[X-Newbies] Re: Printer Recommendation

[Brian Durant]

I am using my first Canon printer (unless my old Apple LaserJet was a
Canon in disguise). The iP5200R is a last years model, but is an
excellent printer and it functions great as a network printer
(ethernet or WiFi). Canon however, is really sticking it to the Mac
user, when it comes to interoperability and installation. My
experience with a normal installation is that Canon doesn't seem to be
able to leverage OS X properly. The install reminded me of a MS Office
install - where files get thrown all over the place and some apps
(utilities) are installed in the "Library" folder (!!!). Configuring
the printer for my LAN required going directly into OS X and setting
up a network printer (which also went smoothly), unlike the install on
2 PC's on my LAN where the install went smoothly in XP. To this day,
some of the Canon utilities can't "discover" the printer, despite OS X
finding it just fine. This makes it sometimes hard to diagnose cryptic
messages that the printer throws out sometimes - with messages like I
have to choose between the black cartridge(s) that I want to use or
that I have no paper in the tray when it is obvious that I have paper
(and it is placed properly. I really miss the Epson printer management
software on my old C82!!!

Good luck,

Brian

On 2/23/07, Charles Martin <chasm at mac.com> wrote:
> >From: "Dana J. Laude" <kc9aae at bresnan.net>
> >
> >I recently bought a 20" iMac.  I'm looking for a all-in-one printer
> >recommendation. I'm kinda leaning towards the HP 5180, or the 6310.
> >Fax isn't necessary, but network capability is.
> >
> >Appreciate any input!
>
> With regret, I'd have to advise you AWAY from HP printers/AIOs at the moment.
>
> This is not due to the quality of their printers, which are fine -- it's due entirely to the buginess of their OS X driver software, which is intrusive and unstable as well as a poorly-written port from their PC software.
>
> If they ever really "get with the program" and write Mac-standards-compliant printer software, I'll rescind my view, but for now I would steer you towards the other brands that DO work well within OS X Tiger -- Brother, Canon, Epson.
>
> Cheers
> Chas