Re: Printers for Apple IIgs

[dempson@atlantis.actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <DAM798.C5D@dorsai.org>,
James OReilly <joreilly@news.dorsai.org> wrote:
> 
> I understand that for ProDOS programs I can use an Imagewriter II but not 
> any Stylewriter nor any HP Desk Jet.

You can use a DeskJet, with appropriate software (nearly any program
will work with a DeskJet for simple text output, but few will be able
to access its special features such as font selection, styled text or
graphics).

You can't use an HP DeskWriter from ProDOS-8 programs.  I was under
the impression that the DeskWriter didn't support simple ASCII text
output, but some people have reported that it does.  The only problem
is that the DeskWriter requires a high-speed serial connection (57600
bps), which is not possible on a standard Super Serial Card or on the
IIgs (unless special software is used), or an AppleTalk connection
(and there are further problems there).

You can't use a StyleWriter from ProDOS-8 programs, because it only
supports graphics output (not ASCII text), and no P8 program speaks
its language. 

ProDOS-8 programs have to implement their own support for each type of
printer, so support for newer printers like the DeskJet is rather rare.

> I have been told that with GS/OS, I can use an Imagewriter II, 
> Stylewriter I, or a Desk Jet, and I've read that in GS/OS, the operating 
> system determines the printer.

All you need is a IIgs device driver for the printer, and all IIgs
desktop programs that use the Print Manager (about 95% of them) will
be able to use the printer.  Apple supplies drivers for the
ImageWriter II, ImageWriter LQ, LaserWriter (AppleTalk models only)
and StyleWriter I, but not the StyleWriter II.  There are third-party
drivers for many other printers, including HP LaserJets and HP
DeskJets/DeskWriters.

> It has been pointed out to me that if I use a ProDOS application which 
> does not write to a Desk Jet, there is no problem, since I can simply 
> exit Basic.System and print the file from GS/OS.  Under ProDOS, can I 
> write any print file to disk?

Not necessarily.  It depends on the program.  If you can save a file
in text form, you should be able to import it into a GS/OS program to
be printed.  Some graphics programs may be able to export files in a
format that can be imported into GS/OS programs (or you can use a
conversion utility in some cases).

As I mentioned above, any ProDOS-8 program that attempts to print
simple ASCII text will work fine with a DeskJet.  You won't be able to
use styled text (bold, underline, etc.) unless the program specifically
supports the DeskJet (or has a customizable driver, like AppleWorks).

> Is there any problem in Applesoft BASIC with deferred printing, i.e. in 
> printing to disk and then printing from disk to printer under GS/OS?

Applesoft can print directly - just use the normal PR#1 method,
assuming the printer interface has been configured correctly, and you
will get text out of the printer.  If the program tries to output
printer command codes (e.g. EPSON printer codes for changing character
pitch) you will probably get garbage characters on the printout, and
the desired effect will not occur.

Printing to disk from BASIC may require extensive modifications to the
program.
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand