[Boochie]

I have an old but functional LaserJet 5MP, which I'd like to continue using with my Quicksilver G4. I'm in the process of migrating to OS X, and I can't see how to get the computer to talk to the printer. Under OS 9 I was using the Stealth Serial Port from GeeThree.com, which worked just fine. Unfortunately it seems that Localtalk is not supported over serial ports under OS X. What are my options? This printer set me back about $900 when I bought it 6 or 7 years ago, and it works just fine (though a bit on the slow side by today's standards). I've read a little bit about the AsanteTalk and Farallon iPrint Ethernet-Localtalk bridge devices, but it's not clear that these will work under OS X. Options?

Thanks!

[mmintler]

Hi,
I did a search on the laserjet 5mp and your post came up. I also see that no one responded. I also have the same printer. Did you find a solution?

Thanks
Mark

[aaanorton]

How is your printer physically connected to your computer now?

[BlankMac]

I have the 5mp as well...right now I use it through a netgear router (FR114P) with a parallel port on the back, so I can share it with my airport network as well as my wired Dual 500...As for print drivers - ESP Ghostscript and Gimp-Print...

[oranjdisc]

I have a HP LaserJet 4MP running to my PowerMac 533 via a Belkin parallel <-> USB adapter. With that, I can turn on USB Printer Sharing, and print from either of my wireless laptops over Airport. I can also, obviously, print from the PowerMac as well. Works very well.

[solitere]

Originally posted by Boochie:
I have an old but functional LaserJet 5MP, which I'd like to continue using with my Quicksilver G4. I'm in the process of migrating to OS X, and I can't see how to get the computer to talk to the printer. Under OS 9 I was using the Stealth Serial Port from GeeThree.com, which worked just fine. Unfortunately it seems that Localtalk is not supported over serial ports under OS X. What are my options? This printer set me back about $900 when I bought it 6 or 7 years ago, and it works just fine (though a bit on the slow side by today's standards). I've read a little bit about the AsanteTalk and Farallon iPrint Ethernet-Localtalk bridge devices, but it's not clear that these will work under OS X. Options?

Thanks!

If you HP printer does not have an ethernet connection port I would suggest that you purchase a HP jetdirect 170x external printserver to the printer and connect your computer via ethernet to the Jetdirect device.
Look at HP homepages for more info about External Jetdirect devices.

[LeeG]

I have a Laserjet 5mp that I have used with my G4/500/AGP tower for years now. I cannot recommend enough the ASANTETALK. Its a fabulous device. I have the asante plugged into the 5mp, and then into my switch/router, which also plugs into my G4.

Aside from the occasional pain of restarting the printer/asante/router (like when the power goes out) it works without even thinking about it. I can select the printer in OSX with no prob.

I also have a wireless access point plugged into the switch/router and can print to the 5mp from my airportted (is airported a word?) tibook.

The asantetalk isn't cheap (at least when I bought it 3 yrs ago it was almost $100) but works GREAT, I am still happily using my 5mp from 10.2.4...


Lee

[aaanorton]

Originally posted by LeeG:
The asantetalk isn't cheap (at least when I bought it 3 yrs ago it was almost $100) but works GREAT, I am still happily using my 5mp from 10.2.4...

This seems to be a hot topic lately... Just search eBay for an AsanteTalk. They go for about 30 bucks.

[Boochie]

I opted for a USB -> parallel port adapter cable. Works OK, though print jobs disappear into the ether from time to time.

Originally posted by mmintler:
Hi,
I did a search on the laserjet 5mp and your post came up. I also see that no one responded. I also have the same printer. Did you find a solution?

Thanks
Mark