Printer Cable help (laptop, Windows, work, connecting)

[cdc3217]

I was donated a HP Laserjet 1100 printer and it looks like it has a smaller than normal parallel port on the back, and of course, my laptop I want it for only has USB. How do I find the part? Does anyone know what I mean by a smaller than normal parallel port? Its like 2/3 the size of the normal one. I just want to connect it to the laptop.

[EscapeCalifornia]

I think I know what cable you're talking about. Its a parallel cable and has standard 25 pin male connector for the computer end but uses a proprietary connector instead of the standard 36 pin centronics connector on the printer end. Its like a mini centronics or something. I searched and found this on HP's web site:
HP LaserJet 1100 All-in-One series - Recommended supplies, accessories & related products

Getting that cable is the first challenge. Connecting that parallel printer to a laptop with only USB is the second. You'll have to get some kind of USB to parallel adapter and hope it works. Something like this:

Newegg.com - GWC 6.56 ft. USB to Parallel Bi-Directional Cable Model AP1325 - Cables

Then after you've spend probably $50 on cables, you'll have to hope it all works. Personally, I'd donate that printer to someone else and just get a cheap laser with a USB port for yourself.

[swagger]

Does it look like this?



Or this?

http://www.allelectronics.com/mas_assets/image_cache/image_product.height.500;width.500;modified.120785 6339.DB-9S.jpg (broken link)

Or this?



Or this?



Or this?



Did the previous owner use it with a Windows PC or a Mac?

[cdc3217]

Escape & Swagger,

Thanks for replying.

Its not the IEEE cable you linked me to.

It looks like a mini version of the last picture you put up.
I actually have the pritner cable that attaches the printer to a parallel port - would it make more sense to just use that and attach a parallel port to USB converter on the laptop end?

[mensaguy]

Originally Posted by cdc3217

Escape & Swagger,

Thanks for replying.

Its not the IEEE cable you linked me to.

It looks like a mini version of the last picture you put up.
I actually have the pritner cable that attaches the printer to a parallel port - would it make more sense to just use that and attach a parallel port to USB converter on the laptop end?

Yes

[Radek]

^What mensa guy said