[Leaplist] Hackfest Subject: Accel-A-Writer Printer

[patrick]

Derek Konigsberg wrote:
> Bruce,
>     While I haven't looked up the specs for that printer, I'd recommend
> finding out if it can talk PostScript.  If it can, chances are that
> you'll be able to make it work.  That's what I love about PostScript
> printers.  The actual printer driver is a "PPD" file, which is just a
> text description file that is totally OS-independent.  You can make the
> things work with just about any OS out-there.  (and worst case, you can
> pretent they are Apple LaserWriters).
> 
> If it can't talk PostScript, find out what it can talk.  With fancy
> laser printers, they usually design them to work with standard printer
> languages.  The "winprinter" approach we're more used to with consumer
> stuff is far less common.
> 
> -Derek
> 
> On Fri, 31 Aug 2007, Bruce Metcalf wrote:
> 
>>> Don't forget on Saturday, 1 September, 2007 is the Hackfest meeting!
>>
>> Speaking of which, in addition to bringing in my Haunted Hardware
>> (which now seems to be happily running Debian), I have a new baby to
>> show y'all:
>>
>> It's a Xanté Accel-A-Writer 8100, a laser printer than can handle
>> 11x17" pages. There does not appear to be a Linux driver available
>> (though I'll be delighted to have one of you prove me wrong). There
>> are drivers for Windows and Apple systems, but I'm having trouble
>> getting it to work with a Windows machine (big surprise!).
>>
>> If any of you have an Apple or Mac with an Appletalk interface, would
>> you please be so kind as to bring  it in along with a cable so I can
>> tell if this thing's a printer or a boat anchor?
>>
>>
>> FWIW, this puppy has serial, parallel, SCSI, and Appletalk jacks on
>> it, suggestion that I ought to be able to get *one* of them to work if
>> the unit is still viable. At least I can still get cartridges for it.
>>
>> And if it turns out that it's headed for Barnacle City, then I'll
>> appreciate recommendations for new 11x17" laser printers, both color
>> and black & white.
>>
>> Bruce Metcalf
>>

I have an Apple LaserSelect360 printer, and it, too, has apple talk,
plus serial port, Parallel port.

I have a Brother MFC-8500, and it isn't listed in the CUPS list, but,
the MFC-8300 is!  Close enough! Both run great in Linux under CUPS, and
are postscript PPD ready!

But, I also have a few Mac Power PC machines, too.  Want one? With Monitor?

And, making any Microsoft 'talk' to any printer, or print server, seems
like such a chore that it is another reason to quit having anything to
do with Microsoft crapware, because, after all, I am doing computing for
the efficiency and speed they offer, and have little time for trying to
make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Anyone have extra printer cartridges for the above?  Anyone need a
sealed cartridge (Fuji 5p/10p engine) for Apple's earlier models, plus,
the HP II/IIP/III.  Will trade!