I acquired a HP 4050N mono laser printer back in 2001 that was no longer required following a technology refresh and outsourcing transition for a government department. It wasn't new then, but over 19 years later it's still going strong! OK, the duplex unit no longer works, but I just removed it. The long life cartridges are good for 10,000 pages, so last about 5 years or so (and new old stock are dirt cheap on eb@y). Best acquisition ever, especially as it cost me nothing.

By contrast, I've had 3 inkjet printers over the same time span that have all fallen by the wayside due to clogged print heads - OK, we didn't often use colour printing, but such a pain to have to spend an hour (or so it seemed) clearing the print heads to occasionally print anything in colour. Never again. I'm going to get a colour laser when (if) the HP 4050N finally dies. I don't have space for 2 printers any more, otherwise I'd already have bought one.

SD

Thanks for all the help. Still not decided on the solution. Daughter resents dumping the HP, and is "thinking". Meanwhile, using my printer which uses cheap inks.