An inkjet printing apparatus and method of operating an inkjet printhead provides an inkjet orifice of the printhead that is located within a predetermined spacing of less than 1000 micrometers, and more preferably in a range of 50 to less than 500 micrometers for printing high resolution images. Electrical drive signals are provided to the printhead, the drive signals being adapted to enable the printhead to generate a droplet. In response to the drive signals, a free droplet is formed between the orifice and a receiver member and deposits a droplet upon the receiver member substantially without presence of any satellites.