talbotlucas.org: a word to the wise is sufficient

In order to spirit Lisa through her Torts exam successfully, we realized that she needed to be able to print whenever she needed to, whereever she was, and on her terms. To that end, we just bought an HP DeskJet 450ci mobile printer at CompUSA. (We needed it fast: don't get me started.)

The first machine was DoA: although the green light on the power supply came on, switching on the printer never happened. Back to CompUSA I went. Fortunately, they exchanged the machine without a hassle.

The second machine actually turned on, but the Windows 2000 driver wouldn't install. The installer program hung right after clicking the install button. Several reboots and a Windows update later, when installation was still failing, I decided to do exactly what the instructions said not to do: plug the printer into the computer (via USB) before installing any software.

Well, that actually worked. Windows 2000 recognized a new device and asked for a disc. Pop in the CD-ROM and ask it to scan for a new driver. It does so, picking the Swedish driver of course, and installs just fine. Test printer. Works just fine. Sure, it doesn't have the special, annoying HP software that tells you what the ink levels are and that your printer is unplugged. So what?! If the docs had used my method, you'd be done in 5 minutes, not going to CompUSA for the third time, only to have someone unfamiliar with the product tell you they can't help you. (Ok, I got myself started.)

So, that's it. Once again, I repeat, ignore the directions that come with your purchase and do it your own way. It'll save you a lot of headache. Ugh.