When it comes to USB/Parallel cables, Macintosh computers are much pickier than PCs. They need true bi-directional cables, not the cheap no-name cables that most stores carry. This cable is 100% Mac compatible, which means it supports everything a cable like this can support.
I used this cable on a PowerMac G4/400 running OS X 10.3 with an HP LaserJet 6MP. My Mac was able to auto-detect the printer as soon as I plugged it in. I did not need to install any software or drivers.
The package comes with a CD and a manual in English, French, and Spanish. The CD contains Windows software, so I presume there are some drivers, which you may or may not need, depending on which version of Windows you have.
I definitely recommend this cable over all others. It's not expensive, and it should work great with your computer.
One last hint: if you buy this product from one of the third-party vendors, make sure you get model number U206-006-R. Some of the listing here imply that the vendor is selling a generic USB/parallel cable, because they think you won't notice the difference. Tripp Lite U206-006-R USB to IEEE Gold Parallel Printer Adapter Cable USB A/C36M - 6ft
I needed to connect my old HP Laserjet 5MP to my new iMac through the USB port. I bought this cable adapter in particular because HP specified to use an IEEE 1284 compliant cable for best performance. The instructions did not mention anything about Mac OS for the system requirements but I tried it anyway. Installation was easy. All I had to do was plug it in. I didn't have to use their configuration software. I followed HP's instructions at their website about connecting to USB's. I'm glad I didn't have to buy a new laser printer.
If you follow the written directions explicitly when installing, this well-made cable will connect your HP LaserJet 5MP, and probably other HP printers of that era, to Windows Vista 64. Follow the instructions on the small pamphlet, and be sure to select the new port in your Computer-Printer-Properties-Port setup area. The pamphlet isn't really meant for Vista 64, as it tells you the wrong way to get to port setup, but when you get there, all works great. I didn't need the installation CD either. I also didn't need to use the DOS commands on the HP website, under migrate/upgrade for the above printer, as at least one other user of this computer and printer said they had to on a user site I visited.
As all Vista 64 users have no doubt discovered, just because XP has been dropped completely on big retail computer chain stores' new inventory (such as Frye's Electronics where my machine was purchased), you can't assume that means Vista now runs flawlessly with everything. That is the assumption I made and I soon found that most of my legacy peripherals no longer would connect. I also discovered that since I bought the max speed and power that I could buy, I actually got Vista 64, not Vista 32, which equates to even more trouble! In practical terms, this means that while the industry has stepped up its number of newer peripherals, cables, etc that will run with Vista, many less are compatible with Vista 64. Generally if something says Vista, that means Vista 32. If they mean it's compatible with Vista 64 they will say 64. See Microsoft website for more on this topic.
To date, Quicken Deluxe 2008 works with Vista 64, and I just sent a register report successfully to this HP printer. (Many online forums say that printing in Quicken does not work with Vista 64. Maybe this is true, but I have printed one report successfully.) Photoshop 7 works fine. FinePix Viewer version 5.411E works, with some quirks that sometimes shut it down prematurely. FamilyTreeMaker16 works in Vista 64, and prints to the above printer.
I did regret my Vista 64 purchase when I discovered how much I might have to replace. Every success I've had (software & hardware) integrating this machine has been hard won. I do love its speed, performance, and dependability. I believe that now that I have printer function (after 4 months), I will like it even more. Now if I could just get my old scanner to work...
I too, came to this very page and read the customer reviews for this item, and based upon them, made my purchase. I found it impossible to find anything to connect my new iMac and my HP LaserJet 6p. This is was the only option.
However when it was delivered, it came with one of those small CDs, not the typical-sized ones that are the most common. These small-sized CDs do not fit in the iMAc's side CD/DVD mechanism (which is great, btw.) Since you cannot put the CD in, you can't download the software for the item! I don't know how any of the other customers were able to do it. I finally had to give up and return it.
I needed to connect my old HP Laserjet 6MP workhorse printer to my Airport Extreme (g) wireless network, consisting of a Mac Pro, iMac G5 (2nd gen) and Mac Mini G4. Based on a recommendation for this product (above), I bought this cable. However, the Airport base station would not recognize the printer, with this cable, despite many efforts. Then, I hooked up the cable directly between the Mac Pro USB port on the back of the computer, into the printer. The Printer Setup Utility did see the printer, but the computer still could not print, despite using Gutenprint for Mac OS X (together with USTBT 1.0.15) or any other HP or other open source (i.e. hpijs) printer drivers for my printer. I spent alot of time trying to get this cable to work. On a whim, I bought another USB to Parallel cable from the local Best Buy, a Dynex brand (model # DX-UBPC), and this cable worked immediately, first, with the direct connect between the Mac Pro and the 6MP and next between the Airport USB output and the 6MP. The Tripp-Lite cable is certainly well-made, better than the Dynex, but nevertheless, it did not work in my case. - Usb - Usb Cables - Connectivity - Usb To Parallel Adapter Cable'
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