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

[Bruce Metcalf]

patrick wrote:
> Derek Konigsberg wrote:
>>
>>     While I haven't looked up the specs for that printer, I'd recommend
>> finding out if it can talk PostScript.

I understand that it does speak PS 2.0, but it does so in an odd 
dialect. No clue what's odd about it.


>> If it can, chances are that you'll be able to make it work. ... The
>> actual printer driver is a "PPD" file, which is just a text
>> description file that is totally OS-independent.

Sounds good, as the short-term plan is to migrate to Linux -- probably a 
Debian-like distro, if not Debian itself.


>> (and worst case, you can pretent they are Apple LaserWriters).

I pretended real hard, but the LaserWriter driver still didn't work.


>> If it can't talk PostScript, find out what it can talk.

I'll see what I can find.


>>> It's a Xanté Accel-A-Writer 8100, a laser printer than can handle
>>> 11x17" pages.
> 
> I also have a few Mac Power PC machines, too.  Want one? With Monitor?

I think I'm in enough trouble already, but thanks for the offer. Perhaps 
you can explain to me why I'd want to steepen my learning curve.


> 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.

Aw, come on Patrick, you're among friends. Tell us how you *really* feel 
about Windoze!

Bruce