Non-Mac OS Printer to Mac

MacNNJ

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Is there a way to convert or use a non-Mac OS printer with a Mac? I have a Canon all in one that only supports Windows and wanted to know if there is a way to use it with my Mac.

Can I hook it up to the network and use it that way? Any thoughts or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
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rshames


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It depends on the printer language it understands. What model printer is it? Does it have a network interface?
 
cwa107

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Canon does support Macs. Let us know the model number and we'll help you find the correct driver.
 
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MacNNJ

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rshames said:
It depends on the printer language it understands. What model printer is it? Does it have a network interface?
Click to expand...

cwa107 said:
Canon does support Macs. Let us know the model number and we'll help you find the correct driver.
Click to expand...
Canon MF8180c

And, yes it does have a network interface (Ethernet port).
 
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MacNNJ said:
Canon MF8180c

And, yes it does have a network interface (Ethernet port).
Click to expand...

Wow. I stand corrected! Canon doesn't provide any drivers for anything other than Windows for that model, much to my surprise.

That is one heck of a printer though, very high end. I'm amazed that they don't have Mac OS drivers.
 
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cwa107 said:
Wow. I stand corrected! Canon doesn't provide any drivers for anything other than Windows for that model, much to my surprise.

That is one heck of a printer though, very high end. I'm amazed that they don't have Mac OS drivers.
Click to expand...
I know, thanks. Can I connect it to our network though?

Or, what if I connect it to another PC (non-Mac) that is connected to the network, would I be able to use it than?

I do have it Windows installed and can use it that way, but I don't have that many programs in Windows.
 
cwa107

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MacNNJ said:
I know, thanks. Can I connect it to our network though?

Or, what if I connect it to another PC (non-Mac) that is connected to the network, would I be able to use it than?

I do have it Windows installed and can use it that way, but I don't have that many programs in Windows.
Click to expand...

You might try establishing a network connection through LPD and picking another Canon driver, in the hopes that it's smart enough to interpret generic commands.

Assuming you know the printer's IP address, just go to add a printer through System Preferences => Print & Fax. Click on IP, then select LPD for the Protocol, type in the IP address and leave the queue name blank. I would try the Canon Gutenprint driver shown in the attached image. Experiment with that and the Generic Postscript driver and maybe even try an HP Color LaserJet 4500 driver.
 
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cwa107 said:
You might try establishing a network connection through LPD and picking another Canon driver, in the hopes that it's smart enough to interpret generic commands.

Assuming you know the printer's IP address, just go to add a printer through System Preferences => Print & Fax. Click on IP, then select LPD for the Protocol, type in the IP address and leave the queue name blank. I would try the Canon Gutenprint driver shown in the attached image. Experiment with that and the Generic Postscript driver and maybe even try an HP Color LaserJet 4500 driver.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. Right now we are using another printer on the network, until I can get a switch (I have no more available ports on our router to hook up the printer).
 
cwa107

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MacNNJ said:
Thanks for the info. Right now we are using another printer on the network, until I can get a switch (I have no more available ports on our router to hook up the printer).
Click to expand...

I'm still blown away that Canon doesn't have a Mac driver for that printer. Considering how popular Macs are in graphic arts, that basically leaves that printer model inaccessible to a sizable market.
 
dtravis7

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cwa107 said:
I'm still blown away that Canon doesn't have a Mac driver for that printer. Considering how popular Macs are in graphic arts, that basically leaves that printer model inaccessible to a sizable market.
Click to expand...

Yeah agreed. I thought for sure Canon would have a OSX driver for a printer of that caliber. I have been searching the Gimp Print site and someone there is asking them if they plan to support the Canon MF8180c in a future release. Hope they do.

http://www.nabble.com/Printing-with-Canon-MF-8180C-on-OSX-to14123219.html
 
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MacHeadCase

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If they got more posts about the same question, maybe they could try it, me thinks. Or at least reply it isn't possible, if it isn't.
 
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MacNNJ

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MacHeadCase said:
If they got more posts about the same question, maybe they could try it, me thinks. Or at least reply it isn't possible, if it isn't.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion...DONE! :)
 
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MacHeadCase

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Good luck to you, MacNNJ. :)

I'm with you guys: usually Canon is real Mac-friendly with their printers and I can't understand this one either.
 
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MacNNJ

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MacHeadCase said:
Good luck to you, MacNNJ. :)

I'm with you guys: usually Canon is real Mac-friendly with their printers and I can't understand this one either.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I think I will call Canon in the New Year and ask them the question.

I enjoy this site MacHead! It has helped me out with several situations.

Have a Happy New Year!
 
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MacHeadCase

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Happy New Year to you sir as well. :)

And am glad the forum has helped you so far.
 
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MacNNJ

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MacHeadCase said:
Well they should all post in that Gutenprint forum thread. LOL :D
Click to expand...
Funny you should say that, but I registered there too and suggested that. ;) lol
 

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