Print, copy, and scan with $28 all-in-one

(Credit: Lexmark)

If you thought the $34 HP DeskJet F2110 printer/scanner/copier was a good deal, try this on for size: Wal-Mart has the Lexmark X3430 printer/scanner/copier for a mere $27.88.

The X3430 combines a tri-color inkjet printer with a flatbed scanner and copier. It can churn out documents at up to 17 pages per minute (according to Lexmark) and scan to PDF or OCR. It prints 4x6-inch borderless photos and includes slots for most kinds of memory cards. It also has a basic control panel, something the HP lacks.

The printer relies solely on tri-color ink cartridges (which run about $21 apiece), so don't expect great black output. You'll also need to BYO USB cable. But if you have modest print, scan, and/or copy needs, good luck finding a better deal on an all-in-one. (FWIW, Wal-Mart shoppers rated it 4 stars out of 5.)

[jamestracy]

I purchased the Epson Stylus CX7450 all in one printer when the Cheapskate had a post for it. http://www.cnet.com/8301-13845_1-9853527-58.html

It's a great printer for my meager needs. It cost $79 printer + $9.99 camera + $3.54 S & H for a total of $83.53 - $70 rebate = $13.53 - $10 Google check out = $3.53 Total for the printer. My rebate check came 6 weeks later. Now that's a deal!

[moe3754]

$28.00 for the printer but the ink will cost you $50.00 when you need to replace it,just like Epson sells a printer at sam,s for $50.00 but the clara ink it uses is $75.00 to replace it.SOME DEAL!!!!!That is why I use Kodak all in one,cheap ink!!!!!

[rickbroida]

$50 for ink? Actually, replacement cartridges sell for around $21, as noted in the post. And ink/toner is almost always the most expensive proposition whenever you buy a printer.

[moe3754]

What did I say ??Did I studder go to sam's sometime and check out the prices of ink there are very few that are that cheap,I have used almst every brand of printer made and there are very few HP and epson printers with cheap ink!!!!!And your comment about the cost is WRONG I pay less than $20.00 for a six color,color cartrige bundeled with a Black cartrige,so maybe for you but not for me,and if I want one color and two black it cost me $28.00 bundeled together!!!!

[jennj99738]

Geez, buddy, you need to step away from the bottle, learn English and learn some respect. Are you 12? The ink cartridge for this particular printer are less than $21 from Wal-Mart. Don't like it fine, but don't start an incoherent, ignorant rant at someone just because you're anonymous on the internet.

[oxtail01]

The purchase price is nothing compared to the actual per page printing cost when the price of ink is factored in. So these articles does nothing to inform the consumer whether this is really a good deal or not. I have two Lexmark (Dell) printers at home gathering dust because the price of ink is so outrageous. I use a laser printer for all black and white documents and an Epson photo printer for color work. You can easily find Epson compatible cartridges online for under $20 for a set of 6 cartridges. Same can't be said about Lexmark ones.

[joshdeboer]

No thanks, I'll gladly stick with my Xerox 6180N.

[rickbroida]

I'm so confused by all the confusion about this printer and its ink. As noted very clearly in the post, the Lexmark uses a single tri-color cartridge, and Wal-Mart sells them for $21 apiece. That's it--end of story. Shop online and you can find them for even less. Is it news to some people that ink cartridges tend to be pricey? It doesn't matter if you buy an expensive inkjet or a cheap one: Ink cartridges tend to be pricey!

[Crunchy_Frog]

You are right about the printer and ink confusion. For someone who just needs a printer/scanner to print out a few pages, it's a pretty good deal. If you plan to print photos or a lot of graphics, I'd steer you towards a printer with separate inks.

[brewster1]

Oh holy crapola. To what lows have CNET stooped? Not only a WalMart promotion but a sucker's item as well! I was one such sucker and bought a cheap lexmark once only to find the catch in exorbitant ink replacement charges and lower than advertised printing capacity.
Don't do it!!!!!!

[Crunchy_Frog]

I work in the printer industry and I can tell you that "cheap" is ALWAYS more expensive. These printers actually work fine for home users that print a few pages per month and have low expectations but the real issue is with companies trying to go cheap and buy boxes of these things because they are so cheap and end up spending a fortune on ink not realizing that page coverage is the devil in the details.

[Crunchy_Frog]

I work in the printer industry and I can tell you that "cheap" is ALWAYS more expensive. These printers actually work fine for home users that print a few pages per month and have low expectations but the real issue is with companies trying to go cheap and buy boxes of these things because they are so cheap and end up spending a fortune on ink not realizing that page coverage is the devil in the details.

[reyn3000]

I bought one of these for my home office. The scan to ORC/ PDF and the memory card readers for less than 30 dollars with shipping was too good to pass up. As I print at work primarily, the ink was not an issue. But at 21 dollars, it is not that big of an issue. (my former printer used separate black and color carts. at 18 and 19 dollars respectfully and didn?t last that long).
This is a printer for those who need the features of an all in one, but don't print a lot.