In an unusual move, Apple has released simultaneous OS X driver updates for eight different brands. These include Canon, Samsung, Gestetner, Ricoh, Infotec, Lanier, InfoPrint, and NRG. Filesizes range from just under 17MB for the InfoPrint drivers to almost 330MB for Canon.
Apple last night released a driver update for Brother printers, v2.8.1. As with most such updates, Apple isn't identifying exact changes; the code does, however, include the latest Brother printing and scanning software. The download requires OS X 10.6.1 or later, and measures 149.61MB, making it comparatively small for a printer update package.
As of today Apple has put a stop to a $100 printer rebate offered alongside new Macs, says 9to5Mac. The information comes from a leaked internal support document. The memo does note, though, that people still have up to 90 days after their original date of purchase -- the last eligible date being January 16th -- to submit a rebate. "An additional 30 days will be given to correct invalid claims," Apple offers.
Apple on late Tuesday released a trio of software updates. Among these is Logic Express 9.1.6, a patch for the company's mid-range audio editor. The code brings Express up to par with Logic Pro, which recently migrated to the Mac App Store. Numerous compatibility, performance, control, and instrumentation problems have been fixed. The update measures 140.58MB, and requires OS X 10.6.8 or later.
Today in MacNN forums a user by the name of Helmling is looking for a 100% Mac compatible color laser all-in-one printer that can scan over Wi-Fi and isn't overly expensive, click here to join in. A discussion on what kind of Mac software can an eMac use, and how the software would be installed, has recently started, click here to read more.
Although printers may not be on everyones stocking stuffer list this holiday season, Black Friday price cuts can be found on a wide range of styles. Amazon.com has the Lexmark Prospect Pro205 wireless multifunction Inkjet printer for $87.99, which is $86 less than the list price of $173.99. Head to Newegg.com for the bargain priced Samsung workgroup monochrome wireless laser printer, now $39.99 after a $80 price cut.
Epson's Workforce line of printers is aimed at small businesses, and offers not only the standard "all-in-one" functions of copying, printing, scanning and faxing we've come to expect, but also remote printing via an iOS app. The Workforce 840 features two paper trays, fast (but somewhat noisy) printing and good-quality printing for a 4-ink printer. But there are a few flaws that may cause buyers to reconsider, as Reviews Editor Ilene Hoffman uncovers in our exclusive review.
Apple has released a trio of software updates, beginning with Aperture 3.2.1. The patch is said to fix just four issues, the most critical being one that caused the software to suddenly quit while running on a Core Duo processor. Also eliminated are glitches that caused the Crop tool to malfunction, a rendering issue when cropping with Onscreen Proofing on, and bad display of location menus on the map in the Places view.
Apple late today release updated printer drivers for Canon and FujiXerox printers, scanners and AIO units via its Software Update mechanism. The Canon update brings almost all of the company's drivers up to v10.42.1.0 and adds some new models as well, while the FujiXerox update changes the version on a handful of the company's many supported printers to either v2.1 or v2.2, leaving most of them (including some new-model additions) at v2.0.
HP will begin implementing a worldwide firmware update to select LaserJet and multi-function printer (MFP) models to enable wireless network printing from mobile devices as well as connect to HP's cloud service and print remotely. The update will add to the number of models accessible by the iOS feature AirPrint, which allows devices running iOS 4.2 or later the ability to print from selected apps and native programs to AirPrint-enabled HP printers.
Apple has released a new set of drivers for Epson printers. Now at v2.8, the drivers technically include both printing and scanning software. The download is a sizable 961.5MB, but is compatible with both Lion and Snow Leopard, and also supports a variety of languages.
Epson today added to its lineup of professional-level inkjet printers with the introduction of the Stylus Pro 3880 "Signature Worthy" Edition, a 17-inch printer featuring extra-wide color gamuts with nine of Epson's own UltraChrome K3 inks for more vivid magenta tones as well as deeper hutes of blue and violet. The special edition also comes with six letter-sized packs of a matching line of "Signature Worthy" papers.
Epson has added two variations to their line of Artisan high-quality all-in-one wireless printers -- The 837 and the 730, both sporting covers and trim in what the company calls "midnight blue" and also including a new emerald green smart-touch panel that is three times brighter than before, offering easy and computer-free navigation. Both printers can be paired with companion apps for iOS and Blackberry devices for remote printing.
Apple has issued updates to the printer drivers for Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Lion for customers using HP, Brother and Samsung printers, as well as Lion users with HP printers. The HP drivers require at least OS X 10.6.1, while the Brother and Samsung drivers require only 10.6.0 or higher. The Brother and HP drivers are mostly updates for existing supported printers, while the Samsung drivers expand the number of supported devices.
