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From: mbk@hpsemc.HP.COM (Miles Kehoe)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.hp
Subject: Re: Connect HP LaserJet Serial II and Hp 7550A plotter to a MacSE
Message-ID: <1250026@hpsemc.HP.COM>
Date: 13 Nov 88 02:37:01 GMT
References: <97@YaleVM.YCC.Yale.Edu>
Organization: HP Technology Access Center, Cupertino, CA
Lines: 33

ZZ:

The Laserjet II can be hooked up to a mac in a couple of different ways.
Personally, I've used one and wasn't wild about it; and I've spoken
to several people who have used the other and liked it alot.  

The method I've used is to purchase a driver product for the Mac called
'Laser Printer Compatibility Software' from Printworks (purchased thru
HP's direct-purchase line at (800) 538-8787.  What this does is provide
an installable driver under the Mac OS for Laserjet I/II... but sadly
there is a great deal of software that doesn't go thru the drivers
"legally". Hypercard was the biggest violator, and the real thing I wanted
to do on the Mac.  The solution was about $145 from HP.  

Since then, a number of friends have used the 'hardware' solution from
a company called Orange Micro, down in Southern California I think 
(Anaheim comes to mind).  They sell a smart cable for about $100 which
plugs into the Mac port and looks (to mac) like a fast Imagewriter.
The micro in the cable maps the Imagewriter codes to Laserjet codes
abd sends stuff out the other end that the laser knows about and prints.
I do *not* have answers to things like what is the aspect ration, what
is the effective speed, and such... but I've heard good things there.

As to the plotter - only a package from a company called Softstyle
again sold by HP called Plotstart for $125.  I can't tell you any more
about it - I'd be sure to see about 'money back' if it doesn't work right.
(You also might check with Cricket because I hear they have a program
which drives the HP plotters).  

If you use them and like them, let me know!  

Miles Kehoe
mbk%hpsemc.HP.COM