[comp.sys.mac.hardware] Style Writer and Desk Writer

feldman@vax.oxford.ac.uk (06/23/91)

I know this is probably an already-discussed issue, but I need some
advice on a Mac-compatible printer.  Obviously (?), I'm trying to 
decide between the HP DeskWriter and the Apple StyleWriter.  I've
previously owned the DeskWriter and was very happy with it; I've
had to sell all my equipment while overseas.  So, now that the
StyleWriter has come out, I'm a bit confused which to purchase
when I return home.  I've heard the StyleWriter is much slower;
is this true?  Any comments on print quality?  Font compatibility/
graphics compatibility?  Is the DeskWriter worth the extra cost?
All info will be helpful (e-mail please!); being overseas I really
haven't been in touch with the StyleWriter at all.  Does it require
pretty specific paper like the DeskWriter?  Is it compatible with
things like Print Monitor?

Thanks VERY much!

Todd

jerryd@hplsla.HP.COM (Jerry Daniels) (06/29/91)

I too went looking for a new printer for my Mac SE machine.  I recently
visited an Apple Dealer and tried both the StyleWriter and the DeskWriter
printers. 

I printed out the same Word document using a variety of Fonts.  I believe
that the StyleWriter has higher resolution characters than the DeskWriter.
The StyleWriter took more than twice as long to print.  The mechanics of
the StyleWriter look like they might not last very long.  I don't know
how this mechanism will continue to work.  The DeskWriter looks, feels,
and performs like a quality machine.  Even though the print is not quite
as good I think that it is perfectly acceptable.

After the documents that I printed "cured" for about 1 week and sprayed
them with water.  Both the StyleWriter and the DeskWriter will still run
if water hits them but the Apple product looked worse.

I am going to buy the Deskwriter.

Jerry W. Daniels