Apple customers are very much a niche market and usually choosier than that of other computer product aficionados, as they have come to expect a higher degree of quality and aesthetic capability from their machines.
As such, Mac customers are always looking for new products, either from Apple or from other software and information technology developers, to complement and accentuate their systems. Printers are not entirely similar to hardware formats, but many users — especially creative design or professional photographers — cannot afford to purchase anything but the best.
Ultimately, the best inkjet color photo printer for Mac computers are either one of the higher end performers. Apple users who need the highest quality printed photographs for professional reasons should look toward the Epson line of A3 printers.
Mac and Epson Connection
There is an ideal choice to go with your Mac that is fairly inexpensive. It goes right across the paper size range with a maximum of 13″ x 44″. And a print speed of 15ppm on both black and color. The maximum resolution is 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi. The regular price for the Epson Stylus Photo 1400 Ink Jet Printer is set at around $280.
On Amazon, it can be found at about $280 plus shipping. There are used models available too.
But on the Epson website, there is an excellent offer of $80 mail rebate. They will simply return you $80 making it as low as $220.
Epson and Apple have a strong business relationship, as the two companies often recommend the other’s products to their customers. In most Apple retail stores, Epson printers are stocked standard with other computer accessories. For home offices, big or small, Epson gives reliable capability for all prints and presentations.
The Epson 1400 has individual ink cartridges and a six contour ink relay for a brighter scheme of colors than the standard array of blue, green and red.
Print speeds depend on specifics, but the longest print time for the absolute highest definition images is still under two minutes. Over five hundred nozzles combine ink colors to produce images in cyan, teal, magenta, burgundy, and many other colors difficult to find on standard color schemes.
Brother
The Brother MFC-6490CW is another popular model, compatible to Mac but is not a good choice if you want to carry it around too much as the one thing against it from a Mac users point of view is the weight.
But if you want to scan, fax and copy it’s never going to fit in your pocket for sure so size is all part of having an all rounder. If you’re fairly static then this is a good choice of printer and more. It also scans, copies, faxes and has Built-in Wireless & Wired Interfaces.
The print speed is impressive with black being at 35ppm and color 28ppm. Print resolution of up to 6000 x 1200 dpi. Have borderless printing and black and white and color faxing scanning and copying. Full specifications available on Brother.
This model has been suggested because at the price, it’s a good all rounder and print quality is more than satisfactory. Has a nice compact design with a simple to understand control panel. The print quality is good and the micro prints excellent. A nice feed on the copy and fax auto feed is especially effective.
The speed is good but does not respond well to heavy feeds of paper. There is no print screen available but leaving certain features omitted is how they keep the price lower. For print quality, it’s great. The set up is uncomplicated.
It has two trays good for large drawings and economic on the running costs of the inks. Generally a well received all-round printer. The other features work well too.
The Brother MFC-6490CW retails from Brother at $300. It can be found at lower prices if you shop around. On Amazon, new sells for around $239 and refurbished at around $150.
In a Nutshell
Ideally as you’re mobile with a Mac then really you are bringing the Mac to the printer so size is not too much of a feature.
Many printers are compatible to Mac and it may pay to physically go to your local computer store and get hands on feel of what is available. The experts are in the stores so if unsure, use their knowledge. You are not committed to buy for asking questions.
If you settle on a model that appeals then don’t rush to buy it at the store. Go home and check the internet and Amazon is the ideal first place to begin searching for the best deal.
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About James Wikkee