Posted: 2/12/2007 2:27:16 AM EDT
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I have an older printer for work (HP LaserJet4mPlus) that I want to use with my personal Mac Powerbook. The printer has both parallel and serial ports, but no USB connection. The Mac has only USB ports. I found some converters on the web, but sure how well they would work. Has anyone sucessfully used a serial/paralllel to USB converter? To be honest Im not sure what the difference between parallel and serial ports... So I am not sure which the printer actually has, i think it actually has both. Can some one enlighten me there as well? thanks Brian |
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Serial cables are 9 pin and parallel are 25 pin, though there are 25 pin serial cables. However, printers that have parallel connections use a different type of connection known as Centronics, which don't have the 2 little screws to connect the cable, but use wire clips. I have used USB to Serial adapters before, but not parallel adapters. But I've never used them for printers, only to connect to the console port of Cisco and Juniper network gear. ETA: NOTE: After re-reading he above, it's a little confusing. The computer side of parallel connections have 25 pins and use screws to connect the cable, the printer side uses Centronics and clips. Let me know if this helps or doesn't. |
