BHE
asked on
Compatible printers for older Macs
I need to purchase some printers for a Macintosh LC 580 and 575 with 20 mb ram running on system 7.6 software. What new printers out will run on this system? I know that the Epson 740 doesn't even though it says it will.
C. Williams
C. Williams
weed
I think youve answered your own Q. The Epson printers are marvelous printers. They have the best color one can get out of a printer due to the unique way they put ink on the page. Ive been using an Epson 600 for years and its simply beautiful. It sounds like youre in need of a network printer though so my suggestion would be to find a 6xx series epson and use the 640 drivers that will let you network the printer and allow everyone to print to it.
ASKER
I cannot network these computers. They have to act as stand alones.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Why do you say the Epson 740 does not work on your Macs? Doesn't it still have a serial port in addition to the USB port? According to Epson it does.
I'm using an Epson 800 on my Quadras and Power Macs and it works great -- fast and high-quality. I recommend a refurbished 800 if you can't use a 740.
I'm using an Epson 800 on my Quadras and Power Macs and it works great -- fast and high-quality. I recommend a refurbished 800 if you can't use a 740.
They point becredclay and I are making here is: Find an inexpensive epson printer that works for you. I know it sounds like were not really answering specifically for you but there are so many epson printers to choose from that you need to pick the one thats right for you. I recommend the 600 if you can find them. The 800 is great as well but more expensive. 640s, 660s, the 74O (not 740i which is USB), 760, 850...all printers that should work fine for you.
ASKER
The computers that I have are not Power Macs. They have 20 mbs of ram. The Epson 740 software requires too much memory. The manual says it can be run on a Mac running 7.5. The Epson has a serial port. I'm scared to spend money on a printer unless I know for sure it will run with few problems as possible.
Unfortunately all printers do not work fine.
Unfortunately all printers do not work fine.
I cant imagine the 740 software requires any more memory than the 600 or even the stylus color pro. If youre really worried about it just get the lowest epson you can find while still having a serial port.
I've run my Epson 800 on a Mac IIci, a Quadra 610, and a Q650 in addition to my PM7100's without memory problems. 20 megs should be plenty. If it is a problem, turn off background printing.
All the Epsons are darned good machines.
By the way, Ebay has a couple of Stylewriters today for about $40. You could probably find them for less than that. They work well, too, but they're slow and aren't color.
All the Epsons are darned good machines.
By the way, Ebay has a couple of Stylewriters today for about $40. You could probably find them for less than that. They work well, too, but they're slow and aren't color.