I am currently running Ventura 13.5. I would like to know what Canon or Epson printers for under $300 have others used with this system. Any info on glitches, issues connecting, or has there been one that has functioned effortlessly with this system. (Yes I know I should update the OS but updating gives me panic attacks.)
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Need to update printer.
ONLY buy a printer that has “AirPrint” support.
That will make it painless to setup, no drivers to install, and it will continue to work even if the vendor stops supporting it.
You will also be able to print directly from your iPhone or iPad.
Once you know the printer has AirPrint support, then look at the printer’s other features.
I am on my second AirPrint capable printer. I would still be using the first one, if lightning hadn’t gotten it ⚡️
My current AirPrint printer is a Brother Multi-function laser printer. The nice thing about this is that there is no vendor lock-in for toner cartridges. I’m currently using a 3rd party cartridge, and it is printing just fine.
Penguinsoda wrote:
Yeah but I have visions of things exploding and never getting them back when updating, even knowing I have everything (theoretically) on the external back up drive. Last time I lost several of my programs (no longer compatible) and lost the scan function on my printer (hence needing a new printer).
Again, get a printer with AirPrint support.
Apple provides the AirPrint drivers built-in to macOS, and the AirPrint capabilities are built into the printer. No extra software needed. No software to save. No software to update.
After that, all you need is paper and ink.
And if you get a printer that does not lock you into buying the ink from the printer’s manufacturer, you will be able to use the printer, even if the manufacturer goes out of business.
I used my previous printer for 12 years, and would be still using it if lightning hadn’t gotten to it. I expect I’ll use my current printer just as long.
And I have not done anything, with respect to printer software, for all those years. The printer continued to work after each macOS update. I did not even think about it.
AirPrint handles printing, scanning, FAXing (assuming anyone still FAXes, and you attach a phone line to the printer). I mostly print, but I have occasionally scanned things, and it was never a problem.
The ONLY software you have to deal with, is the software that creates what you want to print, and that is not tied to your printer.
AirPrint. Absolutely AirPrint.
If you might use a Mac or Windows PC, also IPPS support, which is closely related to AirPrint.
General: Which Printer Should I Buy? - Apple Community
Review the websites and the doc, too. Make sure you can read and understand the docs, and can find the detailed tech specs.
Canon, Epson, and HP all push their own printing apps, which ties you to that vendor and the future of those apps. AirPrint and IPPS avoids that. And what else those apps are doing?
Local choice is Brother.
Which is best for you depends on your printing needs.
For example:
Speed
Paper size
Color/black and white
Card stock printing
Scanner
Ink/laser
Front/rear loading
etc.
It is impossible for us to know what printer is best for you without knowing all your printing needs.
Yeah but I have visions of things exploding and never getting them back when updating, even knowing I have everything (theoretically) on the external back up drive. Last time I lost several of my programs (no longer compatible) and lost the scan function on my printer (hence needing a new printer).
I’d go for a Brother printer.
Penguinsoda wrote:
(Yes I know I should update the OS but updating gives me panic attacks.)
It also gives you system fixes and security updates.
👍🏽
Best Canon and Epson printers under $300 for macOS Ventura 13.5
