#Laser Printer Opinions?
10 messages in this thread
Hi Everyone,
Anyone have any opinions about the current collection of laser printers?
I've heard of good things from NEC (Model 95). Anyone have any specs?
Opinions?
Comments on how well it works with the HPLaser driver as well as
PageStream Postscript (and non-Postscript) use????
Thanks!
-RSL-
Roy,
I've been using a NEC 95 for a while now, and am quite pleased with it.
On the Amiga side (I also use it from a Klone), I've really only used it
in PostScript mode, although I see no reason why it would have problems in
HP mode (other than the fact that I don't believe there's a driver
available to take advantage of the newer PCL-5 features [i.e., LJ III]).
I am using a PostScript printer driver on the Amiga. While the one I'm
using isn't currently available, I know there's at least one floating
around the networks, and is quite-possibly in our data library here.
I have used it in HP mode on the Klone, as not all MessyDOS
applications know about PostScript. Only problem is that NEC supplies
some support software for Mac's and PeeCee's with the printer, but nothing
else. Also, they don't provide any real technical information (like how
to switch the printer from HP to PS mode via software), even if they
provide a MS_DOS TSR to accomplish this.
I'm pleased with the printer, and it's been available at quite a good
price (for a PostScript printer).
Hope this helps….
– BobR
Thanks for the reply. Did you have to purchase SL's Plus Pack in order to
use the resident fonts (how many are resident anyway). I assume the
quality is signicantly improved from a dot matrix, I believe that there's
some high resolution edge system that improves standard 300 dpi output when
using postscript?
BTW, what's it's footprint (dimensions), weight, does it have envelope
trays????? <Questions, questions, questions <GRIN> >
-RSL-
Roy,
I haven't purchased SL's Plus Pack (yet), primarily because I haven't
been doing too much with Pagestream, other than a couple of simple things
(business forms). I've not had a need for the precision of layout, so
I've just used the CG fonts from PageStream, and let the font-equivalent
processing substitute the built-in fonts for them.
The quality is what you'd expect from a 300-dpi laser printer. It's
not "publisher quality", but is much better looking than most dot-matrix
printers. I used to be a little embarrased printing business letters and
contracts on my dot-matrix printer. Not so anymore.
Eyeballing the printer (can't seem to find the **** manual right now),
I'd say it's about 24 x 18 x 10 inches. Not huge. The weight? I don't
know – it sits in its chair and I sit in mine <grin>. I don't have an
envelope tray for it (don't know if one's available or not), but there is
the capability of manually feeding a single envelope. I have used it to
print the occasional envelope – its relatively simple assuming you have
the software to lay things out properly. (I've only attempted envelopes
from the PeeCee side, so I don't know if any Amiga software can handle it
without significant help from the user).
Answers, answers, answers <grin>
– BobR
Bob,
Thanks for the info. I've called NEC for info, bu tsince I haven't
acquired a fax yet, I'll have to wait for the U.S. Snail (mail) system get
me a fact sheet. The size seems right (I have an over-sized printer stand
that sits next to my computer desk). I have always been impressed with the
sturdiness of NEC products, so I am seriously considering this model. I
beleive it uses a HP cartridge, is that right? Have you found it necessary
to increase its memory from its standard amount??
Gee… more questions! <g>
-RSL-
Roy,
I _think_ the printer uses HP cartridges, but have never had the need or
desire to confirm this. I use the printer almost exclusively in
Postscript mode, which would not make use of the cartridges. As for
memory, I've not had a need for more than the standard – my needs are
fairly simple. I don't download lots of fonts, but generally rely on the
standard builtin ones. The memory is sufficient to do a full-page
graphics dump, so I don't really need more.
Hope this helps….
– BobR
Bob,
I didn't mean font cartridges, I meant toner cartridges that are
required at variable intervals with the use of the printer.
-RSL-
Roy,
The Nec printer uses a different toner cartridge than the HP lasers. In
fact, that's one of the negative aspects of the printer, as I believe that
the toner cartridges are fairly expensive (it's a single replacement
package for everything), and as far as I know, not compatible with toner
cartridges available for other printers. I'm still on the first cartridge
with my printer, so I haven't had to pick up a replacement yet.
– BobR
I'm using a HP LaserJet IIIp with the PostScript Plus cartridge and have
nothing but good things to say about it. I can switch between PS and PCL 5
with an ARexx script (it's in the listings). It took some fiddling but I
got ProWrite and PageStream working great with PS output on both.
Dale,
Thanks for the reply. Any specific problems with getting it to work
with PageStream?
-RSL-