Expert: Amy - 4/13/2004

Question
Can non-postscript LP support gradient mesh. I know that
gradeient mesh is not support with Level 1 PS printers. Will the
illustration be rasterized before it send to the LP? Do you think I should buy a non-PS LP? The
other concern I have is the cost. The toners are much more expensive than inks that are used on
the inkjets. However, my teacher told me that people(designer, printer) will not take me seiously
if I have I stuff printed on inkjet because of the dot gain from inkjet printers. They change the
weight of the original type. Do you have any suggestions for a PS LP or a non-PS LP?

Thank you
KK

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Followup To
Question -
Do all laser printers are postscript compatible? Somebody told me that not all of them can
support postscript. Will my types and illustration going to distorted if I printed them on a non-
postscript printer?

Thank you
KK
Answer -
hi Kelvin,

No, not all "laser" printers use the postscript language. Some laser printers are non-postscript.

Will your Illustrator documents be distorted if printed to a non-postscript printer, like an HP
Deskjet?  No, but they do not really print in postscript.

When you print to a non-PS printer, all the data in your document is converted to bitmap
information, or rasterized, before it is sent to the printer. Illustrator does a very good job of
interpreting the vector data and converting it.  Fonts included. Printouts look very nice.

A few features of the program are not available to you, the most important one being that you
can't print color seps to a non-PS printer.

But Adobe knows that everyone does not have a PS printer at home. I've been working with
Illustrator and an inkjet for years with no problem.

I hope this answered your question.  
-Amy

Answer
Your teacher is pretty much right. I wouldn't put inkjet prints in my own portfolio, either.

But I would never buy a laser printer.  I couldn't afford it.

You have two options, at least if you live in the US and file taxes. I've done both.

Scenario #1
You can do freelance work and record the laser printer, its consumables and maintenance as business expenses on your taxes. You will be filing taxes as if you were a business. I'd advise you to have your taxes done professionally at tax time, as there are several ways to approach taking this deduction.

Scenario #2
Buy a normal, inexpensive inkjet printer.  I have an HP 5650. Print all your drafts on it.  It will be accurate enough for you to judge your own work, even gradient mesh jobs. Then, when you are done with the file, take it to a Digital Copy Center or Service Bureau that has real color laser printers and print pieces for your portfolio there.  It's not real expensive and a lot easier than Scenario #1.

Good luck
Amy