USB vs. Parallel for Printers?

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 5 Oct 2000 6:59 pm

The ole Lexmark laser printer finally crapped out (it's sledgehammer time...) and it's time for another printer. Anyone have any info on the relative merits of USB vs. parallel interface these days - print speed, reliability, drivers, etc? Win 98 OS.

- OR - recommendations for an inexpensive to moderate laser printer...

Thanks.[This message was edited by Steve Feldman on 05 October 2000 at 08:01 PM.]

Jonathan Cullifer · Post by **Jonathan Cullifer** » 6 Oct 2000 6:37 pm

Parallel! It saves you a USB slot that you can use for a scanner or something else. There is no difference in speed for most applications, reliability, about the same, and installation is a tad easier with parallel.

Don't know of any inexpensive laser printers...

Sincerely,
Jonathan Cullifer

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www.cullifer.com

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 7 Oct 2000 7:29 am

I have a HP Deskjet 882C inkjet printer that "goes both ways". I've tried in in the USB port and with the parallel port and I don't see any difference. I currently have it in the parallel port and will probably keep it there unless I need the parallel port for something else.

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 7 Oct 2000 1:09 pm

Thanks guys -

I got the Lex (1200 dpi and Postscript) for some desktop publishing stuff I used to do. Good output but basically a piece of crap and there is NO WAY I will ever buy another Lexmark.

I think the best deal out there for what I'm looking for seems to be the Brother 1250 at ~$300. 4MB RAM, 600 x 600 dpi, and 12 ppm (I think) output. Seems to get pretty good reviews, and it can also go both USB and parallel.

BTW - Jonathan, if you get a hub(s) for one of your USB ports, don't you then have the capability of putting many, many devices on there?

Thanks.
Steve[This message was edited by Steve Feldman on 07 October 2000 at 02:09 PM.]

Jonathan Cullifer · Post by **Jonathan Cullifer** » 7 Oct 2000 4:10 pm

I beleive the number of devices that can be connected to a single USB driver (both of the USB ports that are on your computer will be on one driver) is around 120, but I am not exactly sure, but yes, you can put more devices on a USB driver than I will ever need. Imagine 120 devices plugged into your computer via USB! What a mess

!

Jonathan

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www.cullifer.com

John Gretzinger · Post by **John Gretzinger** » 9 Oct 2000 8:18 am

Jonathan -

The "limit" for USB ports is 127 devices per port. The real limit would be somewhat less that that as there are currently no 127 port hubs that I know of, so you have to daisy-chain USB hubs to get to that number.

Somehow I can't imagine what 127 devices I would want to plug into my PC.

jdg

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