Re: Silentype Printer; how does it compare?

["Steven M. Fish" <iigs_deletethis@bytebucket.com>]

I would agree that you should get an Imagewriter.  I've used a few over
the years and been very happy with them.  While it's a bit noisier than
the Silentype, it's much sturdier and more reliable.  If you're
interested, here's a little info about the Silentype & Imagewriter from
the CSA2 FAQ History Docs:

- Silentype's operation was very quiet, about as loud as sliding your
finger across a piece of paper. 

- It originally sold for $599 in June 1979.

- The printing looked very much like that produced by a dot-matrix
printer.

- After the Silentype printer was released in 1979, Apple looked for
another printer that would produce better, more permanent output than
could be achieved with a thermal printer.  One of the main problems
with thermal paper was that with time the printing could fade,
especially if cellophane tape was used on the paper.  

- The Apple ImageWriter (made by C. Itoh) was released in December 1983.

- It had a faster print speed (120 cps), and could print in eight
different pitches (character widths).  

- It was a very reliable, sturdy printer, and sold originally for $675.

Steven M. Fish

In article <8ke634$qa2$1@nnrp1.deja.com>, <bobryan9@my-deja.com> wrote:

> In article <%Tva5.7351$V34.116379@news1.sttls1.wa.home.com>,
>   "Ernest" <ernestls@home.com> wrote:
> > I saw a Apple Silentype printer on Ebay, and I'm sort of interested in
> > buying one but I wanted to ask if anyone has used one before, and if
> so...
> > how does it compare to the ImageWriter I?
> >
> 
> Get an ImageWriter.  I have a few for cheap.
> 
> 
> > I don't know anything about the Silentype printer. Is it a serial
> printer?
> > Is it a thermal printer (thus silent?)
> 
> I think the SilenType printer uses an interface similar to a standard
> serial port, but it came with it's own interface card.
> 
> It is a thermal printer and requires special paper.
> 
> I have the Silentype interface card if you decide to buy the printer on
> Ebay and it doesn't come with the card.
> 
> Bob
> 
> 
> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.