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420

Only supported stuff on linux laptops/desktops

420 points posted to Linux, Service and Support, Desktops and Laptops by alexanthony May 28

I just tried to customise an ubuntu laptop (UK site) and saw that I could add a printer which I am unsure if it supports linux (says Windows 98/XP/Vista). It can't be too hard to make it clear whether or not this printer is supported, and if not, it shouldn't be advertised when customising an ubuntu system.

I also discovered that I could buy Norton Internet Security for it. Does a linux version really exist? No. Should I be able to buy it as part of a linux system? No.

Someone could get really confused when they try to use "supported" accessories and software then realise that they're not...

phubert
May 29		 If you want a printer that will work under Linux, buy HP... can't imagine why anyone would consider a "Dell" printer, anyway... who makes 'em? We know Dell doesn't!
aaron_h
May 29		 I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical when we first started selling Dell printers. But now I own one, and have helped quite a few customers set up everything from the basic inkjet to the networked lasers. I also installed the printers at about 10 or so mall kiosks and I have to say, our printers are solid.
phubert
May 29		 mmmm .. but doesn't HP pretty well stay ahead on performance/features? Never seen a Dell offered at OfficeMax...

And, it seems from visit to visit, I never see the same HP MODELS!! Always a new lineup with lower price/higher performance/more features

..Again, why would I look at a Dell?

And, who DOES manufacture them???
aaron_h
May 29		 I believe we have more than one ODM producing printers, but I don't know the names. I will say that HP does pour a ton of money into their printer business and a huge portion of their profits come from printers and ink. I can't say anything negative about HP, other than I hated reverse Polish notation :). If you give me a specific example of a HP printer, I can check and see what we have that is comparable.
Go to Staples, they sell our printers. :D
phubert
May 29		 Right now, I have an HP Photosmart D7360... 5 colors + black cost $99. at the time...
aaron_h
May 29		 Hmm, come on, give me a hard one. :) The Dell AIO 926 rules at that price. Print, scan, and copy. 6 color photo ink carts, or you can use the cheaper standard color and black cartridges for every day printing.

I do like the 6 individual ink cartridges on the HP and I think it may have a couple more media card slots, but stacked side by side, you can make a pretty good case for the Dell. Definitely enough of one to answer your question of "Why should I look at Dell for printers."
phubert
May 30		 I don't have a Staples nearby... OfficeMax is... but of course I could do online.

Nevertheless, I really want to know who the manufacturer of a device is... with HP or Xerox the question is already answered.
phubert
May 30		 By the way, how does the performance compare to the HP? I really don't need slots or multifunction... this one happens do do photos, I share it between 3 systems at my cube just for single-sided printing.
aaron_h
May 30		 "Color printing as fast as 17 pages per minute and black printing at up to 25 pages per minute" Of course that is with standard test pages, real world results will be more like 10-12 ppm color, 18-20 ppm B&W. I can't find a speed for photos. You can set it up wirelessly with an adapter, or share it the normal way. Scans up to 600 dpi, print on photo paper up to 4800x1200 dpi, regular paper up to 1200x1200 dpi.
Well technically it will scan up to 19,200 dpi but if you tried that it might take a day to finish a scan.

I'm not a salesman, and I am not trying to sell you a new printer, just pointing out that Dell sells some nice printers at decent prices and are worth a look.
alexanthony
May 31		 But however good they are, if they aren't easily going to work in linux, they shouldnt be available in customisation.
According to OpenPrinting, nearly half of all Dell printers are 'Paperweights' under linux.
Someone unfamiliar with printers under linux could assume that they do work.
 
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