Folks, does anyone know of an inkjet printer, less than $400, that has the following features:

* Parallel port so I can connect my desktop PC to it.
* USB port so I can connect my Powerbook to it.
* Ideally, an infrared port so I don't have to physically hook my Powerbook up, but can beam to the printer from across the room. [This is nice, but not needed.]

From within those specs, I'm curious to know which inkjets have worked well for you. I look for quality, speed, and quiet (in that order). I am partial to HP, but am willing to consider other brands.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
PrivateCitizen

[ibookuser2]

The epson 740i has paralell, serial, and USB. I don't know if you could add infrared, but someone might make some kind of add on to do this. The printer costs around $150.

[ctpeterson]

the hp dj 990 that just came out had parallel, usb and IR. You can also have both the parallel and USB conected adn work at the same time. the dj990 specs are
Print Speed Black:
Draft Quality
Normal Quality
Best Quality
17 ppm
6.5 ppm
1.3 ppm
Print Speed Color:
Draft Quality
Normal Quality
Best Quality
13 ppm
5 ppm
1.2 ppm
Infrared printing from PDAs, notebook computers, and other mobile devices
Faster than ever for improved productivity, up to 17 ppm in black, 13 ppm in color
Optimal printing results automatically---optical sensor detects paper type, then selects the ideal print mode
HP PhotoREt III enhanced color layering technology produces richer colors and lifelike skin tones
Infrared connectivity means convenient printing from Personal Digital Assistants, notebook computers, and other mobile devices---just point and print
Automatic two-sided printing module
(from www.hp.com)
It is a great printer and a huge improvement on the 970. Just a suggestion~



[This message has been edited by ctpeterson (edited 10-03-2000).]

Thanks for the suggestions. I agree, the HP 990 seems to have just what I was looking for, and I had not heard of it. I will check it out.

PrivateCitizen

I would like to revisit this topic, for I've checked out the HP 990C and its specs claim that it only has support for Infrared printer under Windows. According to the person I was talking to, it won't work for the Powerbook IR port.

Can anyone confirm this?

As an aside, IR won't work from all the way across the room. 6 feet is the absolute max, and usually it's more like 30-36"...

I think Farralon made a product a while back called Air-Dock, which allowed you to use IR is strange new ways. thought I'd add that...

------------------
Eliott Wolfe
Winnetka, Calif

[Hlecter]

Revisiting the topic : anyone experience with HP 990 Infrared printing using a Powerbook ?

[Milio]

I can't help with the HP printer, but I bought an Epson and got their Axis1440 ethernet adapter. Now I can print to it from any computer, and I don't have to worry about ports since everything is on ethernet. If you want to splurge, you could even get an airport base station (or competitor since Apple's seems to go belly-up after a year.)

Epson 880: $150
Axis1440: $170

[zigzag]

The double-sided printing feature on the HP is a blessing - highly recommended.

[tjcrebs]

I looked pretty closely at the difference between the HP 990 and the HP-970. I didn't need IrDa and the speed of the 990 is actually only marginally faster (e.g., I never print in the draft mode which all of the inkjet manufacturers promote in their PPM claims.)

Therefore I bought the HP-970, AND it's $100 cheaper than the 990.

Recent Consumer Reports also rates the 970 the best inkjet you can buy. It's super quiet too. If you buy either the 970 or the 990, don't install the drivers with the bundled CD--HP posted new drivers last week for their 900 series, works great too.

Good Luck, T.