AppleTalk No longer. So how do I IP print please

Question

AppleTalk No longer. So how do I IP print please

Hello.

I have just upgraded from a G4 to a MacPro only to find I can't use my Apple LW 4/600 Printer because there is no longer AppleTalk.

Please can anyone explain, in very simple terms, how I can use the printer with my MacPro through IP printing?

I used the printer on my G4 using a Farallon ethermac iPrint adaptor.

It's a lovely printer that can't go to waste plus I recently being made redundant, I can't afford a new printer.

Hope you can help.

I.Butterfield

G4 Silver 800MHz, Mac OS X (10.4.11), Dual OS9 & OSX

Posted on Feb 8, 2011 7:28 AM

Reply

Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

182,668 points

Feb 8, 2011 7:54 AM in response to Ian Butterfield

While I understand the desire to keep that old laser printer in service, I don't know if it's possible, much less practical, to use it with Snow Leopard. The LaserWriter 4/600 does not support IP printing, so there is no way to print to it directly from Snow Leopard. There once were products that supported translation of IP print jobs into AppleTalk, but those products have long since disappeared from the market and were mostly for higher-end routers such as those from Cayman Systems.

It might be possible to use your old G4 (if you still have it) as a print server. If that's possible, someone here should be able to tell you how to accomplish it. Otherwise, you'll need a new printer. You can find inkjet printers for under $40 if you shop around.

Regards.

Reply

Answer 2

Feb 8, 2011 8:21 AM in response to varjak paw

An answer I did not want to read, really.

But just one question is why is there a 4/600 in the printer software listing on the MacPro?

Reply

Answer 3

Feb 8, 2011 8:23 AM in response to Ian Butterfield

Check this out:-

http://hintsforums.macworld.com/showthread.php?t=103355

Interesting but it doesn't explain in simple terms, which is what I need as I am new to IP Printing.

Reply

Answer 4

Feb 8, 2011 8:54 AM in response to Ian Butterfield

The 4/600 only has localtalk connections, which only support Appletalk. If it had a parallel printer port, there would be options, but they would require buying hardware, which only saves a little bit of money compared to a new printer.

The driver for that printer is provided for use as a shared printer from an older computer.

Moral: If you get a new computer, take advantage of the printer rebate to get a free printer. If you do not need it, you can always donate to someone who does.

Reply