Regarding printer languages. My old HP Laserjet 4ML had Postscipt, some TrueType fonts and so on. I have read some articles now about the printer languages for a number of printers, but it appears that PostScript is meant for Windows printers. (I was told by Brother customer support once that their equivalent of PostScript doesn't work with Macs, either.) It seems that PCL6 is meant for Window printers, too(?). GDI? Those and "host-based" printing are the options available on various printers.
I can't see any article that pertains to what is compatible with Macs. I'm sorry, but I seem to be quite stupid about all this: I really am not understanding what I'm reading.
I hope someone will be willing to help. Although I really would love to have a printer that would produce high-quality output of print and images, I'm ready to settle. No printer is much worse than one that doesn't print beautfully.
Thanks again,
jenny
I have a MacBook running OS 10.5 that I used for many years with an HP Laserjet 4ML. The printer was running just great until the hinge on the lid broke, and I couldn't get a replacement for the lid. I've now tried a couple of Brother black-and-white laser printers, and one HP business printer. (It came totally dead.) The two Brothers (2270dn and 5730dn) both had pale print, despite rave reviews from almost everyone about the print quality, and despite long phone chats with Brother customer service, they couldn't tell me how to adjust that. I think they are not very familiar with Macs (or maybe the adjustments are only for PCs), and I've found HP just as clueless where Macs are concerned.
I print lots of different kinds of documents. I also love designing ones with a variety of fonts (though not in the same document). I want to be able to print a variety of fonts accurately, and it would be nice to have a printer that can handle various thicknesses and sizes of paper. Probably PostScript or the equivalent also, though I don't know what is necessary or advisable. I want crisp, black print and images without bands or other defects.
I don't think this is impossible. I also have done a demo printout in a store for the HP 1606. It looks good but has only 600 dpi, max. That's OK for type (though many other printers have 1200x1200 or more), but images are not always clear at that resolution.
I may have to reduce my requirements, but I'd like to know what you all think. Do you know of a printer that might fulfill my wishes? Does anyone have experience with the two laser printers I've mentioned? Maybe I just go a dud. So many people have mentioned the great quality of the print that it makes me wonder. Still, demo printouts I've gotten for them have been pale, like the ones I got at home, and one or two other reviewers remarked on the same problem. It makes me wonder whether it's a Mac problem. Even consumer magazines seem to love those printers.
Sorry this is so long. I hope you've been able to bear with me this far and can give me some feedback. Thanks!
jenny

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