🚀 go-pugleaf

----------------------------Original message----------------------------

On Sat, 30 Dec 1995, Greg Williamson wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hi Folks,
> I have four Apple Imagewriters (gasp! from the crowd) that I want to
> replace. I want to stick with dot-matrix printers as the printing will be
> free of charge. Does anybody have any suggestions? I'm looking at Epson LQ
> series with Mac card.

Greg - We use a couple different models of Epson printers in our labs
(none with Mac cards, though).

The FX870's are 9-pin and are fast with particularly easy-to-use button
panels on the front.  Students can easily figure out which buttons to push
for paper feed, etc.  Configuration is done with button combinations
rather than dip switches.  Unfortunately, the button panels seem somewhat
fragile, and we've had to replace the electronics on several (most broke
within the warranty period).

The LQ570s (and 870s) are 24-pin.  These seem a bit more sturdy, but the
button panels are more likely to mystify students.  We have not had the
electronics problems with this model, but do have another problem that is,
I think, inherent to many 24-pin printers:  with a long or
graphics-intensive print job, the print head heats up and shuts itself off
to allow for cool-down.  This confuses students beyond belief - so they go
to another printer and start the job again, and the same thing happens
again...oh well.

We faced the decision of replacing most of our lab printers a couple of
years ago, and it was difficult to choose.  All in all, I have been
relatively satisfied with the FX series, despite the repair record.
They're pretty cheap, so be sure to buy a spare!]

*Susan