The first question, is the unit Vista compatible? If it's not Vista compatible that mostly seals the deal.
However, if you have a home LAN network (router) and you are going to add the new PC to the network you MAY be able to use the old PC as the print server and then "add" the printer to your new PC. You would then print using the old computer as the print server to access the printer portion. However, you may not get the scanner portion to work with the new PC.
Best option is to start looking for a new replacement All in one that is Vista compatible and USB connected (all new units are USB interface). The "old reliable" may still work fine but it is "old technology".
It's not just Dell that no longer supports the parallell port, I just built a new PC using an Intel motherboard and it does not have a Parallel (printer) port or a Serial (com) port.
There is also an issue in Vista of the way it handles a parallel printer port (LPT port), it does not have CPU sharing and many experience a 100% CPU usage when printing to a parallel port. Basically what that means is the CPU is completly tied up when you print and you can't do anything else while it's printing. (There is a Microsoft Tech Bulletin about this issue). With new PC's being built for Vista that is another reason there is no Parallel port.
HP stated on their website long ago that they would not provide software for the HP 3150 all-in-one to make it compatible with Windows Vista. Consequently, I have been thinking about getting a new computer with Windows XP. (By the way, Dell has indicated that today is the last day to buy a computer with Windows XP preinstalled without buying Windows Vista. After today they will still offer XP but only through their Windows Vista "downgrade" program.)
I have only one computer and no router. Your idea about using my XPS T450 as a print server is interesting. I have never set up a LAN and am not sure what that would entail or how difficult it would be. You also stated that the scanner function may not work in such a setup. That is good to know.
fireberd
9 Legend
•
33.4K Posts
0
June 18th, 2008 10:00
The first question, is the unit Vista compatible? If it's not Vista compatible that mostly seals the deal.
However, if you have a home LAN network (router) and you are going to add the new PC to the network you MAY be able to use the old PC as the print server and then "add" the printer to your new PC. You would then print using the old computer as the print server to access the printer portion. However, you may not get the scanner portion to work with the new PC.
Best option is to start looking for a new replacement All in one that is Vista compatible and USB connected (all new units are USB interface). The "old reliable" may still work fine but it is "old technology".
It's not just Dell that no longer supports the parallell port, I just built a new PC using an Intel motherboard and it does not have a Parallel (printer) port or a Serial (com) port.
There is also an issue in Vista of the way it handles a parallel printer port (LPT port), it does not have CPU sharing and many experience a 100% CPU usage when printing to a parallel port. Basically what that means is the CPU is completly tied up when you print and you can't do anything else while it's printing. (There is a Microsoft Tech Bulletin about this issue). With new PC's being built for Vista that is another reason there is no Parallel port.
barkupatree2002
1 Rookie
•
119 Posts
0
June 18th, 2008 17:00
Fireberd
Thanks for the reply.
HP stated on their website long ago that they would not provide software for the HP 3150 all-in-one to make it compatible with Windows Vista. Consequently, I have been thinking about getting a new computer with Windows XP. (By the way, Dell has indicated that today is the last day to buy a computer with Windows XP preinstalled without buying Windows Vista. After today they will still offer XP but only through their Windows Vista "downgrade" program.)
I have only one computer and no router. Your idea about using my XPS T450 as a print server is interesting. I have never set up a LAN and am not sure what that would entail or how difficult it would be. You also stated that the scanner function may not work in such a setup. That is good to know.