I am in the market for a new multi-purpose printer. We use the most recent version of FE 7, and print our own check from blank stock. I am using an HP Laserjet 6P with a Troy Systems MICR toner cartridge to print my checks; a regular HP Laserjet toner cartridge for correspondence and other tasks. The printer was purchased in 1996 and has the most recent operating software avaialbe from HP. What has been the experience of those who print their checks from blank stock? What printer has worked well, which one has not? I have a tight budget (who doesn't) and would like to get the best for the money. I am not hidebound to HP. Any suggestions?

We use an HP Laserjet 5 with Troy MICR toner cartridge. We print about 30 checks a day. This set up works well for us. The printer is over 5 years old.

Doug we use an HP 5 and Troy System toner also the HP5 is our check printer and it has worked great for us it is about 5-6 years old, we also have an HP 2200 for reports and as backup for the HP5

What are the tradeoffs ($, time, hassle) we might find when deciding to print our own MICR vs. just getting the checks printed by an outside vendor?

Question for the check printers out here - Do you use the electronic signature, and if so, what has been your success in getting a smooth, natural image to print on the check? We've tried several ways to get a natural-looking signature, but the image remains choppy/grainy. Any help will be appreciated.