parallel port vs usb port printers

**airshaq20** · April 27th, 2005 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by doublea

I think the question is the difference between the two ports. Between the two, Parallel Port sends data in parallel, meaning simultaneously data bits at one time. While USB is sending data sequentially meaning one bit at a time. In short, Parallel port is faster in sending data to the printer or to any parallel port compatible devices than the USB or the old Serial Port. For instance I have 8 bits of data from PC to Printer, in parallel port, it would be send in 1 second while in USB, it would be send in 8 secs.

The disadvantage of Parallel port is bulky in size compared to USB.

Well..the thing is, even if it sends the data in a parallel configuration, it does it in a slower pace (compared to USB). And also, printer is an OUTPUT device...you dont really need anything to DOWNLOAD from the printer....in short - there's not much data to transmit from printer to PC....besides, it DOESN'T MAKE YOUR PRINTER PRINT FASTER. If you bought a printer that is rated * 25ppm - and both came in with Parallel and USB ports, and assuming they have the same spooling time (USB has faster spooling time though), your printer will still print the same speed whether you use parallel or USB.

**chain** · April 27th, 2005 10:29 PM

I like USB kasi Plug N Play..kaso nga lang, nauubusan ako minsan ng USB ports kaya I opt to put the printer sa parallel. more of convenience and practicality for me. the slot's there kasi so why not use it?