Re: Inkjet printers meeting the following requirements? Durable, Linux-compatible (or Postscript or PCL in FIRMWARE (built-in interpreter)), quality text & graphics, low ink refill or cartridge costs

From: ray (ray_at_zianet.com)
Date: 08/09/04

  • Next message: John-Paul Stewart: "Re: Inkjet printers meeting the following requirements? Durable, Linux-compatible (or Postscript or PCL in FIRMWARE (built-in interpreter)), quality text & graphics, low ink refill or cartridge costs" 
    Date: Mon, 09 Aug 2004 09:05:11 -0600

    On Mon, 09 Aug 2004 01:14:20 +0000, Bill Haught wrote:

    > Subject: Inkjet printers meeting the following requirements? Durable,
    > Linux-compatible (or Postscript or PCL in FIRMWARE (built-in
    > interpreter)), quality text & graphics, low ink refill or cartridge
    > costs
    >
    > Note that while I may want to print out web pages with illustrations
    > and other images, photo quality is not important as the other
    > requirements (have two Epsons already) as long as the images are
    > readable.
    >
    > How well it prints on quality paper such as paper suitable for resumes
    > is also important.
    >
    > I imagine that a 300 by 300 dpi printer (if available) would be a
    > decent choice. The ink ought to be cheap to produce (and therefore
    > buy). The heads shouldn't be clog-prone, even with 3rd party inks.
    > Of course, I doubt that anyone manufacturers even produce
    > multifunction units at that "low" resolution anymore. Also, I prefer
    > new since buying used has the potential to turn out to be a case of
    > purchasing someone else's problems.
    >
    > Another concern is that a "low" res printer produced today would not
    > only be cheap but also be cheaply built.
    >
    > I prefer printheads that are either replaceable or on the cartridge.
    >
    > From what I have read so far, it sounds like nothing really matches my
    > criteria. Canon looked good until I read that "There are few good
    > free software drivers for Canon and Lexmark inkjets. Do not buy one
    > and expect success." http://www.linuxprinting.org/suggested.html
    >
    >
    > Also, from my understanding Postscript (and probably PCL) are unlikely
    > to be found in a inkjet in the price range I can consider (definitely
    > under $300, probably half that).
    >
    > Also, must be available in the 48 continental states of the United
    > Nations of Texas
    >
    > Thanks in advance.
    >
    >
    >
    > Bill Haught
    > Extract tooth to reply.
    > Enron is a case of compassionate conservatism.
    > Republicans have *morale* clarity.
    > Reselect George Bush http://georgewbush.org/ Four more wars!!!

    Strictly speaking, I think you are correct - the beast does not exits.
    Look for a cheapie that does some version of PCL and refill the cartridges
    - that's about as good as you can do. HP does make some low-cost units
    which work fine with linux - I got an Apollo P2200 a couple of years ago
    from OfficeMax - it's an HP print engine, basically Apollo was HP's low
    cost brand for a few seasons. I've been quite pleased with
    operation/durability.

    Mostly, for Linux, Canon makes good boat anchors.

  • Next message: John-Paul Stewart: "Re: Inkjet printers meeting the following requirements? Durable, Linux-compatible (or Postscript or PCL in FIRMWARE (built-in interpreter)), quality text & graphics, low ink refill or cartridge costs"

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