I need a Printer to Use with my Gov't issued Laptop

[tomturbomatic]

I am told that I can only use a device that does not require any download of drivers or a Bluetooth connection. It needs to connect via a USB Port. Can anyone recommend a printer like this? Nothing is issued because people using a laptop for telework usually only do it one day a week and we are going to be weeks or months. My work involves working from lots of paper documents. I don't do well with lots of things (like scans) open down in the tray that have to be brought up and then minimalized repeatedly.

Thank you.

 

[whatsername]

Brother laser printers are the best as far as reliability and longevity. They are also not picky about drivers. Macs have the driver for this printer included the in the OS. I'm not sure about Windows but I would expect their generic driver to work too. Any inkjet printer is going to be expensive to run and will likely crap out far sooner than you expect.

My laser printer was bought on Craigslist for $40 from an office that was closing. The toner was half used and I’ve never replaced it. It’s a workhorse.

Would an external monitor help solve the same problem? I work from home and only use the 15” laptop screen for outlook. All real work is done on a 27” Dell 4K display.

 

[spacepig]

I have a Canon MG3600 for my government laptop. However, I still had to call IT and have them finish the install.

 

[tomturbomatic]

RE: Reply #1,

When i go to Staples today, I will ask if I can plug my large monitor into the laptop. That way, I can look at what I would normally be viewing on paper forms on the monitor.  I will take the cable from the monitor along with the laptop and see if they have an idea and an adapter.  The plugs on the monitor look like USB plugs that were dinged on one corner to give them the profile of a locomotive where the front slopes back at the windshield.  Thank you for the idea. I might be able to avoid buying the printer.

[this post was last edited: 5/18/2020-09:43]

 

[chachp]

Sounds like a Displayport

 

<span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">If your laptop has any ports you can most likely get an adapter to convert your monitor cable to one that works with your PC.  It's a good idea to take the laptop with you can they can get you fixed up.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">I work from home and use an HP Envy 5660 and I have had great luck with it.  I can't get behind it right now but I am pretty sure you can direct connect it to your laptop.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">If you can get your second monitor to work and can live with that setup it will sure be a lot cheaper.  I am like you, I prefer to work from a paper copy so I can put a ruler on it etc. but I have forced myself to work from the monitor and it's not so bad.</span>

 

[tomturbomatic]

Thank you, Ralph. Yes, Displayport. I plan to take both the laptop and the cable with me this afternoon. 

 

[tomturbomatic]

I went to the office supply store that is still open and lets you in to shop. I got a USB Hub and an adapter to go from display port to hdmi? $100.00, but I have it for in the morning. Knowledgeable and kind staff good with dealing with the electronically impaired. I will send an email at 6:30 that I am starting work and then take my sweet time setting it up. Nobody knew of a driverless printer so I will ask Office of Chief Information Officer if they know of a type/name/model.

Thank all of you who have volunteered help.

 

[DADoES]

 
All printers prit much need drivers.  Windows may have a generic driver that'll work but not support all the features of the device.  Windows Update will sometimes by itself search for and install a driver ... but sometimes fails to find one in which case the users/installer must download it.  Seems drivers are rarely anymore included on discs, one is required to go fetch it from the device manufacturer's site.