RE: Color Inkjet Printer Recommendations

I'm seeking recommendations from anyone having a multi-boot PC (at least two dedicated hard disk drives, running a Ubuntu-based Linux OS on one HDD; and either Windows XP Pro, Windows 2000 Pro, or Windows 98 on the other. This will be my planned setup, so I think its maybe important for you to have experience with this. Anyway, I'm looking into buying a color inkjet printer, but finding no useful 'user reviews'. My requirements are:
1. Basic Inkjet Printer (i.e. absolutely NO multifunction printers). I detest the combo FAX, scanner, copier, etc. stuff.
2. NO wireless printers.
3. Must work with both Linux and Windows operating systems.
4. At least above average color print quality.
5. NO outrageously-priced ink refills, and must have separate cartridge for each ink color.
6. Reliable (no constant repair bills).
If anyone has (or had) color inkjet printer that meets all the above requisites, please advise the brand & model number, so I can try to track one down.

 

Hi Senex,

Im not an expert on this but I have just this week installed Ubuntu on My PC and if you want it to dual boot I do not believe that you can install them on separate drives (or at least I couldnt figure it out). The GRUB loader has to be on the Primary Disk. I think it is safe to say that any printer will work with windows so look for a printer linux driver support

 

After extensive google research+posts on many forums, it looks like I'll have to forego the Win2000 & Win98. My build is now planned for XP Pro, Linux Mint, and will trial various other linux/BSD distros on spare (mobile-rack) HDD.

I already saw the openprinting site. Not looking for list of printers for Linux...looking for user recommendations of printers that fit my specs.

 

I've been told on other forums that XP Pro must be topdog on the booting scenario for dual boot, but I plan to avoid the issue altogether, using three mobile-rack type HDDs. HDD #1 will have XP Pro. HDD#2 will have Linux Mint. HDD#3 will have assorted (dedicated) hard discs with all distros I want to trial.
Only one hard disc will be in the PC at a time, so each OS will be oblivious to any other. Of the advice I received, this is the easy solution...if you don't mind buying a lot of hard discs.

 

If you're looking for the lowest ink cost, do some research into Brother inkjet models.

Although most of the Brother models are AIO (print, copy, fax, scan), you should be able to install a minimal set of drivers for print only.

The retail on Brother MFC units is as low as $99; I've seen them on sale as low as $69.

I've printed over 8,000 pages on the one at my shop; no problems so far.

The kicker is the aftermarket ink is dirt cheap! Brother uses a 4-tank ink system (B/C/Y/M); generic ink carts on Amazon and eBay are as low as $3 each when purchased in bulk. I've gone through about 40 so far; only one was defective (printer would not recognize it).

As for the Linux part, Brother's web site should have the info. on if it will work.

Hope this helps.