I've been using my ancient LaserJet6p with a JetDirect server box for ages now and it's a workhorse. It just won't die.
It probably should be on a remote controlled switch to reduce its idle energy usage, but holy crap these things are made to last.
If I'm not mistaken, it also takes some special SIMM ROMs, but I've just been using PCL mode to send pre-rasterized data to it and it Just Works. PostScript has always been a bit of a gamble and more often than not I just end up with 100s of blank pages as it forgets to change the mode.
My parents used to own a LaserJet 4M plus, which had PostScript built in. I played around with it once I figured out the possibilities.
It had all of 2MB memory originally, which was a real bottleneck in its later days. I did add 16MB at some point, to increase its life. From then on, when using PostScript instead of PCL for printing, it was clearly CPU-bound.
I’m still conflicted about them taking it to recycling even though it worked reliably. It was over 20 years old.
A good printer should never sent to the trash, because newer ones aren't built as good, unless you get a SMB device.
I've given away my first Samsung laser, because it's pickup rollers just eroded away. The second one is a much beefier machine, and going really strong. I'm just stocking toner and imaging unit refills for that, because If I can use it for another 8 years, it'd be a really great win for me.
I bought my 6P new and still use it with a JetDirect box. Over the years, I saved another 6P from the bulk trash in my neighborhood and recently picked up a 6MP off Craigslist free. Both have a lower page count than my original and usable toner cartridges.
It probably should be on a remote controlled switch to reduce its idle energy usage, but holy crap these things are made to last.
If I'm not mistaken, it also takes some special SIMM ROMs, but I've just been using PCL mode to send pre-rasterized data to it and it Just Works. PostScript has always been a bit of a gamble and more often than not I just end up with 100s of blank pages as it forgets to change the mode.