usb to parallel printer cable for Apple?...

[FlyAnotherDay]

Does anyone know which usb to parallel cables work with Mac OS X to drive a printer? 'Cos I don't!

I've replaced my dying Dell laptop with an Apple - Powerbook, but don't really want to replace my (perfectly working) HP Laserjet 6L. All the usb-to-parallel cables I've found only mention Windows compatibility, when you look closely...

[WeatherJinx]

The cables should all be compatible - Macs implement USB in the same way as PCs. Your only potential worry would be getting OS X to recognise the printer, and even that shouldn't be too much of an issue, given the huge number of drivers already onboard, plus CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) support built in from 10.2 (Jaguar) onwards.

My guess is that the cable suppliers don't mention the Mac OS either out of laziness, ignorance or the fact that the Mac OS just doesn't exist in their world (this (http://www.usb-ware.com/usb-parallel-printer-adapter-uc-6c.htm) supplier does mention that their cables can be used with Macs, btw).

The HP Printer you mention is supported by CUPS, incidentally. Here's (http://www.acd.org/AppleGrams/200302February/used/Printers.html) a link to a 'how to' page in case you don't know CUPS. Good luck ;)

Jx

[FlyAnotherDay]

Thanks!

A Keyspan (as above) USB Parallel Printer Adapter cost me about UKP25 inc VAT and postage. It works, too, thus saving a chunk of the cost of a new printer - and a bit of the environment;)

[WeatherJinx]

Great stuff :ok:

Happy to be of service - glad you got it sorted ;)

Jx