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Parallel or USB cable for your printer

Parallel Port, most definitely. Last time I had a USB printer, it was always being recognized and kept reinstalling itself over and over again =\
 
I'm using USB now for my Brother HL-5040 laser, but up until last year I used parallel with my old Laserjet 4ML. I haven't noticed any real difference except that the USB cables are thinner and lack the large 25 pin and gigantic 36 pin connectors of parallel. So I now have a slight preference for USB.
 
USB. Parallel worked fine, but there's no mourning on my part to give it up. Especially in the later days when scanners, mp3 players, etc everything else wanted to use it too leading to pass through plugs a foot long hanging off the back or switch boxes. This USB thing might work out ok after all 😉
 
Parallel everytime, it's far easier to install, more and cheaper print servers support it, it's FASTER than usb 1.1 which pretty much all USB printers use, it uses less system resources, it's a decitaded port so it free's up USB ports for other devices, ect.... theirs tons more reasons but just the few I listed are more than enough reason to like parallel over usb.... In anyevent I like RJ45 over both, printers w/ built in print servers are the way to go then you don't have to deal w/ USB or parallel you just plug it into your network and it's over 🙂
 
how can I share a printer? My printer is connected to my parents' computer through USB, but has the option for parallel. It is a Canon S520. Also, their computer uses Wifi to connect to the internet, through 802.11b since we use a router. I hate having to use the thumb drive anytime I want to print, and their printer does not have a ethernet port.
 
I went from parallel to USB & am happy with it. When I had parallel, it would bog down my system before & during printing. Now, when I want to print, I have no issues. But that's just my personal opinion, fwiw.
 
I have a server at home (see My Anandtech page; name is VALEFOR). It has two printers connected. One on LPT1 (i.e. parallel) and the other on USB (via an USB card, since the PC itself doesn't have any USB connectors 😛). Both work just fine, although I have to admit that installing drivers for the USB printer is tougher. Once it works, however, then everything is perfect. 🙂
 
It's becoming a moot point any, as it is getting increasingly hard to find any parallel port printers anymore if you are buying new. A lot of lasers still support parallel, but if you are going color inkjet then the port is getting scarce. Personally, I've had no issues with USB myself. Also, if you are going for a multifunction device or a photo printer with a built in card reader, USB is pretty much the only way to go.
 
why are people saying that USB printer HOG the system? when i was useing my old printer on Parallel when i printed it would freeze the comp and i couldent do anything till it was done, xp2400+ Xp Pro....
same sys now and have a USB printer, I hit print and dont even think about it or notice that its printing other then the lil monitor that pops up
 
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
I'm using USB now for my Brother HL-5040 laser so I now have a slight preference for USB.
Click to expand...

My case exactly. USB is a much more funn cable to use. In the early days of USB when no-one had ports, it'd be a pain but now that USB is a well-adopted standard, theres not much trouble with it.
 
The choice is pretty much gone anyway - hard to find a reasonably priced parallel printer anymore. USB works fine for me as I seldom use more than one USB device at a time anyway. And the cable is much easier to deal with.
.bh.

KPS - How to share printer? Network the computers directly together whatever way is most convenient/least expensive (wired/wireless), and share ONLY the printer.
.bh.
 
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