Re: Silentype Printer; how does it compare?

["Ernest" <ernestls@home.com>]

Steven M. Fish wrote in message
<100720002355409653%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


Thanks for the info. I already have an ImageWriter I, hooked onto my A2e but
I was considering getting a Silentype for my A2+. I didn't realize that it
needed a card. I put a bid in on the one on ebay but I was out bid at
$32.00. I guess that I'm glad I didn't win this one but maybe I'll pick one
up some other time.

Ernest