HP is distributing a new firmware update which substantially augments the number of AirPrint-compatible printers. Eight more LaserJet models have been added; these include the P1102w and P1606dn, as well as six Pro models: the CP1025nw, M1212nf, M1213nf, M1214nfh, M1216nfh and M1217nfw. Prior to today only five LaserJets supported AirPrint, all of which were Pro devices.
LG Electronics has partnered with Memjet to produce the Machjet JPP6010N, which they claim is the world's fastest A4-size color desktop printer. The Machjet is capable of up to 60 ppm speed at 1600x800 dpi resolution, comparable to color laser printers. The key component is Memjet's ink handling technology, which puts 70,000 nozzles on a single printhead. This enables resolution rivaling color laser printers but with a fraction of the energy use. The Machjet has a total cost of ownership that is less than half of color laser printers, according to LG. The Machjet also uses less ink than standard inkjets.
Samsung has introduced two new wireless printers, the CLP-325W and CLX-3185FW. Both printers feature the company's new "polymerized chemical" toner, which is claimed to create more durable prints with stronger fusing for less image deterioration.
Hewlett-Packard has sent out a new firmware update on six of its business LaserJet models, enabling mobile print and additional built-in print options, and promises more models will be supported as well. The HP ePrint compatible printers can now have print jobs sent to them by any email-capable device. Additionally the firmware update will add additional printing options, called "business apps" by HP, that users can interact with directly on internet-connected printer models with no computer required.
AirPrint should gain much broader device support in the near future, according to Apple's Steve Jobs. The CEO recently responded via e-mail to a complaint about the number of printers AirPrint is currently compatible with, limited to just 11 HP models. "Lots more coming soon," Jobs' e-mail opens.
Ecamm has launched Printopia, a new Mac printing app. The software tricks iOS 4.2 devices into recognizing any Mac printer as an AirPrint-compatible device. Users can additionally direct files to "virtual" printers, for instance output as a JPG or PDF file on a Mac. Another option includes printing to a Dropbox folder for online sync purposes.
Epson today introduced the Workforce 320 and Workforce 325. The new entry-level all-in-ones offer the ability to scan directly to PDF and e-mail. Other business-friendly features are the inclusion of a large 30-page automatic document feeders and fade, water, and smudge resistant ink that comes in individual color cartridges.
Additional details surrounding HP's eStation Zeen tablet and Zeus printer have emerged. The Zeen tablet allegedly runs Android 2.1 paired with a custom HP skin, rather than a WebOS implementation, although it is unclear if the company will upgrade to v2.2 before the public launch, unnamed sources have told Engadget.
Epson has launched three new all-in-one printers, the Artisan 835, Artisan 725 and an all-white Artisan 725 Arctic Edition. The printers feature speeds of up to 10-second-per-print, 4x6 photo printing, built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi, and wireless iPhone printing support. They also offer scanning and copying and automated two-side printing, along with support for SD, SDHC, Compact Flash and Memory Stick cards.
Apple has released a collection of four new patches, covering multiple products. Central is Aperture 3.0.2, which addresses general stability in the workflow app, as well as 13 individual problem areas. Some of the latter including upgrading libraries from Aperture 1.x or 2.x, creating print presets, using the Curves, Straighten and Retouching tools, and IPTC metadata. The upgrade is a 69.83MB download.
MacNN has reviewed three recent releases, beginning with Bento 3, FileMaker's personal-level database software. The program is described as easy to use, with upgraded features such as new views and encrypted fields. Some flaws still remain however, including problems with syncing back to Address Book, and changing font color or size in individual fields.
Plustek Technology has introduced a new product for its line of MobileOffice scanners, the D428. The compact 4 x 12 scanner handles everything from document imaging to working with content management apps, and is designed for small or large home offices, banks and pharmacies. It delivers a maximum 600dpi resolution and supports scanning speeds of up to 2.2 seconds-per-page or 28 pages-per-minute. It also supports a wide range of page and media sizes, enabling users to scan an item as thick as a credit card.
Dell on Wednesday introduced six new inkjet all-in-one printers geared for home and business use. All of the models feature print speeds of up to 33 pages per minute in monochrome or 25 pages per minute in color. Monochrome copy speeds are claimed to reach 25 pages per minute, with color copies processed as fast as 21 pages per minute. All "w" variants feature integrated wireless connectivity, while an optional Bluetooth dongle can be connected to the USB Pictbridge port.
