It will be a lot more stable, but require a dedicated computer to run off.
Then probably connect via USB or firewire so you don't clog your network.
It has the advantage of putting the task of feeding data to the printer onto one computer. But both OS-X and XP handle multitasking so well that you'll hardly notice any performance hit by using the standard driver and having it feed data to the printer in the background. The 9600 can't use data fast enough to cause any sort of network clog unless you've got an extremely limited network. The same amount of data has to be moved whether you use a RIP or not. With a RIP the whole image (lots of data) is moved in one large chunk quickly from one computer to the RIP. Without a RIP the image gets passed as a slow trickle of data to the printer as it prints. If anything that's less of a demand on network bandwidth. Most of my Epsons are connected via USB. The 9600 on ethernet has been just as stable and fast as those on USB. The best reasons for using a RIP are to provide specific control or productivity features beyond what the standard driver can do. If you need them, get an appropriate RIP. If you don't, you'll never miss it.
Bob Smith
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