Color LaserJet 5 & JetDirect Card

[olePigeon]

I got a Color LaserJet 5 in pretty good condition for $65. I think I might need to get a drum for it at some point (40%) cuz it prints a very faint line on everything, but the rest of the consumables must have been replaced relatively recently (or it was used very, very lightly.) They're at around 10% to 20% of total lifetime. So I shouldn't have to replace anything for a long while.

I'm on the hunt for a relatively cheap PostScript L2 SIMM for the Color LaserJet. This will upgrade it to a 5M. The generic PCL 5c driver doesn't know how to use the high-res option, so it just prints everything twice as big. Once I get the official HP drivers and can print over PostScript, I'll be able to set the options for the printer.

I also picked up new, old stock JetDirect card at the local recycler for $5. So now this puppy's on ethernet. With native AppleTalk support I'll be able to print from my classic Macs as well as my MacBook Pro.

What blows me away is how vivid the color is on this old thing. They're actually more vibrant than anything I've ever printed on a newer LaserJet 3600. It's pretty amazing, albeit very slow. Hehe. I don't mind. I'm also on the hunt for a second tray so I can load 11x17 on it. It can print in B&W on 11x17 which will come in handy.

I think the best part is that the toner costs $2 per color online. 6 pages per minute is worth it for $2 toner. You can't beat that price.

 

[CompactMacLover]

I have a Color LaserJet 4500 with the JetDirect card, It had the toner replaced 5 years ago when I bought it at a yard sale. I just now put a new imaging drum in it this year. Prints excellent color, A bit slow to process a large photo, but once it goes it goes. Plus it works with all my classic macs. Has native appletalk. As long as I can get toner and parts for it, Ill never get rid of it. Plus it weighs 170lbs so its a pain to move. Other then that, Its been a good solid printer that has never given me any trouble other then the occasional paper jam, which is easy enough, just clean the rollers and go.

I think in the fall ill put a maintenence kit through it just to replace the rollers and aging stuff, As long as computers still support IP printing, Ill use this beast