Need to use Printer-Parallel devices on a USB-only laptop, solutions?

[Marcos]

I have device here that i havent used in a few years, it only connects through a parallel-printer port, but these are phased out on laptops nowadays.

I have only USB2.0 and firewire on the laptop, is there a cheap/easy way to make the device work?

I found this on ebay but ive no idea if these are reliable?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...MEWA:IT&ih=018

[[GSV]Trig]

I've got a USB-Parallel converter thing, used them a few times at work, not expensive...

[Marcos]

Like the one in the link?

[nichomach]

If it's just a printer, you'll be fine - it'll install USB printing support and convert the output; that connector looks wonky for a printer, though. Most parallel printers expect a Centronics, not a DB25 female; you might need a second converter; you'd be better off with something like THIS.

If it's a device that requires bidirectional communications, it'll probably require a proper EPP/ECP port and you'll need something else; you can get PCMCIA adapters that install proper parallel ports, like THIS from Maplins.