I'm pretty confident Epson is not the way to go. I spent quite a bit of time
looking into this issue and it would appear Star Micronics has made a serious
effort to support GNU/Linux and free software (HP doesn't have a solution).
The problem with Star Micronics is that the licensing is unclear. There are
two license files. The readme seems to suggest that the complete source is
under the GPL although they have also included a proprietary license in the
folder.
"Star Micronics Co., Ltd. |
Copyright 2004-2011 |
|
starcupsdrv-3.3.0 |
|
--------------------------------/
** Package Description **
This is the CUPS printer driver package, containing:"
..
"The GNU General Public License or GPL, under which this software set is
freely licensed to you. Adhere to it please!"
http://www.starmicronics.com/Supports/Download.aspx#LinuxCUPS
If a legal expert or Star Micronics can clarify the license then it is
probably safe to assume all or at least the following can be used:
- FVP10
- HSP7000
- TUP900 Presenter
- TUP900 Cutter
- TSP1000
- TSP828L
- TSP800II
- TSP700II
- TSP650 Cutter
- TSP650 Tear Bar
- TSP100 Cutter
- TSP100 Tear Bar
- TSP100GT Cutter
- TSP100GT Tear Bar
- TSP100LAN Cutter
- TSP100LAN Tear Bar
- SP700 Cutter (SP747)
- SP700 Tear Bar (SP717)
- SP700 Cutter (SP742)
- SP700 Tear Bar (SP712)
- SP500 Cutter
- SP500 Tear Bar
Some of these are thermal receipt printers in about the right price range. A
new TSP100 series printer (thermal receipt printer USB) can be found for $200
/ USD or 150€ range. As low as 90€ used.
