Gutenprint for Mac User Reviews
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"Connects Snow Leopard to classic HP LaserJets"
Version: Gutenprint 5.2.7
Pros
allows LaserJet 4M Plus to function fully from Snow Leopard
fills gap in HP printer drivers for classic LaserJetsCons
hard to track where Gutenprint gets installed on my Mac
needs better documentation on how to set up IP printingSummary
I bought a refurbished HP LaserJet 4M Plus from PrinterTechs.com in 2004. This bulky, solidly built printer works slowly but very reliably, producing sharp black text and excellent black-and-white halftones. For several years I connected it successfully to my iMac desktop computer running Leopard (Mac OS 10.5) with HP's printer driver. When I recently upgraded to Snow Leopard (Mac OS 10.6), I was shocked to find that my iMac no longer talked to my LaserJet: Neither Apple nor HP provides a Snow Leopard printer driver for the 4M Plus.
I then downloaded Gutenprint 5.2.7 and studied the documentation that came with it. From that I learned that, since my LaserJet connects to my iMac via an Ethernet cable, I would need to set it up for IP Printing. But I wasn't sure which IP address to specify in System Preferences>Print & Fax. I tried entering my Ethernet router's IP address, but that did not work.
Calling PrinterTechs.com customer support, I found out that I had to run a self-test on my LaserJet to get its IP address, and enter that into my new printer definition in System Preferences. For "queue name" I selected "HP Jetdirect," and for "Print Using" I selected "HP LaserJet 4/4M Postscript 600 dpi," which evidently came from the Gutenprint driver. This enabled me to activate my printer's optional lower tray and envelope printing features. Now my LaserJet prints smoothly from Snow Leopard, with full functionality. -
"printer drivers for when your manufacturer falls short"
Version: Gutenprint 5.2.7
Pros
does a great job of making printers work and free (e.g. HP Photosmart P1100: made it work for OS 10.5 and up, which HP doesn't offer drivers (and we take for granted, but I can two sided, landscape, or differ quality)).
Cons
none (and not a con, just note: has customize, which I just checked the gutenprint 5 install and uninstall, didn't use gimp or apple)
Summary
not bottom line, but another example: HP LaserJet 1012: Mac drivers always spit out blank page at the end with "Unsupported Personality: PCL"; gutenprint drivers didn't help (but don't be discouraged, they have updates all the time)
Results 1-2 of 2
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