What do I need with plotter HP Designjet 500?

Hi,
I am new to using a plotter. I am very much interested in buying the HP
Designjet 500 (42 inch) and wondering what I need to buy to accomplish the
following running on Windows XP Pro.

I would like to print large (approximately 42" X 42") wall maps from
Microsoft Streets and Trips and/or Delorme Street Atlas so my drivers can
review the map before making their delivery.

Can this be done this way directly out of Windows and one of the mapping
programs listed above? Do I need to purchase and other software? I heard
of Zoom Smart software but will I need it?

Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Gary

Gary,

The late model DesignJets have software drivers for all major Windows operating
systems. The problem is less one of Windows, and more one of the capabilities
of the mapping programs you mention. In addition, you would do best to load up
both DesignJet and computer with a lot of memory to have trouble-free printing.
The only way to find out if you can print 42" wide maps is to install the
software and do a print preview.

That's a novel use for a DesignJet, and a fairly expensive solution given the
high cost of inks and replacement print heads. As a lower cost alternative,
would an 11x17 laserprinter do the trick? ... Ben Myers

On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 12:00:32 -0600, "Gary" <> wrote:

>Hi,
>I am new to using a plotter. I am very much interested in buying the HP
>Designjet 500 (42 inch) and wondering what I need to buy to accomplish the
>following running on Windows XP Pro.
>
>I would like to print large (approximately 42" X 42") wall maps from
>Microsoft Streets and Trips and/or Delorme Street Atlas so my drivers can
>review the map before making their delivery.
>
>Can this be done this way directly out of Windows and one of the mapping
>programs listed above? Do I need to purchase and other software? I heard
>of Zoom Smart software but will I need it?
>
>Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>Gary
>
>

Gary wrote:

> Hi,
> I am new to using a plotter. I am very much interested in buying the HP
> Designjet 500 (42 inch) and wondering what I need to buy to accomplish the
> following running on Windows XP Pro.
>
> I would like to print large (approximately 42" X 42") wall maps from
> Microsoft Streets and Trips and/or Delorme Street Atlas so my drivers can
> review the map before making their delivery.
>
> Can this be done this way directly out of Windows and one of the mapping
> programs listed above? Do I need to purchase and other software? I heard
> of Zoom Smart software but will I need it?
>
> Any guidance will be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Gary

I have several very nice refurbished Designjets for sale, at a very
affordable price.
I have a DJ 650c and a DJ 600, they are 36" wide and use standard ink
cartridges that you can buy at wallyworld. They won't last long, some
engineers are slobbering over them already..
I refurish and recycle used computer equipment, I put them back into NEW
condition.