Computer-Printer issue

rho4life · #1 12-06-2005, 08:50 PM

ok, so I'm looking for a new laptop. Eventually, I plan to print from it. The problem is that all the computers I'm finding don't have paralell ports to connect to my old Laser Jet printer [which I LOVE!]. Is there another way to connect a new laptop to the old printer?

Kevin · #2 12-06-2005, 08:59 PM

2 ways I can think of:

Most laptops I see (and I see lots) have parallel ports.

Your other option is to get one of these (wireless print server):

http://store.yahoo.com/justdeals/dp311p.html

Rudey · #3 12-06-2005, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rho4life
ok, so I'm looking for a new laptop. Eventually, I plan to print from it. The problem is that all the computers I'm finding don't have paralell ports to connect to my old Laser Jet printer [which I LOVE!]. Is there another way to connect a new laptop to the old printer?

http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/up6c/

There are a lot of companies that make the converters/adapters. Most office supply or computer stores should carry it. You can buy it online too (between 10-20 bucks).

-Rudey

_Lisa_ · #4 12-08-2005, 11:55 AM

I think your best bet is to get the wireless parallel print server. I work in the printing industry (although not for the manufacturer of your laser jet) & we do not recommend or guarantee the USB to Parallel adapter cables. They are usually made by third party vendors & could seriously effect the speed/performance of your printer.

Check with the manufacturer of your printer for what is best recommended to be sure that there won't be performance issues with whatever you choose to buy. Most printing companies these days offer their own wireless parallel print server that they can guarantee to work with your product.

And be sure to call the Customer Support dept. directly & not Technical Support - most likely your printer isn't available for free support so you could get shuffled around & be put on hold a lot if there is any confusion.

Good luck!

rho4life · #5 12-08-2005, 12:01 PM

The worst part is that when I've tried to contact the manufacturer, they're not very supportive. I think they just want me to buy a new one.

Rudey · #6 12-08-2005, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rho4life
The worst part is that when I've tried to contact the manufacturer, they're not very supportive. I think they just want me to buy a new one.

Just get the adapter. It's cheap and it works well. Stop dilly dallying.

-Rudey

_Lisa_ · #7 12-08-2005, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rho4life
The worst part is that when I've tried to contact the manufacturer, they're not very supportive. I think they just want me to buy a new one.

Of course they do-I can't imagine why any customer would want to hang on to a parallel port printer, no matter how well it works!

But regardless, try emailing them instead. Don't give them too much information, just ask if they have an adapter they recommend or suggest using. The adapters are certainly cheaper. Hell, give me a phone # to call & the type of product you've got & I'll call 'em. I know the right kinds of questions to ask to get the desired response.

I've been in this business way too long.

Rudey · #8 12-08-2005, 01:11 PM

It's a fricking adapter. Stop acting like it's something difficult and you need to spend time researching which is better. There are no processors or displays. It's a cable. That's it. Belkin is a large distributor of adapters. Just go buy it. Jesus christ.

-Rudey

rho4life · #9 12-08-2005, 01:31 PM

Well, I've ordered the computer, now I just have to wait for it to be delivered and then set it up. Thanks!

_Lisa_ · #10 12-08-2005, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rho4life
Well, I've ordered the computer, now I just have to wait for it to be delivered and then set it up. Thanks!

Good luck! Hopefully you won't experience any problems if you use an adapter. If you do though, you can always fall back on the wireless print server!