I’m thinking about getting a new color printer/scanner/copier to use with Zorin OS 18 Pro, and I would really appreciate your recommendations and experiences before I make a purchase.
I’m looking for something that:
Can connect via USB and Wi-Fi
Lets me print from the PC over both USB and Wi-Fi
Includes a scanner (so it’s a multifunction device)
Works out of the box with Zorin OS 18 - without needing to manually install extra drivers or packages
Is supported by Zorin OS’s printing system (CUPS) without extra configuration
Preferably supports driverless printing (IPP Everywhere / AirPrint / Mopria)
Is reliable and easy to set up
My questions for anyone who uses a printer with Zorin OS 18:
Which model are you using?
Did it work out of the box?
Or did you have to install additional drivers (like hplip or manufacturer PPDs)?
Does Wi-Fi printing work reliably?
Does the scanner work without extra setup?
Any other tips or things you wish you knew before buying?
A little background:
I’m trying to find the most user-friendly setup possible because this printer will be for my 70-year-old parents.
They used to run an old Epson printer with Zorin OS 17 Pro, and I had to manually install drivers and packages back then - and even travel to their home just to get it working . This time, I’m really hoping to find something they can simply connect and use without hassle with Zorin OS 18 Pro.
They know how to connect USB cables, but they have never typed a single word in the command line, and they definitely don’t know how to search online, download, and install additional packages or drivers.
Thanks so much in advance for your help! Any recommendations or shared experiences are very welcome.
Best regards,
JD
This might be a general answer, but last time I checked Brother printers were fairly painless in the linux world. For example, I'm using currently a Brother MFC-L2820DW at home (a black and white laser printer) and it has been automatically found and accessible on every OS that I've tried it with (Wifi and USB).
Wifi printing works exactly as it should, as does the scanning, both Wifi and USB connected. As for any tips? This is just a general printer tip, but I can't stand inkjet printers, simply because sometimes if you aren't printing anything for a long time, well there goes those cartridges, and joyous day it's time to find more. Additionally, I really hate HP, especially since their printers check to make sure you're using THEIR ink (because someone else's ink is bad, mmkay?). I have had fairly good success in getting them running fairly easily on linux, but just for that reason I hate them. I also recommend if you can find a used Laser printer (or a new one if you have the cash) because it's just so much less hastle when you need to print something and you know that laser printer is most likely just gonna work.
i have a Brother MFC L3710CW laser printer which installs automatically on Linux, Zorin 18, and Windows. both operating systems use this printer by WiFi connected to my home network.
I have a brother L264ODW and it works perfectly. I can also print from my android phone. Wifi connected. Had to get rid of an hp that never worked right. Setup was easy. I followed the setup instructions that came with the printer. You should be able to remote in if you need to set anything up but for me it was easy. I installed the apps on the phone and zorin 18 just saw the printer as a network printer.
I have a Canon PIXMA TS-8151 All-in-One inkjet Colour Printer. Canon provide Linux drivers for both printing and scanning which means you can use the Document Scanner application in Zorin 18. I'm currently working on the Mk.II version of the Unofficial Manual and using a VM of Zorin 18 Core r3 and was impressed with CUPS +Gutenprint v5.3.4 driver for the printer. Before you install any printer, be sure to prevent Network discovery first or you will end up with multiple entries under Printers. (Which I covered in the Unofficial Manual.
I still prefer using
sudo system-config-printer
to add a printer (which surprisingly is not present), you need to:
sudo apt install system-config-printer
first.
If you want a more 'professional' scanning application I highly recommend 'VueScan'.
I like Canon printers for borderless printing, but think this is only possible in Windows which is one reason I still have Windows when I wanted to print some wedding photos for family and friends. Canon ink output last for 25 years, just remember not to leave out in direct sunlight.
My All-in-One also has a tray for enprintable CD/DVD's.
. This time, I’m really hoping to find something they can simply connect and use without hassle with Zorin OS 18 Pro.