Hi all,
Not that long ago I mentioned I had a new Samsung CLP-300 printer.
Well, even though its only a few months old I need to replace it.
The printer doesn't work well with Mac (contrary to what Samsung
advertise), and has been out of action for several weeks now. So I'm
after recommendations on the best colour laser printer for a Mac.
What I'm after is a small footprint colour laser with the right mix
of quality, speed, cost per page (low volume usage). No inkjets for
me any more, the toner costs are too high.
What do you recommend?
_________
Why replace the Samsung printer (why doesn't Samsung go well with
Mac). I bought the CLP-300 on the basis it was Mac OS X compatible.
Well, seems Samsung have discontinued the Mac OS X software (Smart
Panel) support, but not bothered to modify their website promotion,
or packaging or advise the sales force. After several discussions
with support, no change to this is planned. So the printer will plug
in and work, but no software support.
The lack of software turns out to be important. The printer stopped
working a few weeks ago, just showed a red light. Samsung replaced
the printer control board, and then I was advised it must need new
cartridges. Still didnt't work, eventually a support tech told me
how to clean a few drops of waste ink from the top of the waste ink
unit. Red light gone, but now it will print black, or colour, but not
black & colour at the same time. So several weeks out of action with
the printer, and the prospect of another week's wait for a service call.
This experience has taught me a few things.
1. The software is important - it is not only convenient to have
toner levels reported, it shows when the waste cartridge needs
replacing (and this seems to be as frequently as the toner cartridges
- another consumable).
2. The printer has a design flaw - getting drops of waste ink on an
optical sensor in the waste unit stops the printer working. Drops of
ink .. in the waste ink unit ... who could predict that?
3. In ditching the OS X software, Samsung are making it clear Mac
isn't a strategic platform for them
Anyway, when I asked the tech support about the prospect of a refund
on the basis the printer doesn't work as advertised, they said I need
to send my proof of purchase and 'excuse' for requesting a refund to
them and management will review - this takes a week apparently. And
they won't raise a service call to fix the printer. Not promising.
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