What cable connection do I need for Laserjet 4100 connected to Laptop with USB port

[cindybaer]

I have the HP Laserjet 4100 printer. I purchased a new laptop with USB ports.  What kind of printer cable do I need to connect the printer to my laptop? Is there some sort of printer cable adapter, or something other that will do the trick?

I  have the same question regarding my HP Laserjet 1100 printer.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated assistance.:smileyhappy:

[GaryL1 · Accepted solution]

If I recall correctly, the 1100 uses a "C" cable, aka MicroCentronics.  Have never seen an adapter for that one.  On the 4100, you can get a USB to Parallel adapter.  They are fairly cheap and available at most CESS (Consumer Electronics Super Stores) like Best Buy.  Staples and OfficeMax/Office Depot should also carry them.  Online is cheaper if you have time to wait.

The trick with those USB convertors is that you often must "install" the cable first.  In other words, connect it to the laptop, then wait for it to install, then connect the printer.  Depending on your OS and if you have the correct updates this may be almost instant and you may not even see it pop on the screen.

Better idea is that since these are obviously not portable machines, connect them to your router via a network card.  I had the 1100 years ago and used a cheap 170X.  I am sure newer units are available that are faster. 

For the 4100, see if you can grab a Jet Direct 620 unit on eBay.  Probably under $50 and sometimes even as low as $25.  Stay away from the 600, 510 or 615 cards.  Either weak or like the 600, they can leave your network open to hackers.  No need to get the Gigabit cards as they will be way above what the 4100 can handle. 

Now, for both of these old units, memory and processing power may be an issue.  Never try to print online documents.  Save them to your laptop and then print.  You will probably get communication errors if you print directly from IE or FireFox.

If the 1100 does die, don't even bother fixing.  Putting in a fuser is a nightmare.  The 4100 will probably run for another 20 years if you keep in clean and replace rollers before they cause jams.

[cindybaer]

Thanks for your quick response. I appreciate your assistance!