Computer becomes so slow when printing?

[Gurm]

I am rather fond of my HP PhotoSmart 1215.

Great print quality, fast, and once the image is transferred over the computer doesn't have to do anything any more.

- Gurm

[Ali]

The easiest way by far would be to buy a network printer. Ive just got a HP 2200DN laser. Just plug it into you hub, and ignore it.

The only problem I have with it is it doesnt talk to my DHCP server properly. Just set it to a static IP, and scope your DHCP around it (if you are using DHCP that is).

Dont know what the prices for it would be over there, but cost about NZ$2000 which is about US$800 or so I suppose. If you dont need the duplex printing or the 3rd paper tray it should be a lot cheaper.

You could also look for a second hand HP Laserjet with a NIC from a school/University. They never die, and should be quite cheap by now.

Ali

[The PIT]

Funny my epson does the same but it didn't do it under windows 2000 which suggests it's another poorly written driver/printer spooler for winxp.

[Fat Tone]

I have a simillar problem: My Epson Stylus Photo 890 is connected to my main rig on LPT1. Both PCs are networked by a NetGear RT314 to the cable modem.

Could I (a) connect the USB to the 890 from the 2nd PC as long as I don't print from both PCs simultaneously, or (b) find a cheap JetDirect type device that I can plug directly into the router? And, would option (b) help SuRGV?

T.

[SuRGV]

The PIT,
The problem also happended when I was using Windows 2000 Pro (SP2). I don't know if it did under Win 98 long time ago.

Tony Andrews,
PLease let me know if your option (b) works. BTW, what is "JetDirect type device " and where I can find such a thing?

SuRGV

[Gurm]

A Jetdirect device is either a standalone self-powered box or a snap-in card, depending on your printer model. It sits on the network, pretending to be a printer, and accepts data... which it then passes over its Parallel or Serial port to the actual printer.

In essence, it adds network capability to non-network printers.

- Gurm

[Wombat]

To add to what Gurm has said: considering the cost of your printer, a second printer would be cheaper. Printer networking add-ons are generally more for thousand-dollar-plus printers. With cheaper printers, it doesn't make sense.

[SuRGV]

Thanks guys.
It's clear to me now that I need another printer. So I just went to several shops to find a good one for me. I was going to buy the Samsung 1210 (12 ppm, 8 MB, 1 free toner,..) but I had to stop because of the promotion info written on the printer box. It says something like "..free toner (1k sheets)". Does it mean that 1 toner for this Printer can print up to only 1000 sheets? Just several minutes ago, the guy in Futureshop told me that with one toner, the Brother HL1230 Laser Printer (12 pmm, 2 MB,..) can print up to 6000 pages !!!!!!!!!!!??????
Is the 1000 sheets per toner of Samsung is more appropriet and the guy in Futureshop just tried to fool me OR the Samsung is just a crappy one?
SuRGV

[cbman]

Instead of giving you a full toner cartridge with the printer they give you one thats only 1/4 or 1/2 full

Same with if you buy a new fuser/fusor unit for some laser printers that include a toner cartridge.. its only a 1/4 or 1/2 full one as well.

[Technoid]

At last we got rid of the OKI 6w Laser printer at work!

30 seconds minimum to heat up!
10 Seconds to prep the "print head"
And an aditional 15 seconds to actualy print.....

Our new Canon LBP 810:
10-20 seconds flat!!
And when it gets the steam up it spits out 8 to 10 pages per minute.