Printing in OSX is starting to piss me off.

satchmosatchmo
Posted:
in macOS edited January 2014
What's the best way to connect an old HP4MP LaserJet to a new iMac...so it will work in OSX.



I'm trying not to rely on any software since it may not be OSX compliant.

(actually, I don't think option 2 works in OSX)



1) iPrint and localtalk/ethernet hub

2) PowerPrint and parallel cable

3) JetDirect print server and ethernet hub



thanks

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 10
    escherescher Posts: 1,811member
    satchmo: If you have the cash for a JetDirect print server, that's by far the best way to go. If you print via Ethernet, you can share your printer with other computers connected to your hub/router. And because the 4MP has PostScript (I think), you should be able to use the Apple PS driver.



    I'm in a much worse situation with my Epson EPL-5700i laser printer. The OS 9 driver sucks, there's no OS X driver, and my printer has no option for Ethernet/print server nor does it have PostScript. On the other hand, I've saved a whole bunch of trees since I rarely print now.



    Escher
  • Reply 2 of 10
    chromoschromos Posts: 191member
    [quote]Originally posted by Escher:

    <strong>I'm in a much worse situation with my Epson EPL-5700i laser printer. The OS 9 driver sucks, there's no OS X driver, and my printer has no option for Ethernet/print server nor does it have PostScript. On the other hand, I've saved a whole bunch of trees since I rarely print now.



    Escher</strong><hr></blockquote>



    Hi Escher,



    I also have an Epson 5700i, but find that it's perfectly workable if you launch the Mac OS 9 version of Acrobat Reader in Classic, then print preview all the OS X documents you want to print. True, the OS 9 Mac drivers suck, but they do a fine job in printing out pdfs. Kind of pain to launch Classic whenever you want to print, though.



    hope this helps!
  • Reply 3 of 10
    scott_h_phdscott_h_phd Posts: 448member
    Print server? Don't you just need an ethernet card for the printer? Or is that the same thing?
  • Reply 4 of 10
    satchmosatchmo Posts: 2,699member
    [quote]Originally posted by scott_h_phd:

    <strong>Print server? Don't you just need an ethernet card for the printer? Or is that the same thing?</strong><hr></blockquote>



    Scott, it's a pretty low end printer that I don't believe can take a ethernet card.

    The printer server acts as an ethernet card connecting to the printer via a parallel cable.
  • Reply 5 of 10
    ghost_user_nameghost_user_name Posts: 22,667member
    I had a LaserJet 6MP that I trashed for the very same reason. Got me a smaller, faster, and higher quality LaserJet 1200series that was a BITCH getting to work- but worth it. First page is out in 10 seconds baby!
  • Reply 6 of 10
    aussie johnaussie john Posts: 173member
    i dont have any problems with a 5mp- just use an Asante ethertalk bridge
  • Reply 7 of 10
    satchmosatchmo Posts: 2,699member
    [quote]Originally posted by Aussie John:

    <strong>i dont have any problems with a 5mp- just use an Asante ethertalk bridge</strong><hr></blockquote>



    I'm assuming you have a direct connection to your Mac?

    Have you tried running this configuration through an ethernet hub? I'm guessing this still should work as software is not needed.
  • Reply 8 of 10
    aussie johnaussie john Posts: 173member
    Satchmo,

    I am using a 4 port neatgear router. The local talk bridge just plugs straight into it. I still am using appletalk protocal in the network settings
  • Reply 9 of 10
    ghost_user_nameghost_user_name Posts: 22,667member
    I figured if I was spending $200+ on connection gear like ethernet items, why not spend the extra $200 on a new printer? By the way, the 1200se is swwweet. Best of all, you can buy it at... *gasp*... BEST BUY! <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
  • Reply 10 of 10
    satchmosatchmo Posts: 2,699member
    [quote]Originally posted by sjpsu:

    <strong>I figured if I was spending $200+ on connection gear like ethernet items, why not spend the extra $200 on a new printer? By the way, the 1200se is swwweet. Best of all, you can buy it at... *gasp*... BEST BUY! <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>



    Yes and no.

    Yes, you get a spanking new printer with all it's bells and whistles.



    No, it shouldn't cost $200 for all those extras.

    I picked up a JetDirect box on eBay and a ethernet hub for a grand total of $20.

    (lost out on an Asantetalk that went for $30)



    I'm just waiting for delivery and will let you know how it works out with OSX.
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