Poll: Turn your inkjet off or leave it on all the time?

[JDArt]

Some say turning it off after each use "parks" the heads and prevents head clogs?

[Neil V]

I leave my Epson 2200 on all the time (almost), if I know I won't be printing for a couple of weeks I will turn it off, other than that it stays on 24/7.

I have had for just over a year now with absolutely no troubles at all.*

[Kevin Barrett]

I turn my R800 off after each use. Though it does serve as my general printer as well, and doesn't get turned off
by everyone! - Consequently, I've had my share of a few clogs. :P

Overall it's been a fine printer, just not a perfect one.

[JDArt]

So turning the printer off does prevent clogs? That was the impression I had while using the Epson 2200. But then it started clogging anyway, so I was mystified.

[Neil V]

Originally Posted by JDArt

So turning the printer off does prevent clogs? That was the impression I had while using the Epson 2200. But then it started clogging anyway, so I was mystified.

Here is a recent test, I haven't been doing much of anything since Oct. 11 this year when I injured myself and I just realized I haven't put a print through my 2200. Two nights ago I printed a photo with no troubles at all. I think it has more to do with dust and humidity. I cover my 2200 with a large piece of black velvet whenever it's not being used to keep the dust out, seems to do the trick.

[metalstorm]

I think most inkjets park when not in use. *My printer power cycles in sync with my cpu even though I rarely use my printer and the print heads seem to be doing fine.

[ohenry]

Mine hibernates when it hasn't been accessed and then reengages when it gets a print signal.

[mikej]

I've had my Epson 2200 over two years and other than when I've moved it or cleaned up my desk area (like that's going to happen very often) it's never been turned off. The only problem I've had is on ink cartridges that were almost empty and I haven't used it for awhile (like a month or two). Unless I'm just wanting a quick visual of a print, I'm pretty quick to change ink cartridges anyway if I notice any color change. I've only had to run the cleaning cycle on it maybe 3 times in the last couple of years and have only run the cleaning paper through it twice.

I also keep a towel over it when I'm not using it to keep the dust off it.

Mike

[JDArt]

I also do the towel thing. I think some 2200s clogged and others never did, based upon what I've read. Mine clogged. I hated that thing. I can't tell you how much money I blew in wasted ink doing cleaning cycles.

[Michele]

I have had quite a few clogs with the R800 and I use a lot of ink cleaning. I don't use it very much anymore, but I leave it off when not in use. I was thinking more along the lines of electricity.. I do have an HP 3740 for my regular use (all purpose use) and I print proofs on it as well (good for proofs!) and I turn it off every now and then, but haven't had any problems. Its also a $22 from target printer. Can't go wrong there for general printing and proofs.

Kevin,
I used to use my R800 for all purpose printing, but I found I used a lot of ink that way and it was pricey, so thats why I went out and got the $22 printer from Target about six months ago. Seems to be a lot cheaper this route.

Michele