[comp.sys.amiga] Help selecting laser printer?

robert@hubcap.UUCP (Robert Reynolds) (05/25/88)

I have a friend with a basic Amiga 1000 system who is considering the
purchase of a laser printer and whatever hardware and software are
necessary to obtain a good text production environment.  I've just
ordered AmigaTeX, so naturally I showed him the AmigaTeX demo.
He's suitably impressed with AmigaTeX, but is somewhat less than
ecstatic about the memory expansion he'd need to run it.

So, the questions are:

What laser printers are any of you using, and how do you like them?

What software are you using, and what hardware is required beyond the
basics?

Is there a Preference driver available for your printer (and how well
does it work)?  Some of the younger members of his family are likely to
want to continue using Notepad rather than learn something more complicated.

Thanks for any information or pointers!

-- 
Robert Reynolds                 uucp: ... !gatech!hubcap!robert
CS Dept, Clemson Univ.    	ARPA: ROBERT@TECNET-CLEMSON.ARPA
phone: (803) 656-5884           inet: robert@hubcap.clemson.edu

daves@hpcilzb.HP.COM (Dave Scroggins) (05/26/88)

/ hpcilzb:comp.sys.amiga / robert@hubcap.UUCP (Robert Reynolds) /  1:42 pm  May 24, 1988 /

>What laser printers are any of you using, and how do you like them? 

Robert-

I'm just started using the "hp DESKJET" printer with my 
AMIGA-1000.

It's not REALLY a laser printer BUT --- It WORKS JUST like a 
laser printer as far as the computer is concerned.

It's a Plain Paper inkjet printer. It uses PCL Level III
command set.

The specs are --
             300 dots/inch
             120 characters/sec letter quality mode.
             240 (I think) characters/sec draft mode.
             PLAIN PAPER - such as used for copiers
             Built in cut sheet feeder.
             BOTH RS-232 and Centronics interfaces.

             Plug in memory expansion and font cartridges are available.
             (Note the cartridges for the DESKJET and HP Laserjets
              are NOT compatible, but serve similar functions.)
    
             List price $995.00 (U.S.) I have seen it advertised
             for less on sale.

             The ink cartridges are cheaper than the Laser printer
             toners. ($18.95 list vs $125.00 list.)

             Downloadable soft fonts available-- ($95.00 list)
             Requires at least one memory cartridge ($150.00 list)

>Is there a Preference driver available for your printer (and how well
>does it work)?

There is NOT a RELEASED Deskjet driver in preferences at this time.
There is supposed to be one in 1.3.(or so I've heard.)

I am using the Laserjet Plus driver right now. It seems to work MUCH 
better than the Laserjet driver.(Both in Preferences 1.2)

It works great. I've printed graphics with very good results.

I used the cable from my old Okimate-20, with no modifications.

>Some of the younger members of his family are likely to
>want to continue using Notepad rather than learn something more complicated.

I have used the Deskjet with NotePad. 
I was running the Laserjet driver and NOT the
Laserjet Plus driver, so I'm sure the results would be better with the
Laserjet Plus driver.

I don't know if it is something I did wrong or what, but even when I 
tell the thing that the paper is WHITE it prints these little dots
over the entire page. (It did this with my Okimate-20 also, just MUCH
slower.)

The different Amiga fonts DID come out on the paper with no font
or memory cartridges installed.
>-- 
>Robert Reynolds                 uucp: ... !gatech!hubcap!robert

I hope this info is useful.

DISCLAIMER-Yes I work for HP -- But I really like the DeskJet--
           HP probably won't like me recommending the DESKJET
           over the LaserJet, but as I said I LIKE the DeskJet.
           (I hope I don't get in trouble ;-) )

  Also - I posted rather than E-mail in case others might be
         interested in this neat little printer.

Dave S.