HT203343: Resolve printer issues on your Mac

Learn about Resolve printer issues on your Mac
ddmozart
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Is there a recommended Printer to use with a Powerbook G4 Laptop?  It has OS 10.5

I have a Powerbook G4 Laptop and recently bought a new printer that works with my MacBook which has an Intel processor.  However, due to the operation system on my Powerbook, which is OS X 10.5, the new printer is incompatible with the Powerbook.  My husband uses the Powerbook and I use the Macbook. With this new HP printer, the Powerbook no longer is able to print documents.  Wondering if there are any printers out there that connect to a USB port 2.0 on my Powerbook G4..

 

Thank you,

Debbie

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Aug 30, 2014 12:54 PM

Close
ddmozart

Q: Is there a recommended Printer to use with a Powerbook G4 Laptop?  It has OS 10.5

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Aug 30, 2014 1:08 PM in response to ddmozart
    Level 10 (270,411 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 30, 2014 1:08 PM in response to ddmozart

    OS X- Printer and scanner software available for download

    Gutenprint Supported Printers

     

    Locate a suitable printer for which there are available printer drivers that will work with 10.5.8. You will need to check mfgr. websites to see what drivers are available. Ask the vendor if they know if the printer works with your model and OS X version.

  • by greg sahli,

    greg sahli greg sahli Sep 1, 2014 1:45 PM in response to ddmozart
    Level 7 (25,395 points)
    Sep 1, 2014 1:45 PM in response to ddmozart

    I'm sorry this may not seem helpful --

    There are several hundred printers that were made in the 1990-2005 time frame that will work, because drivers for powerpc were still being made then.

    Postscript printers usually have the longest usefulness, and printers made in the 1980s still work with 10.5 and 10.9.

     

    Newer postscript and HP PCL printers will probably work with 10.5.

     

    Kappy suggested Gutenprint - if we knew what printer you have, we could tell you about such alternate drivers.