What is the best printer for Ubuntu?

Question

I am developing the Eclipse RCP application and have added

org.eclipse.ui/SHOW_TRADITIONAL_STYLE_TABS=false

to the plugin_customization.ini file. This gives me nice style to the view and editor tabs.

However, there is a strange problem occurring only the first time users start the application. The text in the first view tab is underlined, as you can see in the picture:

Picture @ ImageShack

As soon as I switch to different view the underline is not visible any more, not even with the focused tab. But I have also noticed that even when the underline is initially gone, clicking on the tab and holding the mouse button for several seconds will return the underline.

These three views are placed in the folder, with the simple

IFolderLayout.addView(String viewId)

and folder is created with

IPageLayout.createFolder(String folderId, int relationship, float ratio, String refId)

Any help on why the underline is there at the first place or how to remove it would be great. Thanks in advance.

Solution 1

In general Linux does not require specific drivers for printing. CUPS will handle this for you. The generel rule applies here: stick with compatible hardware and you will have a hassle free usage.

Regarding specifically printers:

Have a look at the Ubuntu wiki page on printers. Notable excerpt:

Manufacturer-Specific Installation

Many of these printer manufacturers require non-free drivers or plug-ins. HP has the largest selection of free software compatible printers. Some of the higher end laser machines from other manufacturers are at least partially free software compatible.

And the wiki has a link to a site that sells Linux compatible hardware

• https://www.thinkpenguin.com/catalog/printer-all-one

I do not think you will go wrong when you choose any of the other printers listed on these 2 sites or even if you just buy a random HP printer.

Solution 2

hp is the best Linux Imaging and Printing

HPLIP is an HP developed solution for printing, scanning, and faxing with HP inkjet and laser based printers in Linux.

The HPLIP project provides printing support for over 2,080 printer models--including; Deskjet, Officejet, Photosmart, PSC (Print, Scan, Copy), Business Inkjet, LaserJet, Edgeline MFP, and LaserJet MFP.

HP Linux Imaging and Printing

Solution 3

I'm using a Brother HL-2270DL Laser printer ($69) with no issues. Just plug it in and go. It is also wireless , but I didn't try it in that mode.

Solution 4

Good advice from Rinzwind.

If you're willing to spend a little extra, I got a CanonMG5220 color, all-in-one printer that I'd recommend. It has a reasonable price, runs well, and does everything I need. Mentioned as it may suit you better down the road (details here).

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Comments

[david6]

What version of Ubuntu?

[Nathan Basanese]

// , Beware that scanner + printer combinations will often not work with the scanner on Ubuntu.

[K7AAY]

See haydenjames.io/finding-linux-compatible-printers for a good summary of links to Linux-friendly printers.

[fragos]

Just a note, but support of the printing functions of an All-in-one doesn't guarantee the scanning function being supported as well.

[Paddy Landau]

If you install hplip (recommended, as @hhlp says), I suggest you also install hplip-gui. They are both available from the standard repositories.

[Deepak Verma]

I had a Canon printer and scanner, and neither would work with Linux. Canon was totally unapologetic about their lack of linux support, so I will not buy any more of their products. This particular printer may work now, but if you care about Linux support, you should think twice about supporting companies like Canon. I now have an HP Deskjet network printer, which is a pleasure to install on every new Linux installation. I simply choose network printer, and it's there to select. Much easier than other OSs.

[david6]

You need both an intelligent printer (eg. with PCL6) and (likely) the latest version of HPLIP for best effect.

[Ivan Senic]

This solves it.. Thanx Tim.. Funny things is that when the control that focus is passed on is a table or a tree with no input, the underline is still there.

[landroni]

One quick way is to check the recommended devices for HPLIP: hplipopensource.com/hplip-web/recommended.html

[Richard]

Canon told me not to expect updated drivers for MX895 so it would install with 14.04. Their policy is to make it clear which OS versions their products work with at launch and only upgrade drivers after if cost effective (so they'll do it for Windows but not Ubuntu)

[Rinzwind]

@NathanBasanese always :) and feel free to edit anything out of my posts that has a suspicious relation or changed into one :-)

[ICE]

I have cannon LBP3300, Worked on Ubuntu 16.04, but can not work on 18.04. even with 2017 driver.