Joshua Yeidel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > >I have bugged this list before about my problems attaching a USB printer to >a stock 8500. As you may remember, I had to give up (and send my wife's >birthday present back to HP). > >Now I'm taking a new approach. I'd like to know what people are doing in >the following scenario: > >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.
I am using an Epson C82N printer (very similar to the C84N) for my home network printing. Epson's C8xN network printers use a small print server that plugs into the parallel port on the printer (C82 printer plus print server equals C82N printer; ditto for the C84/C84N), so technically it has a print server--but it's a very small server. The print server has a ethernet connection which then connects to your network. Network print drivers (supplied and/or downloaded from Epson) are then installed all of your computers. My network consists of a router and an Apple AirPort base station (running in bridge mode). All of my computers share the C82N network printer. o Desktop PC running WinXP Pro o Laptop PC running Win98SE (connects via AirPort) o G4 PowerMac running OS 10.3 and OS 9.2 o G3 PowerBook (Pismo) running OS 10.3 (connects via AirPort) o G3 slot-loading iMac running OS 10.3 (connects via AirPort) Setup and configuration was pretty simple. Epson provided a proprietary configuration tool which I had to install and use to set up my printing network. It wasn't as convenient as being able to use a browser; but their tool wasn't difficult to use. Their tool only runs under Windows but I believe the C84N printer doesn't require it. All of my computers can print to the network printer without problems. I have no complaints about the networking side of the equation. My only complaint, as such, was with the printer itself. My C82 printer failed after about 10 months of use. It was still under warranty, however, and Epson replaced it free of charge--including shipping. Epson also has wireless variants (C82WN and C84WN), but I haven't used either of them and can't comment. Hope this helps, -Jeff [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- "You can't brew a premium lager with a kool-aid mentality." --Harold Green in _The_Red_Green_Show_ -- 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
