Should I use UsB instead of Parallel for my printer?

[EvilDonnyboy]

I got a Epson 740 tha supports both Parallel and Usb connectivity. I'm currently using parallel, with no problems.

Would switchin to USB be better? It would probably make sending data to the printer faster, therfore making printing itself a bit faster. But what about other problems?

So should I buy the cable for the printer, or should I just keep it like it is.

 

[GT1999]

I've got the same printer.

I'd recommend USB. Must faster, and it's been working wonders for me.

G|T

 

[Warrenton]

I am saving for a good USB HP printer. The epsons are too noisy for me, and the new HP's are higher res.

 

[Ulysses]

You might want to check with Epson. I have an HP 812C inkjet and I was told by HP that the fastest connection was to use the parallel port set to ECP mode, and not USB.

 

[sciencewhiz]

If parallel is working for you, don't change it.

And yes, a properly done parallel port printer driver is faster than any USB driver. But many people are not spending time on their parallel port drivers anymore. You also need to set your parallel port to ECP in the bios and use a IEEE1284 printer cable to experience the faster speeds.

Also all printers except windows only printers can receive data faster than they can physically print the data. I do not know about the Epson 740 as to whether it is a windows only device.

 

[corkyg]

That printer works well on USB. I have all mine on USB . . two computers, and thus can disable the parallel port in BIOS and save a IRQ.

 

[astroview]

Ulysses

I have that same printer and I am running USB with it right now. Do you have anymore info on that?

I originally switched to USB because the printer didn't work with a parallel port in Win2k beta for me.

 

[Ulysses]

astroview:

For a while back in 1999 I did use Win 2K Beta RC2 , but I can't remember if I used the HP 812C with that OS - probably not. Because I had trouble using dual monitors with Win 2K Beta RC2, I later went back to Win 98SE. By now, I would hope, there should be drivers available for the latest version of Win 2K and the 812C, but I'm nt really sure. I have never run the 812C with the USB.

As far as using the parallel or USB port goes, I only know what HP told me. Some day when I have nothing better to do I'll do a test of the two modes (and then publish a ridiculously long article about it at AnandTech. )

-----------------------------------------------------------

Here's a copy of my e-mail correspondence with HP:



<< QUESTION:
My printer works fine, but I'd like to know which gives the fastest printing:
1. USB
2. Parallel port @ SPP
3. Parallel port @ ECP
4. Parallel port @ EPP
5. Parallel port @ ECP+ EPP
My PC's BIOS allows any of the
above settings &amp; I've used 2 &amp;
3 above without a problem.

ANSWER:
Thank you for contacting Hewlett-Packard's Customer Care.

Hi Gerald:

I understand you want to know which port gives the fastest printing.
The ECP port is the fastest port and the one recommended for our
printers. EPP would be the second fastest port, and the SPP port is
the slowest.

Port descriptions:
ECP
ECP stands for Extended Capabilities Port. This setting
allows the computer's parallel port to send and receive data
in both directions simultaneously. This is the preferred and
fastest type of communication available for newer printers.
ECP is the preferred port setting for most HP DeskJet
printers.

SPP, output, compatible, standard, or Centronics
These settings allow the computer's parallel port to operate
in an output-only mode, meaning data can be sent out to the
printer. The parallel port can also receive limited feedback
from the printer. These settings can also be used as the
alternate port setting for HP DeskJet printers if the ECP
port setting is not available.

Standard bidi, bidi, or bidirectional
These settings allow the computer's parallel port to send
and receive data, but only in one direction at a time,
either sending or receiving.
For information on checking or changing the parallel port
configuration for your computer, see the computer
documentation.

EPP is used for high speed read/write peripheral devices, such a disk
drives or CD ROM.


The speed of the LPT and USB ports are as follows:

LPT port: 90 Mb/Sec
USB port: 12 Mb/Sec >>

 

[Strych9]

Wrong thread