How can I connect an old Apple/Mac or old PC-type printer to my G3 or G4 or iMac (OS X) system ?
The very short answer is: you can’t do this easily. There are problems between the USB-to-serial stuff; problems with printer drivers; and problems with OS X (or OS 9, etc) not knowing about either. The G3’s, G4’s and iMacs do not have the old Apple “DIN-8” connector (serial Localtalk) for modems and printers. These later Macs either use USB or Ethernet. Regarding the DIN-8 and Appletalk, see a related FAQ question for a description of that port. I don’t describe Ethernet or USB. Most older Apple printers use a DIN-8 cable, either directly or via Appletalk. Also, most older PC-type printers use either serial connections or parallel connections. Old Appletalk to parallel port connections are rare and specialized. But DIN-8 to serial (DB-25) cables are available. However, these will not help the G3, G4, or iMac owner as they do not have a DIN-8/Appletalk port. However, there are some devices generally called “Ethernet to Appletalk converters”, which are designed to connect Appletalk prin
