Joshua Yeidel wrote: > I am looking for a network printing solution for our home network (1 > PowerMac 8500/OS 9.1, one Pismo Powerbook/OS X 10.3, 1 > Dell/Windows 2000). > I would prefer a printer with on-board Ethernet and > manufacturer-supplied > drivers for all three environments, rather than a > print-server solution, to > maximize compatibility and function from each platform. I > would like to > keep the cost below $200. > > I am especially interested in reports from people what are > actually doing > something like this; I haven't found any reports or reviews > via Google, > just sales pitches. I have found one potential solution (the > Epson C84N), > but I'm reluctant to order it until I hear from somebody with > experience.
First, the bad news, from my perspective anyway. I've never got this to work reliably for "under $200". The good news, though, is that this is possible. In my case, what I have is an HP Color LaserJet 4550 + JetDirect card. Its important to note that I purchased the JetDirect card AFTER the printer. The one originally included with the 4550N doesn't support both PC and Mac at the _same_ time, forcing a constant re-initialization of the printer. The one I added was expensive at the time, but its been worth every penny in regards to being complete hassle free. With what I have, its plugged into the network, my wife's and kids machine are plugged into the network, and my machines are plugged into the network, and we can all print to this thing without a hitch. Between us we have machines running MacOS 9.2.2 (PCI Mac), MacOS 9.1 (PCI Mac), Athlon XP/WinXP Pro, Athlon XP/Win2K, and Linux 2.2.x. The only one that was non-native support was Linux. The 4550 can be purchased used for about $600. The toner is expensive - $120 each and there are 4, but they last more than 6000 pages with about 1/2 that being photos (i.e. very heavy color coverage). The thing is a work horse, weighs 160 lbs, and is truly the first color set it up and forget it printer I have owned. In the past I have tried to get this to work with a about 5 different network printers from Lexmark and Epson, and I always had issues with one OS or another. --> Russ -- PCI-PowerMacs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Sonnet & PowerLogix Upgrades - start at $169 | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PCI-PowerMacs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/pci-powermacs.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive:<http://www.mail-archive.com/pci-powermacs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
