Hi, I need to find a reliable color printer for a MacBook Pro 2012, running Sierra 10.12. Can you help?

Hello,

First of all, you may want to have a look at the web sites of some manufacturers (Brother, Canon, Epson, etc). Try to determine what kind of printer you need. If possible, look for a model that has been around for some years. Avoid printers with ink subscription agreements.

Next, go to the official support site of the manufacturer and check whether the download page for the printer in question mentions Mac printer drivers when macOS 10.12 Sierra is selected.

The AirPrint technology (list of printers in the article below), which does not require additional drivers, should per se work with macOS 10.12 Sierra. However, modern printer firmware could possibly lead to limitations, so you may have to carry out tests. Sometimes, a printer manufacturer prescribes special software for setup and similar purposes (although not always necessary).

About AirPrint - Apple Support

Sorry, there is no easy way, unless you could find a printer model (new or used) that was available somewhere around year 2016.

If you find a couple of printers of interest, do not hesitate to post back with the exact models. Someone here may then be able to provide more specific information.

"Hi, I need to find a reliable color printer for a MacBook Pro 2012, running Sierra 10.12. Can you help?: My elderly father is having a hard time finding a printer that can work with his old MacBook. [...]So, we need to know what printer would work with his MacBook Pro 2012, running Sierra 10.12. Preferably a color printer."

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Installing a Printer:

Being so obsolete of an operating system, I would fist recommend updating the macOS. It may be able to go uptown Catalina, given the device's compatibility. So, backup the Mac, install the macOS upgrade, and then you should be able to get the latest drivers. As for the printer to get, find on that is compatible with the macOS you install. IMPORTANT: Get the drivers from the Manufacturer's Web site, as a way to avoid scams and such.

Updating the macOS:

Determining which Update(s) will Install:

I. Verify Compatibility:

A. Start Here: Learn About Compatibility and how to Identify your Specific Mac Model - Apple Support

B. How to Verify:

I Reveal your Model:

What is the Model of your Mac? To find out...

1. Go to: Apple menu
2. Click: About this Mac
3. View: Second Line-Down

then...

II. Compare the Results:

See if the Model you found is shown here:

• macOS Sonoma is Compatible with these Computers - Apple Support
• macOS Ventura is Compatible with these Computers - Apple Support
• macOS Monterey is Compatible with these Computers - Apple Support
• macOS Big Sur 11 Hardware Requirements - Apple Support
• macOS Catalina 10.15 - Hardware Requirements - Apple Support
• macOS Mojave 10.14 - Hardware Requirements - Apple Support
• macOS High Sierra 10.13 - Hardware Requirements - Apple Support
• macOS Sierra 10.12 - Hardware Requirements - Apple Support
• OS X El Capitan 10.11 - Hardware Requirements - Apple Support
• OS X Yosemite 10.10 - Hardware Requirements - Apple Support

III. If Compatible:

Back Up your Mac First:  Be certain you Create a Time Machine Backup of your Mac, so that way you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the reconfiguration.