Dot matrix fast printing with precise layout in Java

Question

I'd like to know what practical way of constructing reports for EPSON Dot Matrix printers exists in Java. At this time, I'm having the LX300+II model to play with.

I know that there are basically two ways of using this printer:

1. As a typewriter, outputting directly raw ASCII data to the parallel port
2. Graphical printing, with graphical fonts and precise positioning.

How can I use both fast printing fonts(provided by 1) and precise positioning (provided by 2)?

I know this is possible to do because a couple of years ago, I got to make reports for the EPSON FX 2180 that included drivers with native printing fonts installed in Windows. This allowed to do exactly what I want here.

Now I'm using JasperReports for graphical reporting and works fine, but I do have some reports that need to be printed in dot matrix printers and fast, too. What can be an alternative for that?

Answer 1

Would TextPrinter fit your needs?