🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <349274C1.5E885691@cqu.edu.au>,
	Ralph Pengelly <r.pengelly@cqu.edu.au> writes:
> Mike Battersby wrote:
> 
>> ...If I recall correctly, the Lexmark inkjet printers are all GDI, and are
>> only ever likely to work under windows (how did you think they were so
>> cheap?).  Better advice would be: don't buy GDI printers.

First, GDI printers need not be any cheaper than a normal.  Still requires
the same amount of electronics in the printer.  Still need a parallel port,
and a method for interpreting data on the line and turning on dots on the
page line by line.  They aren't cheaper because of anything physical.  They
are cheaper because of the lack of support.  They are a commodity item.

> ...snip...
> 
> To address the other issues, I have no qualms about the quality of the
> merchandise; I just feel that two weeks is too long to wait after making
> a simple request for technical data.

This isn't unique to Lexmark by any means.  In the beginning, computer and
accesories manufacturers were all eager to offer technical data.  Simply,
because you needed it to run them.  Over the years, economists and Wall
Street marketeers have been more and more involved in decisions to do with
computers and peripherals.  Pushing to make them more of a commodity item.
There has been a big move away from technical data.  They have wanted to
provide drivers and products that can be used by the greatest group of
people with the least investment.  This has meant 'Windows' printers, and
'Windows' drivers, and a lack of people outisde the engineering departments
who have any idea what goes on inside those drivers and printers.

However, in more recent times, there has been a movement back.  One of the
first things 3Com did after purchasing USR was to set up a web site where
one could get detailed technical information and sample source code (thanks
to mgetty+sendfax/vgetty) on their modem products.  Many companies are
realizing they are cutting off too much off both sides of their sales
'bell curve' by too large a focus on commodity items.  Unfortunately,
some still have tunnel vision.  Logitech (!!), Lexmark (jet division), etc.

All we can hope for is that they'll realize the same things that 3Com made
USR realize.

-   Kurt