whre to find a reliable list of compatible printers
 

I'm in the market to buy a new home printer. I've checked the OpenPrinting Database and have noticed that sometimes a printer will be listed as working perfectly in Linux....and at the same time, be found on the list of "paperweight" (incompatible.

My question: is there a reliable database / list of printers that work well with Linux?

The problem is that you need more information than just the printer, because there's no such thing as "Linux" the way you're implying.

A given printer may work flawlessly under a recent 2.6 kernel with CUPS, but be a paperweight under an early 2.4 kernel with LPD.

If you want a printer that works with any version of Linux, using any printing subsystem, get one with a PostScript engine and an Ethernet interface. Everything else is going to require a little more research.

ahhhh, that makes sense
 

I see. would it be helpful to add that I am running
Debian Etch-stable? I have CUPS running as well.

Presently I am very happy with Debian and plan on staying with it for a very long time.

I would like to purchase a Canon Pixma printer, but had one a couple of years ago that would not work with my Debian, or Mandriva, or SuSe. Perhaps there are more drivers available now.

I've always found the 'suggested printer' list a good guide:

http://www.linux-foundation.org/en/O...gestedPrinters

Some manufacturers provide closed source drivers which only work with certain distributions, but others have drivers distributed with CUPS. For the reasons suggested in the link, Epson and HP would be your best bet for inkjet printers.