4 Printers That Work After 2 Years (Non-Planned Obsoletion)

In an era where consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their purchases on the environment and their wallets, non-planned obsolescence has emerged as a desirable trait in products.

While the practice of planned obsolescence has been widely recognized as a common business strategy, it’s now being challenged by consumers who want products that last longer and don’t require frequent replacements.

This is especially true for printers, which are often designed to be disposable and have a limited lifespan:

What is Planned Obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence is when a company designs a product to have a limited lifespan so that it will become obsolete and have to be replaced by a newer version after a certain time.

This is often done to drive sales and generate repeat business.

The practice of planned obsolescence can be controversial, as some believe it leads to waste and contributes to a “throwaway” culture.

Some products designed to be disposable or have a limited lifespan can also harm the environment if not properly disposed of.

However, proponents of planned obsolescence argue that it drives innovation and creates jobs, as companies must continually design and produce new products to replace the old ones.

They also argue that without the practice, companies might not have the financial incentives to invest in research and development, which could lead to a slowdown in technological progress.

Lawsuits have been fought over planned obsolescence, but even so, it is widely recognized as a common practice in many industries, particularly in electronics, where new models of smartphones, computers, and other devices are introduced regularly.

Older Brands vs. Newer Brands: When Did This Become a Problem?

The trend towards planned obsolescence in printers is a relatively recent phenomenon – perhaps in the last ten years – with older brands often offering more durable products that last longer.

However, as new companies have entered the market, the focus has shifted to producing printers with shorter lifespans that require frequent replacement.

This has become a problem for consumers looking for a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.

Which Printers to Buy (4 Brands)?

No new printer model is without planned obsolescence of some kind. While some lawsuits are attempting to prevent planned obsolescence as a whole, the practice is still used by most major companies.

You can buy a printer from 2008 or earlier and hope it still works, but more likely, you could buy a new one with positive reviews and a USB cable connection.

The USB cable connection prevents you from being unable to use the printer even if the wireless connection fails.

Even though these printers may not be completely free of future obsolescence, they are still considered reliable and long-lasting.

I myself have had an HP Envy 4500 printer that is still going strong after purchasing it in 2014. While it isn’t perfect and doesn’t print as fast as new printers, the scanner, and wireless system both work great!

Here are a few printers that will last you a while:

HP:

HP is a well-known brand in the printer industry and has a reputation for producing high-quality, long-lasting printers.

Their enterprise-level printers, such as the HP LaserJet and HP DesignJet, are particularly known for their durability and longevity.

Check Out the HP LaserJet Printer Here!

The HP LaserJet is more likely to last long, especially since it has a USB connection. Rather than just wireless, you can connect your computer directly to print your documents.

That way, if the wireless connection breaks or malfunctions, you can still print your documents.

Brother:

One of the popular printers from Brother is the Brother MFC-J805DW, designed to deliver fast and efficient printing.

Check Out the Brother MFC-J805DW Printer Here!

The Brother MFCJ805DW Investment Tank color inkjet all-in-one printer is a great option for home or small office use.

With its re-engineered Investment Tank cartridges and internal ink storage tank, you can print uninterrupted for up to a year without purchasing additional ink.

It is a more expensive model with a complicated interface, but it should last several years.

Canon:

Canon is a well-respected brand in the printer industry and is known for producing high-quality, durable printers.

Their PIXMA and imageRUNNER series printers are particularly well-regarded for their longevity and reliability.

The Canon PIXMA G5020 Wireless MegaTank printer is a great choice for those looking to balance high print quality and low running costs.

Check Out the Canon PIXMA G5020 Printer Here!

Unlike many low-cost printers, the G5020 doesn’t compromise print quality.

It’s a single-function bulk-ink printer that uses ink tanks instead of cartridges, providing thousands of prints before needing to be refilled.

This makes it a more cost-effective and efficient option for those who print frequently.

Epson:

Epson is another brand that is known for producing long-lasting printers.

Their SureColor and EcoTank series printers are particularly well-regarded for their durability and longevity.

Check Out the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Printer Here!

The Epson EcoFit Ink Bottle Printer offers a unique, cartridge-free printing solution. With high-capacity ink tanks, you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing tiny and expensive ink cartridges.

Instead, you can save up to 90% on replacement ink and print up to 4,500 pages in black or 7,500 in color.

The ability to refill your own ink can allow you to keep the printer in working order longer, hopefully bypassing any malfunctions or obsolescence that may have been planned.

Super-Expensive Ink vs. Cheap Printers:

One of the printer’s biggest drivers of planned obsolescence is ink’s cost.

While many printers are marketed as cheap, they often require expensive, proprietary ink cartridges that can cost more than the printer itself.

This leads consumers to replace their printers more frequently, as the cost of the ink becomes prohibitively expensive.

That is why eco-friendly ink tanks and cartridges are so important. Prevent wasting ink and money by buying brands that are more conscious of these things.

Not only is this better for you and your printer, but also better for the environment!

Does Non-Original Ink Really Work?

The use of non-original ink has been a contentious issue in the printing industry for years.

Some consumers believe that printers are designed to only work with the original ink and that non-original ink can harm the printer or produce sub-par results.

However, many companies now produce high-quality, compatible ink that works just as well as the original.

Additionally, there is no evidence that non-original ink is more toxic than original ink, so consumers can use it with confidence.

In conclusion, non-planned obsolescence is becoming an increasingly important issue for consumers, particularly in the printing industry.

While many printers are designed to have a limited lifespan and require frequent replacement, there are still options for consumers looking for a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.

Whether purchasing an older brand, using non-original ink, or looking for printers designed to last, options are available for those who want to reduce their impact on the environment and their wallets.

3 Reasons to Buy Sturdy Products:

By choosing printers designed to last, consumers can reduce their environmental impact, save money, and get the features and quality they need.

By doing so, they can contribute to a more sustainable future and avoid the waste and inefficiency of constantly replacing products.

Environmental impact:

The production and disposal of printers can have a significant environmental impact, particularly when they are designed to be disposable and have a limited lifespan.

Consumers can help reduce their environmental impact by choosing printers designed to last and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Cost Savings:

While buying a cheaper printer might seem like a good idea in the short term, the long-term costs of constantly replacing printers and buying expensive ink cartridges can add up.

By choosing a printer designed to last, consumers can save money in the long run.

Features and Quality:

While some printers might be designed to last, they might not have the features, and quality consumers want.

It’s important to consider both the longevity of the printer and its overall quality when purchasing.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to note that while these brands have a reputation for producing durable and long-lasting printers, individual models can still vary in terms of their longevity and reliability.

It’s always a good idea to research and read reviews before purchasing to ensure you get a printer designed to last!

Source:

5 Best Longest-Lasting Ink Printers on the Market in 2023