I've seen NuBus centronics adapters on ebay that allow you to have a
standard 25 pin centronics compatible parallel port - you might look around
for one. I'm not sure if your machine has NuBus or PCI but I'm guessing that
it's NuBus. Why is she worried about upgrading if the OS doens't suit her
needs?
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org
[mailto:owner-classiccmp@classiccmp.org]On Behalf Of Marion Bates
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 10:32 AM
To: classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org
Subject: OT: Apple LWPro parallel port?
Hi all,
My mom has the following setup:
- Beige G3 minitower
- Apple LaserWriter Pro 600
- OS 9.1
The printer and Mac are connected via LocalTalk. (This printer requires
AppleTalk.)
She is afraid that the next upgrade (OS X) will make the printer
unuseable, since Apple is phasing out LocalTalk (this Mac is the last model
that still comes with a damn serial port).
The printer has no Ethernet capability, but it does have a parallel port
in addition to the LocalTalk port.
The questions are: Is there any sort of hardware/software conversion kit
that would allow the Mac to use that parallel port if LocalTalk becomes
unavailable in the future? Does anyone have any experience with running OS X
and making it play nice with legacy hardware like this? Also, do they still
make LocalTalk PCI cards, and if so, is there any chance that the drivers
would work under OS X? This printer still works like new and she's not ready
to just chuck it and buy a new one.
Sigh. Old hardware doesn't wear out fast enough to keep pace with new
software. ;)
TIA,
-- Marion "Still using a PowerComputing100 with a G3 upgrade card and OS
7.6.1 so I can run my $1200 1993 Apple Color OneScanner which is not as good
as today's lamest $79 USB scanner but it still works goddammit" Bates