Get back to us AFTER you try and change to a different paper size on either the MFT or the lower tray. Hint: Try and accomplish this simple task WITHOUT touching the printer itself... good luck.
quality ? you just received the printer, wait after some drum changes, and we'll see...
I was very much impressed too at first, but I discovered that :
printing on multiple paper format is a hassle (especially in a multi-user environment as here, labels printing is often doing paper jams (we do a lot), drums life expectancy is 32k copies, but i managed to do only 9k (I know a color print count as 4 copies for the drum, but was not aware of this when I bought the printer and Dell of course won't write that on their website), also the printer is said to be able to print on envelopes, which it does *not* at all correctly. I tried 10 kinds of envelopes, laser ones up to heavy stock ones, and they all got out wrinkled.
yes, the printer does not cost much, but mechanically, it is a real piece of junk, and I should have bought a Konica Minolta as I was about to do. They have the same specs talking of speed and print quality, and they are much better built. A bit more pricey, but the toner, drum and fuser are ok.
I've tried all the different paper sizes, and four different envelope sizes and types from both paper trays. The only time I touched the printer was when I used the MPF and that was to tell it what type of paper I was using. All other chances I made were in the print window, and took only seconds.
I've also printed doublesided pages without problems, and tranparencies, and decals were no problem either. I don't run a large job shop, I use mine in the course of my employment and personal use, so a few extra seconds don't bother me, but to date I have found all adjustments extremely easy, and accomplished within just a few seconds at best.
The only thing I can say is I read the manual in less than 30 minutes, and have not had one single problem with any adjustment I neede to obtain prints that I required.
As for the Konica Minolta I looked at it too.....Mostly the 2400 series as they were in the same price range within a $100.00 or so, but when I compared shipped components I soon discovered that Konikas prices were much higher in hidden costs such as toner costs.
The Konica ships with 1000 page toner all four colors, as compared to 4000 in the Dell, and replacement costs were on average 20+% higher than Dell.
I also concidered the higher resolution capabilities of the Konica (1200 dpi) but the overal price just wasn't worth it. Over the life of the printer (which I have found to be about three years in every brand I have owned) the Konica would have cost me about $400.00 more in maintenance costs. These savings will more than pay for a new color laser of much higher quality in a couple years (as prices drop), and give me color laser now at an affordable price now. The trade off is I get acceptable color now, for better later and save in the process.
If I need high quality photo prints I still have my Epson 1280 on which I can print almost any media and size in quality still unexcelled by newer technoligy available today......but I paid a very high price for it four years ago and its showing its age. If you think changing paper size on the 3100cn is a pain you shoud try my Epson, then we'll talk about duplexing and such.
For the costs, and future expence of operation I beleive the Dell 3100cn is the best product available for your now and two year needs. Two years from now prices will decline for color lasers and quality will increase. The money you save on maintenance supplies and toner will pay for the upgrade then.
I have three manuals, and two booklets that I have printed sitting in front of me that I printed on the Dell 3100cn. I do not have the duplexing tray and don't need it. I print things as I need them, when I need them. I am not a Job shop or hooked up to a network for multi-user needs, but I am sure that if I did network this printer it would work as well for all users if properly trained.
I have used print media that exceeds the printers specs., and sizes from 8.5 x 11 to 8.5 x 14. Transparencies, and even Decal paper. For the double sided printing I did have to manually re-order the pages (OW! The paper cuts and hassle!). And it would be nice to have larger media choices, but get over it.
The color and spacing is perfect. It may be a little extra work, but this is not a $3000.00 machine.
If you want a machine that will bottle feed you and change your diapers then get your wallet out, and pay for it.
If you are looking for a printer that will give you two to three years quality prints in near photo quality for the next 2-3 years, at a price that is affordable for home office or small business (Big Business), you can't do better than the Dell 3100cn. At least not this year, and I don't think next!
You don't need a duplex tray to do double sided printing. Maybe I should offer courses on how to be smarter than your printer. Hmmmm.........$65.00 hour per student sounds good. Maybe discount rates for classes of ten or more. I would expect perdieum also.
Bottom line....If your printer isn't doing what the claims by Dell said it would, It is my opinion that you have not read and understood the manual correctly. It is possible that your printer is defective, and from all accounts I've read, Dell is very accommodating in resolving these problems.
From what I've read on my original post I can only discern that a couple of buyers did not do their homework, and expected $3000.00 dollar machines delivered by HP, Xerox, or IBM.
You spent $400.00 to $900.00 for this printer, depending on the options you paid for. If you paid more, then you expected more than the Dell offered in the brochures. I did my research, and this printer does everything as promised and more. I don't need you to believe me as I have the proof sitting on my desk as I write this review
Add one 5x7 book that I will hard copy tonight, fresh out of the printer, while I was writing this review.
" I have three manuals, and two booklets that I have printed sitting in front of me that I printed on the Dell 3100cn. "
Well that makes you an expert!
" I did my research, and this printer does everything as promised and more. I don't need you to believe me as I have the proof sitting on my desk as I write this review. "
As a researcher, you must know that proof is something that must be shown to be repeatable in every case. Stop the praise and be happy that your uses require only the printer's basic features and thus don't bump into any trouble like advanced uses would.
Oh, and what stop the insults with your manual obsession and classes idea.
