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hawking ps12u
Authored by: cbrock on Jan 16, '03 04:50:32PM

Why does Hawking say on the PS12U data sheet that it supports Macintosh only if the printer is a Postscript printer? Only the more expensive Laser printers come with Postscript. This is why I haven't bought it. However, if it can be confirmed that the PS12U will enable USB non-postscript printers to work with OSX, I'll go down to Fry's and buy it tonight.



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hawking ps12u
Authored by: macboyrules on Jan 16, '03 05:44:23PM

The reason why the description says it only supports Macintosh with Postscript printers is because, out of the box, this is correct. Apple's included drivers for USB printers do not provide support for IP printing. However, as has been described here and in other hints, CUPS with GIMP-Print works great and gives you the ability to print to non-Postscript printers via IP. Have fun at Fry's! :)



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hawking ps12u
Authored by: cbrock on Feb 04, '03 06:07:51PM

Update: thanks to the original poster of this thread on networking printers with OSX for responding to my inquiry directly. I now have the missing clue that makes the PS12U a wonderful solution for networking printers: "gimp-print"

http://gimp-print.sourceforge.net/MacOSX.php3

I learned the following :

1. Since OSX is a Unix computer, the Unix print function called LPR opens up a parallel body of solutions for printing. The freeware called "gimp-print" supports OSX and the fantastic part of this is that it supports printers that vendors seem uninterested in supporting for OSX. For instance, HP supports the Deskjet 870 only up to OS9. Using gimp-print and LPR, my 870 now works with OSX.

2. The Hawking Technology PS12U works with Unix LPR printing in OSX in addtion to Appletalk printing. The combination of gimp-print, OSX LPR print support and the PS12U makes it possible to network many printers that have only a parallel port, USB port. It also makes it possible to support printers that never have supported the Mac.

3. It's easy to find a Hawking PS12U for less than $100. Many printers offer networking options, however, infuriatingly, they're always overpriced, often higher than the printer itself. In one example, I know of $200 printer in which the networking card is priced at the outrageous price of $499!



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