copier for macbook pro

Pretty much anything should work as long as there are proper drivers. I've got a Canon multifunction center myself and it works quite well with my Mac. I have it set up as a wireless printer through my wireless access point and it connects just as well wirelessly or through a wired (ethernet) connection on that access point. I haven't really tried it with USB though.

Do you want an inkjet, black & white laser, or color laser? I mostly just want black & white and bought one similar to this:

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-imageCLASS-MF236n-Mobile-Printer/dp/B01K1KUQHK/

I got mine price matched at Office Depot from an Amazon price, although it's a model that seem to have been discontinued. Knocked down the pre-tax price to about $115.

Wi-Fi can be tedious to program if you’ve got a password. I had to try a few times entering on my little screen doing that funky way to select the alphabet and especially capitalized letters. Once I got it working I’ve never had an issue.

You'll need the right drivers, and Canon recommends manually downloading the driver package rather than automatically searching for the right drivers.

If your unit has an Ethernet port, connect that with an ethernet cable to your Router.

If you MUST use Wireless, remember that the signal is coming from your Router, NOT your computer.

There is one gigantic pitfall that manufacturers are setting up for you -- the ability to just print photos direct from your phone (and nothing else). In that mode the Copier becomes its own Router, accepts input directly from your phone, and works not at all with your computer. Be sure to avoid that setting -- it is usually the default!

There are three things your copier must get right to participate on your Home Network using Wi-Fi:

• the network-name

• the password

• the IP address manually, or the method to get one (usually "using DHCP")

All must be supplied to the Printer somehow, as y-p-w alluded, the front panel is a frequent input method. Some printers will allow a temporary USB cable hookup, allow you to enter these items, then switch over to Wi-Fi.

Honestly, it doesn’t really sound like an Apple-specific issue or where the Apple equipment is where you’re getting stuck.

But yeah it can be frustrating programming these things. Everything needs to be entered through a tiny low res membrane touch screen with multiple presses to get different letters and caps. A web style interface like on routers would make it easier.

Sounds like you have a box supplied by a service provider like Comcast. I was thinking maybe you had WiFi equipment that has a button to press to connect, where the first device that responds is connected, or something like that. I haven't tried it out myself, but my box has something like that.

susan hollywood Said:

“What printer, scanner, copier is most compatible with my Macbook Pro 2017-2018? both wireless & with usb cable? thanks.“

Many Multifunction Devices are compatible. But, some just aren’t. So, look up the specs and see if the drivers are downloadable. Nowadays, not all have Wi-Fi, but would, indeed, use a USB cable (A-to-B).

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:

Consider connecting it temporarily via USB, getting the Wi-Fi settings entered, then switching to Wi-Fi connection.

I've got a Canon imageCLASS MFC myself, which should have a similar WiFi setup. I'm looking over the owner manual on setting up a connection to WiFi. I see WPS push button setup, which won't apply to the OP since she has a service provider box with a fixed SSID and password. The only way to set up WiFi is with the dinky little touch screen panel with each button representing multiple letters where multiple presses to the same button advances to the next letter. I don't believe there's a way to access the settings by connecting a computer via USB. You're thinking maybe there's some sort of way to get to an HTML-based setup like a router connected to a computer via ethernet or WiFi?

TheLittles wrote:

susan hollywood Said:

“What printer, scanner, copier is most compatible with my Macbook Pro 2017-2018? both wireless & with usb cable? thanks.“

Many Multifunction Devices are compatible. But, some just aren’t. So, look up the specs and see if the drivers are downloadable. Nowadays, not all have Wi-Fi, but would, indeed, use a USB cable (A-to-B).

I don't believe that she has a problem per se with compatibility. She said it works with USB just fine. But for wireless it has to connect to a wireless access point, she's got one that requires a network key, and the only way to input the network key is through a tiny little keypad/display that's prone to errors. I've got a setup like that at work, and I saw it being set up. It took several attempts to get the network key right because the keypad/display is so tiny and difficult to use.

Yes, very similar to the screens used in Router setup screens.

I have an HP 2550n color Printer, and it sends HTML setup pages to a web browser if you connect it, either via Ethernet (not an option on the Canon) or via USB. When preparing to go wireless, you can enter all the data on those HTML setup screens (over USB connection) then you will be ready to go. Disconnect the USB and you are ready for Wi-Fi.

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:

Yes, very similar to the screens used in Router setup screens.

I have an HP 2550n color Printer, and it sends HTML setup pages to a web browser if you connect it, either via Ethernet (not an option on the Canon) or via USB. When preparing to go wireless, you can enter all the data on those HTML setup screens (over USB connection) then you will be ready to go. Disconnect the USB and you are ready for Wi-Fi.

My Canon MFC has an ethernet port, but I don't see anything in the manual detailing a way to set it up via HTML. It's the front panel touch screen only. I suspect the same for the OP.

TheLittles wrote:

y_p_w Said:

” It took several attempts to get the network key right because the keypad/display is so tiny and difficult to use.”

So, how’d you succeed? Did you use a stylus?

I wasn't working on it. It was a coworker with smaller fingers. It was just a bunch of tries until the network key was entered correctly and accepted. It took a while because it might take a couple of minutes before there's a response that it succeeded or failed.