250 pages. Also, how long will it be before I have to replace the drum. I'm a noob when it comes to laser printers.. this will be my first. Advice is appreciated!

 

Just made my purchase for the brother hl2140! Thanks for the advice! It should be arriving in a week or so

 

drum is rated at 10,000 pages...

the starter toner that comes with the printer is only 250 page, but you can use the sticker trick and make it last longer(i think mine lasted to 1000 pages until I saw some decrease in performance, like streaks in the printed pages) (sticker trick is just covering up the clear holes on the two sides to deactivate the toner sensor, so that the printer wont give you a low-toner warning and refuse to print)

YouTube - Brother HL-2140 Toner Trick

Most people(including me) have good experiences ordering 3rd party extended toners from meritline... 2800 pages rated(i am on my 3000th page on the extended toner, some decrease in performance but not enough to warranty a change) (you can buy in bulk 4 if you want to save $.... toners do last a while on the shelf)

Brother TN360 Compatible Toner Cartridge - Meritline.com

also, when the printer is live and not on standby, pressing the button 3 times in succession quickly will print out a status page telling you how many pages you have printed, what is the estimated page left for toner and drum etc..

cheap toner plus free paper(after rebate) from staples.... do the math... printer+starter toner=$40 / 1000 page = 4 cents

3rd party toner = $20 / 3000 pages = <1 cent a page

i am happy

 

Where on earth are you buying cables from? Go to "www.monoprice.com". Every cable imaginable, and I'd be dumbfounded if you couldn't find the cable you need for just a few bucks.

 

My first toner cartridge on my HL-2040 lasted roughly 40% longer than it should have. The second is still going strong after well over a thousand pages. The drum will not die for a VERY long time.

No, it doesn't come with a USB cord, but as noted, cords are very cheap, just don't buy them from a brick and mortar store. Cables and ink get a massive markup in a physical store.

Regarding bulkiness, it's not all that large. I'd be surprised if a significantly smaller printer was as durable. Just put it on the floor somewhere and forget it's there. Makes a nice footrest, in my case.