Large format (expensive) printers and future compatability

[WapleSpunK]

I'm probably getting the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8100 (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=180&modelid=15835#ModelTechSpecsAct) (prints 44" wide!). Considering the big expense of this thing and the fact that I plan on using it for a long time, I want to make sure it'll last a good five years. One of the concerns is that Windows 7 is going to be coming out somewhat soon and maybe another release after that during the life of the printer.

So my question is, do high-end printers like this usually get upgraded or are they made a priority when it comes to being sure they'll work in new OS releases? Should I be concerned about buying it now with Win7 so close? If it isn't compatable, I'll obviously be staying with Vista for a long time to come.

[ThaMan]

Printer drivers from Vista will probably work with Windows 7 just fine. However, typically, manufacturers will keep the drivers updated for at least one version of windows after the printer is made. Otherwise, they would loose business from repeat customers.

I, personally, wouldn't worry, but it would be a good question for the sales rep. ;)

[Savistik]

Seconded what ThaMan said. The reason XP drivers didn't work under Vista was that Microsoft overhauled the context in which drivers ran.

The short version: there's kernel and user modes for programs. User stuff crashes, you get the "it died, restart it" dialog. Kernel crashes, you get the "uh, we have to restart Windows" type problems. To solve many of the crashing issues, they made many drivers go "user" in Vista so they could be restarted on error/crash without having to restart the computer.

Windows 7 will continue this change, but likely work fine with Vista drivers just like Windows 95 vs. Windows 98.