Upgrading to a LaserWriter IINTX will definitely help performance some, but
it's important to consider other factors that may also help. The principal
items that affect printing to a PostScript LaserWriter with a given
application (not necessarily in this order) are:
- The LaserWriter's CPU performance.
- The type of print job: complex graphics or text.
- Whether the required fonts are resident in the printer or need to be
downloaded.
- The type of connection to the host: serial or LocalTalk.
- The host's performance: how fast it can prepare and send data.
The environment may also play a major role in printing performance.
Connection to a LocalTalk network adversely affects the performance of many
LaserWriters if that network is used for file services such as an
AppleShare File Server or TOPS installation. The LocalTalk bandwidth can
be used up, resulting in poor network and printing performance.
From what you've told us about your installation, it doesn't sound like
upgrading to a LaserWriter IINTX will help much. You may see a mild
improvement in print speeds, but unless you print complex graphics as well
as text, you won't see a dramatic change.
The type of Macintosh, the system software versions, and the applications
you use can affect speed quite a bit.
Printing slows down if you repeatedly use fonts (TrueType or PostScript)
that must be downloaded. If this is the case, we recommend that you make a
habit of downloading the most frequently used fonts to the LaserWriter with
the LaserWriter Font Utility. Downloading fonts once between power cycles
instead of for each print job improves speed on both the LaserWriter IINT
and IINTX.
The LaserWriter IINTX does have the advantage of optional memory upgrades
for additional fonts and performance. A hard disk is also available for
the LaserWriter IINTX to download fonts only once.