Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!csd4.milw.wisc.edu!indri!aplcen!haven!trantor.umd.edu!louie
From: louie@trantor.umd.edu (Louis A. Mamakos)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.postscript
Subject: Re: what PS printers are HP compatible
Message-ID: <3304@haven.umd.edu>
Date: 19 May 89 02:14:10 GMT
References: <778@jonlab.uucp> <134400004@cdp>
Sender: news@haven.umd.edu
Reply-To: louie@trantor.umd.edu (Louis A. Mamakos)
Organization: University of Maryland, College Park
Lines: 38

In article <134400004@cdp> sklein@cdp.UUCP writes:
>
>But the Apple *will* emulate a Diablo.  I've had extensive experience with
>the Apple LaserWriter series AND have been using the NEC for about the
>past six months.  Maintenance-wise, the Apple wins hands down.  The NEC
>is a big pain-in-the-ass.  Paper jams all the time, toner comes in a box
>and spills very easily, the imaging drum comes seperately and is so sensative
>to light that exposing it to normal room light for just a few minutes can
>damage it.

Huh?  I've used both Apple Laserwriters (the original, Laserwriter+ and NT)
versions, and when I shopped for a personal PostScript printer, I bought a
NEC LC890. 

Maintenance-wise, the NEC wins hands down.  It costs me about $15 for a 
new toner cartridge, rather than $80-$120 for the Canon CX or SX engines
that the Laserwriters use.  The NEC has two 250 sheet paper trays, which is
a huge win, and I've yet to have a paper jam problem any worse than on any
other print engine I've used.  And guess what, the Canon print engine 
cartriges also have a drum that's exposed.  Don't fault NEC for telling you
not to expose it to light any longer than necessary.

And another win for the LC890 is the two line LCD display that says 
"PAPER OUT" or "PRINTING" or "PROCESSING" instead of varying combinations
of blinking lights that the Laserwriters are so fond of.

When my friend and office mate shopped for a PostScript printer for his
personal use, he was also sold on the NEC.  Neither of us have regretted
our decisions.

To answer the original question, the NEC LC890 will emulate a Laserjet-II,
just as the Laserwriter-NT and NTX does, though at a cheaper price.

Just another mans opinion.


Louis A. Mamakos  WA3YMH    Internet: louie@TRANTOR.UMD.EDU
University of Maryland, Computer Science Center - Systems Programming