QTR-Quadtone RIP

Pierre Archambault <ve2caz@...> wrote:

> I've been using PCs for a long time now and am considering getting a Mac
> next time around. From my perspective this seems unusually unintuitive for a
> Mac. Are there other little gotchas that a future Mac ex PC user might have
> to worry about?

The problem appears to be that Epson can't be bothered to write good drivers for the Mac.  From what I've read, they have a long history of treating Mac users as third-class customers.  So yes, the situation with PK vs. MK on the Mac is counter-intuitive but manageable.  

So you're happily printing along from QTR using PK and you decide to switch to MK.  No problem.  You're done printing matte and ready to switch back when you encounter this error, right?  Not to worry.  If you're reading this before you run into the problem, you're in luck -- just start at step 2 below.  If not, you'll burn a little extra ink.  

1.  Re-install the MK ink
2.  Delete the printer from your Print & Fax preference pane
3.  Configure a "new" 2200 just like the one you deleted, but use a name that tells you it's for MK ink (e.g. Stylus Photo 2200 MK).  It may complain that a queue for this printer already exists but tell it to create anyway.
4.  Switch to PK ink
5.  Configure a "new" 2200 and name it so-as to indicate PK ink.  Again, don't worry if it complains about already having a queue for that printer.

Now when you print, just select the "printer" that uses whichever ink you have installed at the time.  <rant>It's an inelegant solution for sure, but as more people switch to the Mac (like I did and like you probably will) I predict Epson management will eventually pull its metaphorical head out of its metaphorical arse and dedicate some resources toward better Mac drivers.</rant>  That said, the only other problem I've run into is that the 2200 doesn't work worth a flip trying to connect to a Mac via Firewire.  My hunch is that's also a driver issue since it works quite well under Windows.  Not a big deal since I prefer to leave the only FW port on my 12" PowerBook available for external hard drives and a high-speed card reader.

Hope this helps.
73,
Kyle




 
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