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From: rob@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu (Robert K Shull)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware
Subject: Re: Mac IISi vs. HP DeskWriter = Fried Mac??
Keywords: Mac II, DeskWriter, serial port
Message-ID: <1990Dec7.150446.28149@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu>
Date: 7 Dec 90 15:04:46 GMT
References: <989@dvnspc1.Dev.Unisys.COM>
Organization: Engineering Computer Network, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Lines: 56

In article <989@dvnspc1.Dev.Unisys.COM> frank@dvnspc1.Dev.Unisys.COM (Frank Piper) writes:
>
> (Comments about possible problems with DeskWriter and some Mac II series)
>
>- Has anyone seen this problem firsthand?  If so, how did you fix it?

No, haven't seen it.

>- Has anyone had problems getting their Mac fixed because they hadn't
>bought Applecare?

No. Any dealer will be happy (VERY happy) to do a motherboard swap for you.
Just keep shoveling cash in their direction.

>- A possible workaround might be to run the DeskWriter via AppleTalk
>from day one.  I understand this would involve two AppleTalk boxes and a
>cable between them; total cost ~$100.  Question is: would this run
>faster or slower than a straight serial port?

First, the cost is more like $41. You need:
	PhoneNET StarConnector (pre-terminated)		$17	(NET0069)
	TurboNET Plus, SE & II connector		$21	(NET0010)
		(comes with terminator and cable)

These are MacWarehouse prices. If you go this way (which I did) make sure
that you DON'T get two of the StarConnectors. I ordered the connectors
before my printer came in, then discovered that I couldn't plug the
connector into the printer (the case got in the way)
The connection should be about 3-4 times faster than straight serial.

>- Unrelated question: the DeskWriter comes with a bunch of Compugraphic
>outline fonts, or so I hear.  How useful are those fonts?  Can you use
>them with Adobe Type Manager?

You can't use them with ATM. The price for additional fonts is greater than
the price for ATM and Plus Pack, so I wouldn't even bother.

>- General question:  Are DeskWriter owners happy with their machines? 

Very. The machine is quiet, (relatively) quick, and very compatible. The only
problems I've noticed are with programs that insist on doing things their
own way. For example, Deltagraph screws up rotated text (generates a low
density bitmap, then rotates that and prints it). Basically, almost everything
prints, although a few programs generate "ugly" output.
>
>Please post responses; mail to me is flaky at best.
>
>TIA (Thanks In Advance)...
>Frank Piper
>(215)341-4644
>frank@dev.unisys.com 

Robert
-- 
Robert K. Shull
rob@uokmax.ecn.uoknor.edu				chinet!uokmax!rob