Q: How to install Laser Writer 4/600 PS on a Mac intel 10.6.8

That printer normally requires AppleTalk, which is no longer part of OS X in Snow Leopard. From what I can find, the only port on the printer is LocalTalk, which I believe is an older Mac serial port, not Ethernet. I don't think there is a way to use it.

Actually, it can be done. There are several bridges available - I used one myself a while ago.

http://lowendmac.com/network/bridge.shtml

Try also to google "localtalk to ethernet"

Hi Detlef,

I did find a similar page online, and even a thread in these forums (using an AsanteTalk box) where users were trying to help someone getting an older LaserWriter to work in OS X. But they noted it didn't work with this particular model printer.

I used the AsanteTalk with just this printer, it worked fine.

However, you had to power it up after the Mac - this was the only restriction. I guess this was because of the Mac providing the address

Excellent! I hope Villads returns to see your note.

Detlef Kretschmer wrote:

 

I used the AsanteTalk with just this printer, it worked fine.

However, you had to power it up after the Mac - this was the only restriction. I guess this was because of the Mac providing the address

Have you used this set up with OS X 10.6 or later?  It is my understanding that devices like the AsanteTalk allows the physical connection.  This just lets you do AppleTalk over Ethernet.  That is not supported in OS X 01.6 and later.  I would be happy to learn otherwise if that is indeed the case.

No, it was 10.4.

I guess in 10.6, the problem would be to find a driver

Detlef Kretschmer wrote:

 

No, it was 10.4.

 

I guess in 10.6, the problem would be to find a driver

A driver is no problem.  This is a PostScript printer.  Apple even includes a PPD for the printer in OS X 10.7.  The problem is that OS X 10.6 and above do not support any form of AppleTalk.

The only way I know to print to this printer from OS X 10.6 or above is to connect the prnter to a computer running OS X 10.5 or below that has Printer Sharing enabled.