Ron Loftin wrote: 
Since my old Epson C86 has finally managed to clog up the print heads,
I'm in the market for a replacement.  I'd like to know what the people
on this list are using for printers that are currently available, since
we are using versions of CUPS and foomatic that are frozen, and any
other issues or "gotchas" that you are aware of.

For the replacement printer, I'm considering a color laser printer
instead of the inkjets that I've been using, and I'm dithering back and
forth over the question of direct-connect or networked printer.
Suggestions, warnings, and horror stories are welcome.

Thanks in advance.
I tossed my C86 a couple years ago in favor of an HP 6122 based on the recommendation at linuxprinting.org (moved to http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting) and have not been disappointed.  I consulted the same source when I bought a B&W laser and suggest that site to anyone with printer questions.

As far as direct-connect or networked, networked is great for me.  Duplexing is also a great feature if you plant to print multipage docs. (The BASH manual and release notes for CentOS come to mind.)  Keep in mind that you can pick up a print server at your favorite computer outlet but a hardware duplexer is another matter.
I just now looked and my laser printer has printed 3402 pages, had 14 jams and 1 toner cart after the original. 78% of drum life is remaining.  The toner cart costs about 1-1/2 times as a set of ink carts for your C86 and lasts much, much longer.



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