Your benefits seem to suck, ita. But you probably get paid better.

I'm looking to replace my very old Epson printer for a new one of any brand. Any preferences out there?

As an FYI--I hardly ever use it, but I am getting frustrated that the ink cartridges are practically impossible to find since the thing is so old, and the paper feed never worked on it even when it was new, so the frustration level is very high with it. I'm looking at a basic HP Deskjet 5740 for $80 or a 3843 for $64 at Best Buy instead of another Epson.

Your benefits seem to suck, ita. But you probably get paid better.

They pay me more than I think I'm worth, and I'm not eligible for jury duty, so I can't really complain for me. But if a company this size isn't compensating anyone, it worries me.

Kathy, all the HPs I've used have been great - fast printing and sturdy machines. The guy across the hall from me has used the same printer for some ungodly number of years and has never had trouble finding replacement cartridges.

I don't remember the model of HP I have. It prints well, but some of the paper tray assembly is fragile and broke within a few months, and I doubt I can print photos anymore because of it. Still, in general, I recommend their printers.

Damn, ita, that's shady. Your company, not the printers.

I know nothing about buying printers.

I just ordered from a new to me place, and holy crap. It's really good and elaborate and a LOT and not expensive. If only I had remembered I'm not wild about souvlaki before I ordered.

Matt, frankly I've had way too many date-ish situations where slipping away harmlessly would definitely be the option I'd want. I've never bailed out hurtfully.

I think I must be growing bitter and cynical in my old age then. I mean, I've not ended a date in a way that was deliberately hurtful or insulting (not even the one with the creepy redneck guy that asked me mid-meal when we were going to get on with the hot sex), but if it's so unpleasant that I can't make chitchat for a couple hours, I'm cool with saying "This just doesn't feel like it's going to work out, so I'll wish you a good night."

if it's so unpleasant that I can't make chitchat for a couple hours

The "dates" that come first to mind are the ones where a couple hours of chitchat is akin to wearing his ring, or something. So cutting it off early and trying to vanish is my cowardly action of choice.

You can indicate that losing salary, etc., would create a hardship preventing you from serving. Not that it will always work.

My company paid for all my jury duty- I only had to be there for two days out of all the time I was on call, but I don't think they set a time limit in policy.