this post was submitted on 21 Sep 2025
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Printers for Linux (piefed.world)
submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by TurkeyDurkey@piefed.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml
 

Time for 2025 printer research!

Have been stalling getting a new printer since this HP has been doing me fine since way back. But of course we need to prepare for the inevitable firmware updates and subscription raises that will lock us in.

What I've heard is best:

  • Laser Printers
  • Brother branded

Recently though, Brother started doing the funky like all other printer companies. This stopped me last time when I was about to buy one.

I won't get into the details as to where I've found and read this information because it's in the back of my mind.

And since I'm really just here to ask: WHAT KIND OF PRINTER YOU GOT, LINUX USERS?

Preferably under $200.

EDIT: Scanning + Printer + Copier combo is the ultimate goal, but whatever else works too. Preferably wifi connected. But I can make some Ethernet cables.

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[–] vk6flab@lemmy.radio 12 points 1 week ago (3 children)

I've run my business for over 25 years, and I haven't had a printer in over two decades. I have needed to print something less than half a dozen times since making the decision to not replace it. Instead I print to PDF and if I need actual physical paper, I've put a PDF on a USB flash drive and taken it to my local office supplies store to print on demand.

I have a scanner, it's been used perhaps a dozen times in the same period.

In other words, have you considered not buying a printer?

[–] beejjorgensen@lemmy.sdf.org 12 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Another potential route: your public library. Mine prints for 5¢ per page and has a web interface for uploading documents from anywhere and printing them when you go in.

[–] jumping_redditor@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

good for you, mine charges 20¢ a page

[–] beejjorgensen@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 1 week ago

Good God... I don't even think there's a place in my entire town that charges that much. :(

[–] monovergent@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 week ago

Along this vein, a used e-reader with a large screen has cut down my printing needs by about half. Don't have to burn out my retinas on a backlit screen, but don't need to print out and carry stacks of paper either.