Impact (dot matrix) printer for Macs?

[Christine224]

I am in the process of purchasing an impact printer to print 4 part carbonless forms for our small business. Is there a brand that works better with Macs?

We have 4-5 iMacs running OS 10.9 that I want to network with the printer hopefully wirelessly.
Any words of wisdom out there?

 

[harryb2448]

G'day and elcome to the forums.

Twenty odd years ago Apple made their own dot matrix printers, but that finished about the time the first Bondi Blue G3 iMac hit the streets, maybe 1997. Now it is trial and error. As a rule of thumb Brother, Epson and Cannon printers work well with Macs, but dot matrix don't know if anyone makes them any more. The ribbon costs were quite heavy.

 

[Slydude]

The last dot matrix printer I saw still in production was made by Epson though i don't remember the exact model number.

 

[chscag]

I am in the process of purchasing an impact printer to print 4 part carbonless forms for our small business. Is there a brand that works better with Macs?

We have 4-5 iMacs running OS 10.9 that I want to network with the printer hopefully wirelessly.
Any words of wisdom out there?

How much do you want to pay for one? Epson has several models that include serial, USB, and ethernet connection. However, they are not inexpensive. I don't believe you're going to find one that works wireless though. Go to the Amazon site and take a look at their stock. Just type in "Impact Printer for Mac" and you'll get plenty of hits.

 

[Christine224]

I have found Epson and Okidata still make impact printers. Both say they work with Macs and have drivers on their webpages for Macs. Apparently they can be pricey but I have also learned they can last 10-15 years.

 

[chscag]

I saw those on Amazon. Not sure I would be willing to pay $500 for an impact printer, but it's your money.

 

[Christine224]

Yeah, they are kind of pricey but if they last 10-15 years AND save time in the office when we fill out the forms on a computer vs. by hand (often illegible) I think it will be worth it in the end. We will find out! I have calls into both Okidata and Epson to talk to a rep to find out which one will be best for our situation. I am just happy that I can buy a new one vs. looking for used one.

 

[harryb2448]

Double check the printers have drivers for both Mavericks and Yosemite (OS X.9 and OS X.10). Not simply "Mac Drivers' which can often mean way, way back to Tiger OS X.4!

 

[Christine224]

Thank you for the heads up. Both manufacturer's site addresses Mavericks and Yosemite.

 

[XJ-linux]

We use Printek printers at work for BOL and such. They work with CUPS as well.