Mac peripherals forum: Best printer for mac

Hi, Bob,

Like the first poster, I have a similar question. Here's my information:

I have a MacBook running OS 10.5 and a desktop G4 Mac Sawtooth with 10.4. I'd be satisfied to have one printer for both, but I'd be content with one that was fine with the MacBook.

I have an Airport Extreme router for wireless. I don't feel very strongly about wireless printing, though it would be great. I don't care about duplexing at all (though many printers with wireless also have duplex). I am not on a network.

What I do care very much about is print quality in text and (if possible) graphics and reliable performance. I also care about good reproduction (WYSIWYG). I use a lot of fonts, and so PostScript or excellent PostScript emulation is important to me.

I have read a ton of reviews for a number of printers. One, a Samsung, sounded just perfect for me until I read a bunch of reviews at CNET saying that it didn't play nicely with Macs. Two Brothers (two of the ones recommended by a consumer magazine) that I tried had some issues with Mac also and the reputed dark print quality didn't show up when I tried them. Brother even told me that they don't know much about Macs and that some features for the printer wouldn't work on a Mac. They also said that their Postscript emulator didn't work with their duplex feature.

I used to have an HP Laserjet 4ML. Yes, 300 dpi and primitive as all get out, according to our prerequisites, nowadays. It wasn't much to write home about, but it was reliable and had decent printing (no spots, no smudges, reasonable WYSIWYG and reproduction of graphics, for example). No major flaws, and it lasted for something like fifteen years. I have raised my standards for appearance of text and images since then, but I'm beginning to think that I may have to settle for something less than what I am seeking.

This may be too much information, but I'd really love recommendations. I'm exhausted, finding first one and then another that sounds great and finding that the same printer that a lot of people love is one that has smudgy toner or stops printing after the first few pages or is substandard in some other way. And often there is the same number of the happy people as the unhappy ones.

Thanks to anyone who has ideas for me. Otherwise, I shall have to go with a printer that doesn't have the features I want but is reliable, at least.

jenny

I can't think of any good solution. Makers are not working hard for your sale.
Bob

Are you near an Apple Store?
Stop in and ask one of their "genius" cadre what THEY would recommend.
And then check out that suggestion very thoroughly also.

Next best bet is to go to a Print Shop. Most use Macs and they might also
give you a recommendation.


JESSE