BTW, I had to repost this with a soap bar in my mouth to prevent deletion from Dell, but I let you imagine what I'd have said otherwise.
Coup47
36 Posts
0
February 26th, 2006 01:00
Erik V
10 Posts
0
March 2nd, 2006 17:00
rolnmrbl
6 Posts
0
March 2nd, 2006 20:00
I've tried all the different paper sizes, and four different envelope sizes and types from both paper trays. The only time I touched the printer was when I used the MPF and that was to tell it what type of paper I was using. All other chances I made were in the print window, and took only seconds.
I've also printed doublesided pages without problems, and tranparencies, and decals were no problem either. I don't run a large job shop, I use mine in the course of my employment and personal use, so a few extra seconds don't bother me, but to date I have found all adjustments extremely easy, and accomplished within just a few seconds at best.
The only thing I can say is I read the manual in less than 30 minutes, and have not had one single problem with any adjustment I neede to obtain prints that I required.
Perhaps you need to re-read the manual.
rolnmrbl
6 Posts
0
March 2nd, 2006 21:00
As for the Konica Minolta I looked at it too.....Mostly the 2400 series as they were in the same price range within a $100.00 or so, but when I compared shipped components I soon discovered that Konikas prices were much higher in hidden costs such as toner costs.
The Konica ships with 1000 page toner all four colors, as compared to 4000 in the Dell, and replacement costs were on average 20+% higher than Dell.
I also concidered the higher resolution capabilities of the Konica (1200 dpi) but the overal price just wasn't worth it. Over the life of the printer (which I have found to be about three years in every brand I have owned) the Konica would have cost me about $400.00 more in maintenance costs. These savings will more than pay for a new color laser of much higher quality in a couple years (as prices drop), and give me color laser now at an affordable price now. The trade off is I get acceptable color now, for better later and save in the process.
If I need high quality photo prints I still have my Epson 1280 on which I can print almost any media and size in quality still unexcelled by newer technoligy available today......but I paid a very high price for it four years ago and its showing its age. If you think changing paper size on the 3100cn is a pain you shoud try my Epson, then we'll talk about duplexing and such.
For the costs, and future expence of operation I beleive the Dell 3100cn is the best product available for your now and two year needs. Two years from now prices will decline for color lasers and quality will increase. The money you save on maintenance supplies and toner will pay for the upgrade then.
rolnmrbl
6 Posts
0
March 2nd, 2006 22:00
no.....your a waste of my time.
rolnmrbl
6 Posts
0
March 4th, 2006 21:00
My final say,
I have three manuals, and two booklets that I have printed sitting in front of me that I printed on the Dell 3100cn. I do not have the duplexing tray and don't need it. I print things as I need them, when I need them. I am not a Job shop or hooked up to a network for multi-user needs, but I am sure that if I did network this printer it would work as well for all users if properly trained.
I have used print media that exceeds the printers specs., and sizes from 8.5 x 11 to 8.5 x 14. Transparencies, and even Decal paper. For the double sided printing I did have to manually re-order the pages (OW! The paper cuts and hassle!). And it would be nice to have larger media choices, but get over it.
The color and spacing is perfect. It may be a little extra work, but this is not a $3000.00 machine.
If you want a machine that will bottle feed you and change your diapers then get your wallet out, and pay for it.
If you are looking for a printer that will give you two to three years quality prints in near photo quality for the next 2-3 years, at a price that is affordable for home office or small business (Big Business), you can't do better than the Dell 3100cn. At least not this year, and I don't think next!
You don't need a duplex tray to do double sided printing. Maybe I should offer courses on how to be smarter than your printer. Hmmmm.........$65.00 hour per student sounds good. Maybe discount rates for classes of ten or more. I would expect perdieum also.
Bottom line....If your printer isn't doing what the claims by Dell said it would, It is my opinion that you have not read and understood the manual correctly. It is possible that your printer is defective, and from all accounts I've read, Dell is very accommodating in resolving these problems.
From what I've read on my original post I can only discern that a couple of buyers did not do their homework, and expected $3000.00 dollar machines delivered by HP, Xerox, or IBM.
You spent $400.00 to $900.00 for this printer, depending on the options you paid for. If you paid more, then you expected more than the Dell offered in the brochures. I did my research, and this printer does everything as promised and more. I don't need you to believe me as I have the proof sitting on my desk as I write this review
Add one 5x7 book that I will hard copy tonight, fresh out of the printer, while I was writing this review.
Interested in classes......write me!
Erik V
10 Posts
0
March 6th, 2006 14:00
Message Edited by Erik V on 03-06-2006 10:21 AM
vrioux
1 Message
0
March 7th, 2006 18:00
" I have three manuals, and two booklets that I have printed sitting in front of me that I printed on the Dell 3100cn. "
Well that makes you an expert!
" I did my research, and this printer does everything as promised and more. I don't need you to believe me as I have the proof sitting on my desk as I write this review. "
As a researcher, you must know that proof is something that must be shown to be repeatable in every case. Stop the praise and be happy that your uses require only the printer's basic features and thus don't bump into any trouble like advanced uses would.
Oh, and what stop the insults with your manual obsession and classes idea.
BTW, I had to repost this with a soap bar in my mouth to prevent deletion from Dell, but I let you imagine what I'd have said otherwise.