PowerPC G5 w/10.5 - compatible printer

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Level 1

9 points

PowerPC G5 w/10.5 - compatible printer

I have switched my father's computer from a old macmini with 10.4 installed to a PowerPC G5 with 10.5 installed. (a tiny upgrade, but not by much, I know) I now seem to be having printing issues. I had picked up via Freecycle a printer for him several years ago - a Canon Pixma MG3220. It's not really compatible with his computer / was not able to use the scanner part / but I was able to print from it with issues. Now that I switched computers I'm not able to. There's no compatible drive. I have no idea how I got it to print before. But searching online all weekend has be at a stand still as everything now is requiring an intel computer. Even the Gutenprint drives (requires 10.6 or higher now) This is where I turn to you wonderful people for help. Can you direct me to a site that has a drive for this for older, non-intel computers? OR recommend another printer that WILL be compatible? It does not need to be a scanner as well. A simple printer is all that is required for my senior citizen father. Oh, it would need to be an airprint one, as Myself and my mother use / print from iPads.

Any help / recommendations would be wonderful,

Thank you

Rebecca

Posted on Jun 19, 2016 1:51 PM

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Answer 1

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

Jun 19, 2016 2:25 PM in response to rebknell

Your best option is to visit Canon's support site. There you can find drivers for that specific model. Be sure you look for a compatible driver since any available drivers may be for more current versions using Intel processors instead of PPC processors.

Printer & scanner software available for download for your Mac

Printer software included with Mac OS X

Canon Printer Drivers v3.3 for OS X

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Answer 2

rebknell Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 19, 2016 2:37 PM in response to rebknell

That was the first place I went, it only shows intel drives. Can not find ones for older Macs. The links you provided are for 10.6? and higher. It has 10.5 Leopard installed. Thank you anyway.

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Answer 3

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

Jun 19, 2016 2:53 PM in response to rebknell

I found drivers listed here for Leopard.

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Answer 4

rebknell Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 19, 2016 3:49 PM in response to theratter

I had tried those, but once downloaded I was unable to install - says my computer is not compatible. If you look into the details of these drives, it states the computer must be Intel. Very frustrating.

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Answer 5

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

Jun 19, 2016 5:51 PM in response to rebknell

Have you tried the downloading the driver listed for 10.4? Have you tried installing the Canon drivers package from Apple? You may see if there is a supported driver in Gutenprint Supported Printers. As far as scanning I have no idea if you can find something other than from Canon such as the one provided for 10.4. If you think you can get this installed try the SANE-TWAIN driver you will find here.

I'm afraid this is all I have been able to find that may work for you other than buying a new printer that comes with supported drivers. However, I suspect most new printers do not support anything prior to Intel machines. Your best bet is to talk with tech support at Canon.

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Answer 6

rebknell Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 19, 2016 5:50 PM in response to theratter

I found it! If anyone is in the same position as me, go HERE - Be sure to select 5.2.10 version! That's the one for older - non intel computers.

Theratter, I had found a link for Gutenprint and that too showed me only links for a better computer than I had. Finally found the above link when I search for a " compatible computer for non intel Mac" It list's older versions and was able to download that.

Thank you so much for your help.

Rebecca

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