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I didn't install the ET-1810 printer until today, when the "Printer Potty" from UK arrived at the post office. This way, I never had to deal with the installation WITH ink already in the printer. I simply installed the "Printer Potty" before i started to install the ink in the Epson printer.
It works. And boy is there a lot of ink flushing though !!! Which normally would go into these hidden pads on the backside. But once those pads are full - the printer will refuse to print - throwing up a message - saying that you have to contact Epson and send it in. Talk about huge extra costs.
(Albeit the pads are easily replaceable on the backside, basically just one screw removal... very easy for a user). I don't know how Epson's policy is in 2024, if they let you install it yourself [with a fresh one] or if they require you to send in the printer and let them do the work for big money). I decided right before i bought the printer, that I will not go though that ordeal.
Printer Potty by OctoInkjet (UK)
After the installation of all the ink - well a lot of ink is already filling the Printer Potty. Quite astonishing how much ink gets flushed though already !! This way, I can basically use the printer as long as the print head works. No pad exchanges, no sending into the Epson. The printer can go on until something breaks - but it will not be the ink pads. Which by the way, I removed. They are not needed when you install the Printer Potty.
Resetting the "ink counter" with help of a digital key
Oh, of course, you do need to buy a digital key, in order to reset the printer counting software, that keeps track on the "ink pads" fillings. That cost me around 120 SEK, each time I need a key (when Epson throws up that message that you can't continue to print anymore, because the "ink pads" are full). Then the software needs a reset with help of a digital key.
First glace
I like the Epson Ecotank ET-1810. It is really the simplest of all EcoTank printers, nothing fancy, and ridiculous cheap - coming with 4x65 ml inks - which last "for ever" and ain't expensive to buy another 4x65 ml set the day they are needed.
The quality is perfect for casual document printing. Nothing fancy, and yet nice colors totally normal, cheap paper. I have not tested to print any photos, or using finer papers. Everything in its time.
I will however print out 1 photo every week, in order to keep the printer head free from clogging (which also saves ink, because the printer doesn't need to flush more ink though extra cleaning cycles than necessary).
Documents
I love it. The quality is better than that of my HP laser printer. (Perhaps it shows it's age, or better said - the drum itself might be worn out after 10 years ?
So, here you go. The bonus on top of a fine basic printer with extremely affordable, (dye) ink is - the addition of color - which does make documents nicer looking, undoubtedly. Especially when i give something away - it is just more... inspiring !
Gosh, for 130 € + 40 € (Printer Potty) - i believe this is a fantastic deal for somebody who just wants something basic - getting rewarded with good quality. And hopefully, long lasting, too. But the jury is still out there on that...
A bunch of new inks (4x65 ml) is around 38-45 € here in Sweden (incl 25% tax).
Dell 27" P2720D monitor broken
One of my Dell monitors gave up after only 3 years (27" Dell P2720D from May 2020 for 3500 SEK / 330 €). It was the latest I had bought, that now went down the drain. It was my "secondary monitor" - while the "older" model (27" Dell U2715H), still works like a charm.
I always suspected that "newer" models of the same or similar production series often uses cheaper components. The plastics felt "inferior" to the previous model, I remember. Most likely the internal video card gave up - as it suddenly started to flicker like crazy, especially in the lighter colors... After powering up/down the monitor - it stopped responding.
End of the story.
The way of doing business ? So, the shit breaks down right after guarantee times goes out. Strange that we accepted (?) this kind of Model in Life; living, using and throwing away". The customer pays it all. Let the goy pay the bills.
It is a subverted scheme of 'living', abusing and thinking.
27" ASUS ProArt PA278QV
This time i went for the 27" ASUS ProArt PA278QV instead which was around 3700 SEK / 340 €, and will soon arrive, so i can work on two monitors again. I have no clue if it is better etc. Asus seem to be a good brand, and the reviews were good from what I could tell. I am not in for "Retina" aka high resolution monitors. I like the normal 72 pixel resolution types.
People wrote it was very good for color work / photography without the price spiraling out. It also has easy accessible monitor settings in the front (neither hidden nor fiddly to access).
I prefer two monitors because it is so much better when you need to work with more than one software at the time. Otherwise it is OK to have only one screen, even making me more focused at ONE task I have notice. But as soon there are apps with many palettes - the space gets crammed and iffy to work with.
Well, let's see how the Asus works... It's already waiting at the post office, and i am off duty tomorrow.
Weheee !
PS: The monitor is excellent !
Right out of the box with very good colors (in an IPS panel), contrast and no strange color tints. I am impressed so far (with my limited knowledge about monitors). To me a monitor needs to look good in colors, contrast, balance, both color images as well black & white. (I am very sensitive to color nuances / color casts) and see easily if something is "off", whether it is a digital photo, an analog print or a printed photo.
I am not truly into those super sophisticated "photo" monitors for a couple thousand dollars... I like great monitors with good sharpness and good color balance as well representation of the grayscale. A real tool for daily life photography, without the Ad fuzz and promises combined with whistles and bells.
This ASUS monitor appears to fill exactly that need - together with a highly affordable price. |