Apple has posted a new cumulative driver update for Mac OS X Snow Leopard, supporting printers by HP. The v2.2 HP update includes software for both scanning and printing, and ensures compatibility with a broad selection of HP hardware. Numerous product lines are covered, including Business Inkjets, LaserJets, Color LaserJets, DesignJets, DeskJets, OfficeJets, Photosmarts and PSCs.
HP has introduced the App Studio, a new service attached to a recent printer, the Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web. Apps allow the printer to quickly print off sanctioned content, such as movie tickets, art projects from Disney, photos from Flickr or 60 Minutes articles from CBS. The service uses an open API, and HP is hoping to introduce a variety of new print apps in the future, in some cases based on user suggestions.
Brother on Thursday introduced several new printers in its HL-3000 series and MFC-9000 lineup. The HL-3040CN features print speeds of up to 17 ppm in color or monochrome, with 600x2400 dpi resolution. Users can place up to 250 sheets of paper into the feeder and connect the printer via Ethernet or USB 2.0 interfaces.
Lexmark on Tuesday introduced eight new all-in-one inkjet printers geared for small- to medium-size business. The Platinum Pro905 features a 4.3-inch touchscreen and a customizable interface for quicker access to frequent tasks. Users can also view web content from the display, such as news, weather, or photo sharing sites.
Apple has published a series of official support documents for Mac OS X Snow Leopard, which ships today. These cover Finder and the desktop, the printing process, and more crucially a number of incompatible applications. A specific set of programs may be automatically moved to an "Incompatible Software" folder on a Mac, and/or blocked from being opened.
Epson has released the 610 and the 1100 as part of its WorkForce line of printers. Both new models integrate Wi-Fi, wired networking and PC Fax capabilities, while the device construction is designed to be recyclable and meet ENERGY STAR standards. The all-in-one WorkForce 610 has a 2.5-inch LCD tilt screen and an automatic document feeder (ADF) that supports maximum print speeds of up to 38 pages per minute (ppm) in greyscale and color. Laser-quality work can be run at up to 15 ppm for black content or 9.3 ppm for color.
After surfacing earlier this month, DYMO today officially launched three new label printers in its LabelWriter 450 series. The 450 series printers output US Postal Service approved labels, barcodes and name badges, among other uses. The new series can print from 50 to 70 labels per minute, depending on the model, from software like Word, Outlook, QuickBooks and CardScan. USPS labels can be printed for First Class, Express Mail, Flat Rate postage, postcards and more. The label writers connect to Macs and PCs via USB.
Lexmark has announced a new line of inkjet printers, with eight all-in-one devices to be released on September 1. The printers each integrate 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreens for "as needed" navigation. Graphical icons provide quick access to basic print, copy and scan functions. The printers also utilize Lexmark's new Vizix print technology, featuring separate ink tanks to improve printing speed and printing precision. The line boasts Wireless-N connectivity for customers needing a longer range and faster file-transfer rates.
DYMO has introduced the LabelWriter 450 series of label printers. The devices build upon the features of the LabelWriter 400 printers, while providing a revamped exterior with a glossy finish. The company has improved printing speeds across-the-board, with the basic LabelWriter now capable of 51 labels per minute and the Turbo model churning out 71 labels per minute.
Epson has added a new entry-level model to its Artisan line of inkjet and all-in-one printers. The Artisan 50 is equipped with six separate ink cartridges, and is designed for everyday use, including photos, documents and printing on CDs and DVDs. Epson says the printer is capable of 37ppm with black ink, and 28ppm when operating in color. So-called "laser-quality" print speeds are much slower, measured at 5ppm in black, and 4.8ppm in color. Manual two-sided printing is also supported.
Epson has added to its WorkForce line of business inkjet printers with a new model aimed at small businesses. The WorkForce 310 incorporates fax, copy and scanning functions, as well as built-in Ethernet connectivity. The unit is said to print up to twice as fast as competing models, at 16ppm in black and 5.6ppm in color, judging by the new ISO/IEC 24734 standard. The standard is aimed at providing a consistent benchmark for comparing the speed of models from different manufacturers.
Epson has announced that its printers are now supported by EuroSmartz's Print & Share app for the iPhone and iPod touch. With the added compatibility, users can wirelessly print information stored on an Apple handheld; the printer itself must be connected to a computer via networking or USB. Some supported document types include photos, PDF files and general business documents.
