[nzlug] Canon Pixma IP5300 Linux Support?

[Ross]

Andrew Bruce wrote:
> Does anyone own one of these printers, and what is the Linux support 
> for it like - I see they may be supported on Linux Printing website, 
> but it only says for the IP5000, which I assume the 5300 is a submodel 
> of that series (especially since it replaces the 5200 and is only a 
> different colour, and faster), via the IP4100 driver - or by using the 
> MacOSX ppd file as a base for a linux version?
>
> I don't need it to be able to do all of the special features it has, 
> but basic functionality like being able to print normal docs (some of 
> which contain photos) at both very low res, and at a highish res (for 
> docs with photos, and photo's by themselves) is a definite 
> requirement, and being able to use the CD printing feature under Linux 
> would be a bonus.
>
> I would be using some of the more advanced features of the printer 
> with Windows under VMWare so general opinions on the printer would 
> also be good.
>
I was given a Canon PIXMA IP4200 and found that while it did work using 
free drivers it's capabilities were extremely limited (can't remember 
details now). I had to purchase the commercial Turboprint drivers to 
allow me to use all the capabilities of the printer. Due to Canon's lack 
of Linux support I would never purchase a Canon printer but I found it 
was worth purchasing the driver as I got the printer free and needed 
it's full functionality.

HTH,
Ross