I'm trying to help a friend with an iMac DVD running OS 8.6. They need to get a new printer. Are there any printers that will run with OS 8.6 or can the old iMac be updated with an earlier version of OSX? Help! Thanks!
iMac
Without exception all iMacs can be upgraded to OS X. However, it is not always easy to do so. Check back with another post when you want to tackle that project.
Also, all iMacs used USB connections for printing. It is very likely any USB printer will work, but to be sure check the system requirements from its manufacturer. It may be difficult to find the correct driver for OS 8.6 as most printer manufacturers no longer care about anything other than OS X. So I would give serious consideration to upgrading to OS X.
The iMac DV model that shipped with OS 8.6 had a 400 MHz G3 processor and can support up to OS 10.4.x (Tiger), however to run that version, it would likely need to have more memory installed and (possibly) a larger capacity hard drive. The original 10 or 13 GB drive may not have enough remaining space to install/run OS X. If there are any thrift stores or computer recyclers in your area, an older/used printer may be the solution that avoids the need to upgrade the OS. The Epson 740/740i is about 13 years-old now, but replacement inks for it are still carried by many retailers. It features USB and serial port printing for Macs and USB and parallel port printing for PCs, which still makes it a versatile printer for both platforms. It's compatible with OS 8.6, as well as all supported versions of OS X for that iMac, so your friend could still use it if/when OS X were ever installed.
I would try to at least try and upgrade the OS to OS 9 if you can find an install disc. Once you get there it'll be easier to find a compatable printer. There were a few printers made by HP that you can still get ink for. If it is not the only computer on the network you also may be able to enable it to print to another printer on the network if printer sharing is enabled on another Mac.
My guess would be Mac OS 8.6 can print to any post script printer. OS 8.6 includes the standard postscript print driver. About five years ago, I was able to network from the 8.6 to a networked PostScript printer.
You will want PostScript Leve 3.
Found a printer HP LaserJet 1300 Black & White specs:
http://reviews.cnet.com/laser-printers/hp-laserjet-1300/4507-3159_7-21096963.htm l
These are probably similiar printers HP LaserJet 1xxx
Robert
Printer for Old iMac with OS8.6
