Printer Cable

[PvdG42]

Dose anyone knows if they make a printer cable: I received a new lab top
and it didn't come with the older printer jack on the computer. I guess I
need to use one of the usb ports? My Epson 660 still works I hate the
idea of getting a new printer when my old one works.

Does your "old" printer have a USB port as well as a parallel port?
Information I find on this "discontinued" (per Epson) printer is that a
"free USB adapter kit" was available by mail. The information sheet lists
drivers for Win 95, Win 98 and Win NT 4.0, but nothing for Win 2000, XP or
Vista.

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/...=Doc&oid=14423&prodoid=8301&category=Products

I also note that Epson is no longer offering driver downloads for this
printer, so unless Vista comes with the necessary drivers, it looks like
you're out of luck.
You might be able to find a generic Parallel to USB adapter, but unless
drivers are available, it won't help you.

FWIW, all the documentation available at the link above indicates this is an
old printer. Think in terms of a new one.

 

[Bob Knowlden]

According to Epson, Vista includes drivers for the Stylus Color 660:

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/...s&oid=14423&prodoid=8301&noteoid=86150#inkjet

(They may not be full-featured drivers, but they would at least allow you to
continue using the printer.)

There are USB-to-parallel-port adapters available, such as:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812224011

I have never used such an adapter, so I can't say from personal experience
how well it might work. It may be worth risking $15.

On the other hand, you can buy a current model inkjet printer (with a USB
interface) for significantly less than $100. How much is your time worth?

If you find it necessary to replace your old printer, please recycle it
responsibly.

Return address scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

 

[Christopher A. Shipe]

Dose anyone knows if they make a printer cable: I received a new lab top
and it didn't come with the older printer jack on the computer. I guess I
need to use one of the usb ports? My Epson 660 still works I hate the idea
of getting a new printer when my old one works.

 

[Charles W Davis]

I used a parallel to USB cable on an old HP laser printer to a new HP Vista
Ultimate. Printer died, anyone want the cable?

 

[John]

Another thought. Use a wireless print server if you have a wireless network.