I really want to switch all my systems to MacOS X, but there's still one big problem: printer sharing. I got three old LaserWriters, which don't work with the new Computers, and one USB-printer that can't be shared in OS X. Does anybody know a good printer that can be shared under OS X and OS 9 and connects via Ethernet or USB? I don't really want to spent that much money on it though. The Epson C80N seems to be a good solution, but I couldn't find out if it actually works with printer sharing under MacOS X. So if anybody has any idea... please help me!
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Network Printing in OS X
- Thread starter TheT
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Re: Network Printing in OS X
As fot a non-wireless solution, without spending bucket loads of money, there isn't one. At least not one that anyone around here (and practically everywhere else on the Internet) knows about.
I tell you, the first people to fix this solution will rake in the dough. They'll be getting my money, that's for sure.
Something I was thinking... now that Bluetooth is coming to the Mac, a Bluetooth printer would seem to fix this problem. As long as all computers were within 10 meters of the printer, and the printer was supported under OS 9 and OS X, there should be no problems.
But even then, there's a US$49 cost per computer to add the Bluetooth functionality, plus the cost of the printer. If you have more than a couple of mahines you want to be able to print from, you could probably have bought and set up a network printer for less.
I am in the same boat, as are a lot of others. AlphaTech (I think) got a wireless printer working over an OS X network a few weeks back, he should be able to help you.
As fot a non-wireless solution, without spending bucket loads of money, there isn't one. At least not one that anyone around here (and practically everywhere else on the Internet) knows about.
I tell you, the first people to fix this solution will rake in the dough. They'll be getting my money, that's for sure.
Something I was thinking... now that Bluetooth is coming to the Mac, a Bluetooth printer would seem to fix this problem. As long as all computers were within 10 meters of the printer, and the printer was supported under OS 9 and OS X, there should be no problems.
But even then, there's a US$49 cost per computer to add the Bluetooth functionality, plus the cost of the printer. If you have more than a couple of mahines you want to be able to print from, you could probably have bought and set up a network printer for less.
I originally purchased the C80 printer and was plugging the USB cable into whichever system I wanted to use it with. After a few months of that, it got real old. I then purchased the external print server (from Epson, C823781) and plugged that into the back of the printer. I then ran a cat 5e cable to my network switch and just had to set the computer up to use it. I didn't need to do anything to the printer to get it to show up. That is for both OS 9.x and OS X. I already had the latest Epson drivers installed onto my Mac (OS X), but needed to re-install them when I replaced the stock 20GB hard drive with the 60GB one (from IBM 
). The printer is usable for just about any OS, from Mac to windblows (my game pc can print to it with only a 'minor' amount of work which was more then I had to do on the Mac).
I am not 100% sure, but you might be able to use that external print server with the C60, but I know it works with the C80. Even though the drivers are not there under the print server, they are under the set for the C80N. Essentially that is what you have when you plug the print server into the C80.
I like it a lot more then going through the USB cables, and since my portable phone operates on the 2.4GHz frequency, it interferrs with the Airport (and other wireless technologies) signal. The print server also operates with 10/100 Mb ethernet, so the speed is better through the wired network.
This may not be a cheap solution, but it works (flawlessly) and has not given me any problems since I set it up.
). The printer is usable for just about any OS, from Mac to windblows (my game pc can print to it with only a 'minor' amount of work which was more then I had to do on the Mac). I am not 100% sure, but you might be able to use that external print server with the C60, but I know it works with the C80. Even though the drivers are not there under the print server, they are under the set for the C80N. Essentially that is what you have when you plug the print server into the C80.
I like it a lot more then going through the USB cables, and since my portable phone operates on the 2.4GHz frequency, it interferrs with the Airport (and other wireless technologies) signal. The print server also operates with 10/100 Mb ethernet, so the speed is better through the wired network.
This may not be a cheap solution, but it works (flawlessly) and has not given me any problems since I set it up.
TheT, good to here that you like the C80WN.
I opted to go the route I did because I am a speed demon, and I didn't want my phone to interfer with printing (it kicks me offline when I am using the airport card, argh!).
I opted to go the route I did because I am a speed demon, and I didn't want my phone to interfer with printing (it kicks me offline when I am using the airport card, argh!).