Re: pci-to-parallel vs usb-to-parallel?




---- Original Message ----
From: bob_mcgowan@xxxxxxxxxxxx
To: debian-user@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: pci-to-parallel vs usb-to-parallel?
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:33:50 -0700

Mike Fontenot wrote:
My new PC doesn't have a parallel port on the back (or anywhere
else),
and I need one for my HP1200 B/W laser printer. I've seen
inexpensive
PCI cards that have one or two parallel ports, and also some
cables that
convert between USB and parallel. Any advice on which of these
alternatives is likely to give me the least trouble getting
printing to
work (with etch or lenny)?

Mike Fontenot



The absolute least trouble would seem be to get the PCI card, since
it
will use "standard" chips that will work, out of the box, with
Linux.
But the USB is easier, since you just need to plug it in, no opening
the
case with associated potential for breaking something physically.
And
USB to parallel support should not be an issue, though I'm no expert
on
that aspect.

Other issues to consider:

How many PCI slots are available? Will there be a need for other
PCI
cards, now or in the future? The answer here may indicate the USB
route
is better, as it conserves PCI slots for future use.

Speed over USB will be limited to the PP port speed at max but could
be
impacted by other devices on the USB bus, if there are any.

If it were me, I'd factor in the cost, as well. If they were close,
I'd
probably choose the USB interface path, mostly due to not needing to

open the chassis to implement it.

--
Bob McGowan

Or it may be time to consider springing for a new printer (?)
Larry




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