Non-postscript Printers
I am looking to purchase a new HP mfp large format plotter/scanner/copier. There are two models of the T2300 of which I am interested. I do not however understand the difference between the CN727A (Non PostScript) and the CN728A (PostScript) models other than $1,000 price increase from the non PostScript to the PostScript. I understand generically that the CN728A can scan directly to a PDF rather than just TIFF or other raster files. Basically my questions revolve around the purchasing options: 1. If I purchase the HP T2300 (CN727A) can I print from a PDF or any other Windows program using the Windows Print command?
If I purchase the HP T2300 (CN727A) can I scan to a TIFF and just use Adobe Acrobat to convert to TIFF or use any program's Windows Print command and just print to a PDF? What is the difference in terms of use between the PostScript (CN728A) and the Non PostScript (CN727A)? Thanks in advance! Non-PostScript printers can print from Acrobat or any other Windows program. Many Windows programs can print TIFFs, including the Windows Picture Viewer and freeware like IrfanView. You can also place TIFFs in a Word document and print them.
Acrobat does not convert TIFFS, but any PDF writer (including Adobe's, CutePDF, CreatePDF, etc) will do the conversion. There is no real difference in usage between PS and non-PS. PS printers are preferred for heavy graphics usage (e.g.
When using PhotoShop or InDesign). Colour control is often better in PS printers, but not always. Acrobat sometimes works better with PS printers, but there are ways around it if you have a problem. According to the specification pages you referred to, the CN727A device supports (i.e.
Understands) the following protocols / printer languages: TIFF, JPEG, HP-GL/2, HP-RTL, CALS G4, HP PCL 3 GUI The CN728A device supports these, and also supports: Adobe PostScript 3, Adobe PDF 1.7 So if you want to generate Postscript print jobs, or send PDF (v1.7 or earlier) documents direct to the device (i.e. Without using the 'print' mechanism) for printing, you'd need the PostScript version. As to your specific questions: 1. Printing from a Windows application will (usually) involve a Windows printer driver; some printers may have differnet drivers available for the different Page Description Languages (PDLs).
Hp Postscript Printer Driver
Typical PDLS are PCL5 (not supported by these devices), PCL6 (not supported by these devices), PostScript, PCL3 GUI, etc. If you had a PCL3 GUI driver, Acrobat (or other applications) would (in conjunction with the printer driver) convert the objects in the PDF document into equivalent objects in a PCL3 GUI print job. Scan I don't know much about scanning mechanisms, so can't advise on this. But I suspect you are correct in asserting that the PostScript model may be able to scan directly to PDF. PDF is similar in structure to PostScript; both were designed/created by Adobe. Again, I can't advise on this; I think that you need to pose a more specific question. Oddly, when I looked at the referenced pages, the PostScript one was cheaper ($9450.00) than the non-PostScript one ($10205.00) - this is misleading, but I suspect it is because one page is for United States, the other is for Canada.
Thank you for the help however I guess I need more information as you stated DansDadUK. I work for an oil company with a lot (hundreds) of old (pre-1970's) maps that need to be scanned into TIFFs or JPEGs to be brought into our GIS (Geographic Information System) as layers with other vector based data overlayed onto them. We also may need to make copies of current surveys or maps or scan them straight to a PDF for ease of transferring to third parties.
The website that shows both of the plotters side-by-side comparison.
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