Used Laser printer- Why is 'page count' important ?

[Parangles]

I'm looking at some old HP 1100's on Ebay as a cheap B&W volume printer for the wifes office. I see them crowing about page count of only eg. 13,320.
What is 'low' ? versus 'high' ? Why is page count important ?

Thanks,
Chris.

[Auriga]

Page count is relevant in the same way car mileage is.

The more it's done the more likely it is to conk out on you, leading to (possible) high repair bills.

[Parangles]

I figured that , but what is 13,000 pages the equivalent in milage in your car
comparison ? If you estimate a good car can do about 120,000 miles before
needing an engine rebuild.... how many pages can a HP laser printer do ?
In other words.... is it clapped out at 13,000 pages, just at the equivalent of 50,000 miles, or what ?

Thanks .

[ronaries]

Using the printers warranty and monthly duty load as a guide is one approach to the question you ask about "what is reasonable for a HP printer". If the monthly duty load is 5000 pages, and the warranty is for 12 months, then the printer has a high degree of confidence of continuing to work w/o problems to 60,000 pages ... assuming decent care and no abuse.
That would be one approach.

[PMich]

Keep in mind that the 1100 series was one of the recall subjects a few years back when HP was having problems with their vertical feed printers. The fix involved putting a new pad on the pickup mechanism and was not a big deal. HP sent out a little kit that took care of it. I did mine at work about 4 or maybe 5 years ago and haven't had a problem since. You may want to check and see that it was done, though. The 1100 is much more a personal printer than a network printer. IIRC, cartridges were $60-70 each last time I bought some.

[Parangles]

Thanks PMich- solid info. What would you suggest as an inexpensive used workhorse laser printer ? Cheap to run, with readable print quality.
Black and White only.
The HP 1100's that I was looking at are from a bank so maybe they can stand up to 20 copies total a day in our little travel agency.
I hear you about cartridge/toner price ! 3rd party refills for the 1100 are only about $20+ now, making it appealing.

[glc]

HP's require a fuser assembly replacement every 80,000 to 100,000 pages, which to have professionally done, can approach the price of a new personal grade laser printer.

I recommend you stay away from any top feed HP lasers. The feed mechanism stinks. If you need small reliable personal lasers, look around for used Laserjet 4L's or just buy new entry level lasers. The Laserjet 1020 is going for $126 at Newegg. USB and Win98+ required.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16828104354

[Parangles]

Thanks glc. I thought all new printers were color,
which is why I was looking for an old B/W one.
That HP1020 is a good price at NewEgg.

Cheers.

[glc]

If you want a color laser, those start at around $400. I don't anticipate the end of B/W lasers any time soon.

If the office has a network, have you considered a network laser plugged into the switch instead of giving everyone a local printer? The LJ 1022n is under $300, add $50 for the 1022nw and it can even communicate wireless in addition to wired.