Today's deals at DealNN include iPods, MacBooks, printers and more. Apple's online store is offering four unibody MacBook configurations starting at $1099. The 2.0Ghz MacBook with 160GB hard drive ($1099) and the 2.4GHz MacBook with 250GB hard drive ($1399) both have 2GB of RAM. Both models are also available with a 128GB Solid State Drive, in place of the standard hard drive, for $1699 and $1899 respectively.
Sony is experimenting with the concept of a photo printer using technology similar to Microsoft's Surface computer, patent filings suggest. The application depicts a flat-topped inkjet printer, whose main surface would be dominated by a touchscreen. To sync photos with the system owners would simply place a camera on top of the screen, initiating a wireless download; the screen could then be used to select photos for printing, or simply to browse images on a larger display.
Today's DealNN deals include a variety of products from solid state drives and printers to flash drives. First up is the 32GB Cavalry Pelican solid state drive priced at $79.99 at Buy.com. Get VMware Fusion 1.0 with free upgrade to version 2.0 at MacMall.com for $14.99 after mail in rebate. RadioShack.com is offering a buy-one-get-one deal on two different products, the 4GB SanDisk Cruzer micro and the Gigaware VGA PC webcam, both priced at $19.99. The Canon Pixma all in one color printer is priced at $64.99 at Newegg.com. CompUSA.com is offering the 32GB Patriot Xporter XT for $64.99 with a $20 mail in rebate offer that drops the price down to $44.99.
Evolis has released drivers for its line of card printers that are now compatible with Mac OS X. The company offers a range of printers, including monochrome or four-color process devices that are capable of reproducing images, logos, text or barcodes. Certain models are capable of adding lamination with holograms, or data encoding of magnetic stripes or smartcards. The Tattoo2 products are designed for single-sided color badge production for small organizations or clubs.
Brother has launched its next generation of inkjet printers, with printing, copying, scanning and faxing capabilities on all three new models. Its flagship MFC-790CW also includes a 4.2-inch touch screen and wireless networking. The 790 model includes 802.11 b/g wireless network support for printing without wires and supporting multiple PCs at once, direct printing from media cards and through its PictBridge interface and a 15-page automatic document feeder. It also has front-loading inks, a telephone handset with a digital answering machine built in and prints at a 33 page per minute rate.
Apple on Thursday unveiled HP Printer Driver 1.1.1, a set of updated printer drivers for a vast array of HP printers, weighing in at a total of 405MB. While the complete set of drivers is immense in size, when obtained through Software Update, only the printers attached to or used by the system in the past will be downloaded, easing the strain on users' internet connections. The full HP Printer Driver 1.1.1 update is available for download through Apple's support website.
Epson on Tuesday announced the release of three new Stylus all-in-one printers, including the NX300, NX200 and NX100. The three slide in under the existing all-in-one NX400, and are designed to handle printing, scanning, copying and faxing duties in households, though only the NX300 is capable of faxing documents. It is also the only one of the three to include a 30-page Auto Document Feeder (ADF), and is rated to print at speeds up to 31ppm. The fax function has a 100-page memory, and it includes ABBYY FineReader OCR software that can turn printed documents into editable text.
Epson has announced two new color, all-in-one inkjet printers, the Artisan 700 and 800. Both are six-color systems, and have features such as automatic photo correction, USB, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, and the ability to print directly from CF, SD/SDHC, xD and Memory Stick cards. Another option -- a part of Epson's "PC-free" printing tools -- involves the quick production of ruled or graphing paper.
Continuing its photography-related announcements, Canon has revealed two new PIXMA photo printers, the MP980 and MP620. Both printers continue to feature the company's Auto Photo Fix feature, which can make automatic adjustments for factors like contrast, saturation and red-eye; new is the inclusion of an Auto Scan Mode, which will detect the type of document being scanned, perform cropping, and save images to JPEG or PDF files. Each printer is also Wi-Fi and Ethernet enabled.
Samsung Korea on Tuesday introduced what it claims are the smallest color laser printers ever built. According to the Akihabara News, the CLP-315K is 20 percent smaller than the previous generation the CLP-300; it operates at 45dB and features a resolution of 2,400 x 600 dpi, 32MB of internal memory, speed of 16 pages per minutes (ppm) in black and four ppm in color. In addition to the smaller footprints, Samsung claims that it has "drastically improved" the photo output quality.
Computer giant HP has announced the introduction of several new printers, all aimed at business use. At the forefront is the L7590 All-in-One, which as its name implies is also capable of faxing and flatbed copying or scanning. All operations can be performed in color, and it can print anywhere between 5 and 35 pages per minute, depending primarily on quality mode rather than which color mode is being used.
