HP LaserJet 6p and PowerBook G4

[LimeiBook86]

In school my teacher has a HP LaserJet 6p hooked up to a PC via Paralell port (printer port for PC) now all the computers on the ethernet network can print. But what I think they do is they send the PC the the info (via ethernet) and then that PC prints it via the PC's printer port (lloks liek a SCSI port) Now the PowerBook G4 has OS X.2, the HP site says it has built in drivers for the printer. but the powerbook has to talk to the main PC so it can print to the printer. Now the printer has 3 connection ports. A AppleLocalTalk port (looks like the old apple connection for printers and modems) a Parellel Port (PC's printer port) and a small little squarish black port which I know nothing about. Now I have a USB to Mac Serial (printer or modem) ports. Its made by Griffin, now If I hook that upto the printer how would I tell it to print? I could use classic right? Is there anyway to print it in OS X? I know that my G3 MiniTower shows the Printer Port and Modem Port under Network settings so i dunno if the PowerBook will detect the USB Printer Port. Help Please. There is no ethernet port on the printer.

 

[Stelliform]

I think this gives you your answer. HP's Info on OS X compaibility

I am using a laserjet 4 on my powerbook, but with ethernet and a postscript option installed. I am certain that your teacher wouldn't install Macintosh services on the workstation controlling the printer.(Assuming she was NT/2000 server)

Looks like OS 9 would be your only route for printing in this case. (But remember that classic on OS X uses the OS 9 Drivers. (So you won't necessarily have to boot in 9) But I bet you will have to connect to that Mac serial connection on the back of the printer.

 

[TEG]

Is the Black thing an ethernet jack? If not, use an Ethernet to Local Talk Bridge to connect to the printer via Apple Talk. When you connect to it, it will just have a Generic name like "HP Laserjet6p". Done this before with several Macs and an old Printer with local talk only, over a network. This will also allow the PC to print over the network (Using HP's Jet Direct Software). You may have to use the menu's on the printer to activate the LT port, and activate appletalk.

If you do want to name the Printer later, use Namer from Apple's Web site. It allows you to rename any networked Printer.

TEG

 

[LimeiBook86]

Well its the schools computer and printer (except the powerbook) So my teahcer doesnt wanna spend a fortune. Ill bring in some adapters I have, the otehr art teacher hear might have some adapters and wire, the black thing isnt an ethernet port.

Maybe ill try the local talk USB adapter thingy, but then i need software.....hmmmm