imageCLASS Drivers ARM Compatibility

[dexman335]

With the upcoming release of Windows computers that are powered by new ARM chips/processors, the compatibility of drivers for imageCLASS and other Canon products comes to mind.

Some of these new computers look interesting, but if the Canon drivers won't work with these newer computers, then that is problematic.

So, I'll ask the $50k question. Are the drivers compatible? If not, will new drivers be introduced shortly to make the transition from x86 to ARM as seamless as possible? 🤔
If new drivers are required, how far back in the Canon office printer line will Canon go with rolling out the new drivers? 🤔

[mattbender]

Thankfully I don't print too much, but I had to print something in colour the other day and it wasn't working through the MS PCL6 driver for me.  Thankfully I work in IT and have plenty of computers at my disposal - it's a pain though to fire up another computer just for printing...

I agree that the right Canon people probably aren't monitoring this forum, or just don't care.

[Rick_Floyd]

The answer IS NOT to stay away from the new chip architecture.  I have the same issue with the newest software in my Mac mini.  Until Canon gets on the ball to resolve this, I WILL NOT RECOMMEND Canon printers to my photography associates.  Their lack of solutions has rendered my ProGraf 1000 printer useless after less than 1 year.  Because of their lack of support, we are no longer purchasing any Canon camera gear.  

[dexman335]

Right now, I'm looking at replacing my Microsoft Surface Laptop 1 as it is not eligible to upgrade to Windows 11. The current iteration of the S.L. features ARM processors for consumer/residential units, and Intel processors for business/commercial models.

I thought I read somewhere that Intel's Lunar Lake processor is much improved over current offerings. Windows Central contributor Zac Bowden recently revealed that Microsoft was testing a Surface Laptop powered Luner Lake processor. If things look good, I'll bite and try to order a business version to replace my current unit.

https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/next-gen-surface-laptop-8-with-intel-lunar-lake-chip...

I also own a Surface Pro 7 which is running Windows 11.

I agree that manufacturers of devices such as printers might want to start focusing on releasing drivers for WoA computers. 😐