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From: ergo@netcom.UUCP (Isaac Rabinovitch)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.laptops
Subject: Re: Diconix Review
Message-ID: <12549@netcom.UUCP>
Date: 27 May 90 19:04:28 GMT
References: <1856@mindlink.UUCP>
Organization: NetCom- The Bay Area's Public Access Unix System {408 249-0290 guest}
Lines: 71

a551@mindlink.UUCP (Bruce Arabsky) writes:

>THE DICONIX 150 INKJET PRINTER from KODAK
>(blah blah blah)

You ought to mention that you were reviewing a discontinued product.
The source you gave (DAK) sells only remaindered 150s, while most
computer stores sell 150+s.  DAK claims that the newer "any paper"
ink cartridges work with the 150 as well as they do with the 150+
(which is true) and that otherwise there are only superficial
differences between the two models (which I haven't had a chance
to verify), but people are still entitled to know what they're
getting.

Incidentally, DAK claims that the printer comes with a any-paper
cartidge pre-installed.  Mine came with a "special ink jet paper"
ink cartridge, and it wasn't installed.  Fortunately I also ordered
a couple of replacement cartridges at the same time, which were the
later type.

DAK also says that there's no need to use special paper with this
printer.  Well there's no *need*, but I discovered that if I printed
on the special inkjet (meaning, clay coated) paper that came with the
printer, I actually got print quality good enough to use in correspondence.
This is actually a bonus, since I orderd the printer in the believe
that it only did "near letter quality" (meaning, draft quality, but
darker).  The special paper is hard to find, though.

It's also worth mentioning that the Diconix dots are slightly smaller
than those of the printers it emulates, so both text and graphics
come out slightly smaller.

Also, because the tractor feed is built into the platen (only way to
make such a small printer with a tractor, I guess), the right tractor
isn't very adjustable.  So there's no way to print very narrow forms
except through friction feed.  And friction feed only really works
with single sheets.  *And* it only feeds from behind, so single-sheet
is something of a pain.

Still in all, it's as portable as toothbrush and essentially noiseless,
which were the factors that made me buy it.  But musclebound rock
music fans might want to consider spending the same amount (DAK 150
price) for a good 24 pin, high-resolution printer.  Or a little more
for a good HP 300 dpi printer with memory.  Or a *lot* less for a
9-pin impact printer.

>  Changing the head is a breeze, with no
>mess or troubles.
I didn't find it so.  The obscure and misleading instructions didn't help.
Maybe now that I know what goes where, it'll be easier.

>Interfacing is handled via a Centronics 8-Bit Parallel or a RS-232-C
>Serial cabling.
And it seems that what interface you choose partially determines the
kind of printing you can do.  Parallel printers can't do condensed
type.  Serial can't do script.  The manual doesn't say why.


>AVAILABILITY:  DAK INDUSTRIES INC.           Tech Info: 1-800-888-9818
>               8200 Remmet Avenue,           Inquiries: 1-800-888-7808
>               Canoga Park, California       24 Hrs/7 Days a Week
>               91304
>INKJET CARTRIDGES                    $ 12.90
You might mention DAK's claim that these cartridges also work in HP
printers.
>5 NI CAD BATTERIES                   $ 19.80  (Available Everywhere)
In 2-battery packages!
>STANDARD PARALLEL CABLE              $  9.80
Which DAK seems permanently out of stock on.  I finally canceled their
back order and got one elsewhere.  Not impressive for someone trying
to branch out from remainered electronics to discount computers!