Windows 7: Can't run virtualization

FuturDreamz · 10 Jan 2010

From a mac background I've preferred Epson or Brother, but the ink is a bit more expensive.on the Cnet review the top twenti are almost all HP with some pixmas thrown in.
Here's Cnet's list of wireless desktop printers, ordered by Editor's rating.
the two multifunctions on the list, both HPs and highest rated, are as follows:

HP Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web, $275.00 - $399.99
Also the highest rated on zdnet

Quote:

comprehensive driver features; separate photo and paper trays automatically pick the right size for the job.

THE BAD: Onscreen apps take a long time to access and feel gimmicky; lacks autodocument feeder; slow response from touch screen; applications have a tendency to freeze up; small scanner bed.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Aside from the never-ending name, the HP Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web All-in-One Printer looks good and prints high-quality photos at competitive speeds. We also appreciate the effort put into the downloadable applications for the interactive touch screen, but the innovation is offset by a hefty price tag. Unless Web connectivity and touch screens are a top priority, we recommend checking out HP's other multifunction printers, which still offer high performance but at a much lower cost.

HP Photosmart D7460 $128

Quote:

THE GOOD: Touch screen is large and easy to use; comes network-ready with both wired and wireless options; fast text prints; built-in memory card slots and PictBridge USB port; dedicated and automated photo paper tray; generous support package.

THE BAD: Very slow photo prints; print quality needs a bit of improvement.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The HP Photosmart D7460 offers compelling features--including a touch screen--for home users, but the competition offers better print quality.

I'd recommend walking into the nearest FutureShop or whatever, seeing what they have that meets your criteria, then google for reviews so you know if it suits your purposes.

terrorist96 · 10 Jan 2010

Thanks for all the info. I've never heard of FutureShop but I'd guess it's probably like MicroCenter or Best Buy. I don't need a super fancy printer that can print glossy really high quality digital pictures from a camera. Just one that does normal print jobs, has wireless connectivity, around $100, and of course Windows 7 compatible. I'll do some research. Thanks!

Also, wouldn't networking a printer be the same as having a wireless one, essentially? Are there any drawbacks in doing that?

jimbo45 · 10 Jan 2010

Hi there

If your printer will only run on XP and now W7 drivers are available you can still use W7 to print.

Install the printer on your XP machine (You'll probably neeed a full VM not XP Mode).

On W7 when you want to print ensure the data is shared with your XP machine and then print from the XP machine.

You won't be able to add unsigned 32 bit drivers on to a W7 X-64 system.

Cheers
jimbo

FuturDreamz · 10 Jan 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by terrorist96

Thanks for all the info. I've never heard of FutureShop but I'd guess it's probably like MicroCenter or Best Buy. I don't need a super fancy printer that can print glossy really high quality digital pictures from a camera. Just one that does normal print jobs, has wireless connectivity, around $100, and of course Windows 7 compatible. I'll do some research. Thanks!

Also, wouldn't networking a printer be the same as having a wireless one, essentially? Are there any drawbacks in doing that?

Yeah sorry wasn't thinking. FutureShop was originally Best buy Canada.I also forgot to type in the price of the D7460 ($128).

truth be told I have never seen a wireless multifunction printer for under $120, although if you take out the multifunction part they are a little easier to find.

If by "networking a printer," you mean one that connects to the router directly then yes, the only drawback that I can think of is that it has to be directly connected to the router with a cable, limiting to where you can place it. You can also use Windows to share the computer to anybody on your homegroup, but don't think the scanning part will work.