Printing with a Mac on a MPC4000 without the Post Script option.

[Voltage]

We sold a MPC4000 to a customer and he has decided to switch to Apple Mac. The machine is on a LAN. I used the Generic PCL driver, but i can only get it to print black and white. There is no color option.

I just want to get my facts straight, but it seems that it is only possible to print color with the post script option.
Is this correct???

If there is a other way, i am all eyes.

Thank you

[rthonpm]

Macs use CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) as their print spooler and command function. CUPS is based off PostScript commands so without the feature in the MFP you're looking at all kinds of potential issues. There are drivers, such as Gutenprint, that will allow the machine to print in colour, but not all functions will be available or possible. The best advice is to strongly recommend the feature (If they can pay up for Apple's overly expensive hardware the extra cost shouldn't kill them), but also let them know that there will be no support for any issue related to print errors and such if they decide against purchasing the option.

[ptrflrs]

would a minimal (free) linux print server distro loaded on some old pc they have lying around work? still don't know about full functionality and dependability though, would have to test.

[Llama God]

Tell them to buy the Postscript. Macs are great but that's not your problem, it's theirs. Be firm and all that.There's always this:Ricoh MPC4000 MPC5000, Lanier C550 Savin c5050 postscript unit | eBay

[sostek]

I agree with the ebay route, you could also try guttenprint.

[Voltage]

I agree with the ebay route, you could also try guttenprint.

I can print black and white with gutenprint, but i am not able to get it to print in color. Am i doing something wrong or am i farting against a tornado?

[KenB]

I can't say it strongly enough: Stick with the PostScript option, and stay away from Gutenprint.If you go the Gutenprint route you are begging for trouble. It's something that, as a dealer, you simply cannot support. It may work for a while, until you get calls for things like: it prints too slowly (and it will), the color is not right, not all the features are there, etc...If you use Gutenprint, the next thing you know is that your sales force will stop selling the PostScript option, as they'll think it's not needed anymore. That will hurt your dealerships bottom line.Baaaaaad medicine.

[Llama God]

I agree with Ken, you're making a rod for your own back by trying to help. The next thing you know their printing's off and you have to fix it because you installed it. 2 weeks later and you're back again. Not only that, the customer thinks that the machine's shit and you don't know what you're doing so all credibility has gone to hell in a handcart.

[AyJayAreDii]

No decent way around this. they need post script. as long as you sold them the machines before they got the macs, and no one from your company told them it will work before hand. you done what you can do and it is a lead for your salesman to sell them the upgrade. if they refuse? Do what I do! Tell them that apple is great kit. if you use all apple hardware and software. and unfortunately apple dont have any MFDs on the market.

[Oze]

and unfortunately apple dont have any MFDs on the market.

Thank gawd for small mercies