Cheapest Mass Market 3D Printer - Worth it?

[JacobysOne]

From what I have read, the Printrbot Simple is the cheapest mass market 3D printer available today. It only costs $299.

Do you think this would be a good late christmas gift for some colleagues of mine?

The price is awesome, but does anyone have any experience using one of these, that could provide feedback?

Features of the Printrbot Simple:

• 0.1mm resolution (and beyond)
• 100mm cube of printing volume (~4″ cube)
• Printrboard electronics
• PLA only (no heat bed)
• Ubis 1.75mm Hotend
• 200lb. test fishing line – the X & Y “belts”
• 12v 6A laptop style power supply
• Outer dimensions: 7″ x 8″ x 9″
• ~5.25lb total weight
• 1/2 lb 1.75mm PLA filament
• Fan and end stop upgrades included
• Laser cut wood is standard 1/4″ (6mm) thick

Additional Information

Build Volume	4″ x 4″ x 4″
Filament Type	PLA
Hot End	Ubis 1.75mm
Print Resolution	0.1mm
Tip Size	0.4mm
Print Speed	60-65mm/min
Actual Footprint of Assembled Printrbot Simple	8” x 14” x 11”
Shipping Dimensions and Weight for Printrbot Simple Kit Package	10” x 10” x 4” (8 lbs)
Shipping Dimensions and Weight for Five (5) Printrbot Simple Kits in One Package	18” x 14” x 14” (40 lbs)

[Newbie101]

This printer can get the job done. It's far from being able to compete with a Solidoodle 2, 3 or 4, or any of the MakerBot printers, but it is definitely a good starter printer for someone just getting into 3D Printing. Can't beat the price at $299!