# Can I connect a USB printer to a non-USB computer? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 30, 2002, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-connect-a-usb-printer-to-a-non-usb-computer/130248 "2002-09-30T14:19:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![H8\_2\_W8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c77e96/32.png) [@H8\_2\_W8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/H8_2_W8)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-connect-a-usb-printer-to-a-non-usb-computer/130248/1 "2002-09-30T14:19:36Z")
Is there some sort of USB adaptor/cable/connector that would allow me to connect a new USB printer (Lexmark X73) to an older IBM Thinkpad laptop (~4 years old) that doesn’t have USB ports? I know I’d need to upgrade to Windows 98 or newer from the Windows 95 currently on the laptop, but I don’t want to mess with that if there’s no easy way to get the printer connected. I’m not too techie, so please keep ideas or options as simple as possible. Thanks in advance. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-connect-a-usb-printer-to-a-non-usb-computer/130248/2 "2002-09-30T14:27:39Z")
You can buy PCMCIA cards for laptops to add USB. I believe they also make adapters that plug into the parallel port, which would be appropriate if you’re using a USB printer anyway. Just MAKE SURE that any adapter/card you buy supports Win95. My guess is that it will be hard to find any that do. Which is what really makes it worthwhile to upgrade your version of Windows. Also, I’ve heard a lot of problems with USB on Win95, so that makes it even more worthwhile. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-connect-a-usb-printer-to-a-non-usb-computer/130248/3 "2002-09-30T14:37:59Z")
The USB PCMCIA cards require full 32-bit bus support, which isn’t always available on some earlier notebooks (usually anything pre-win98, I believe) They are quite expensive too. If you have a desktop PC as well and this has USB, a better (although probably much less convenient) solution would be to attach the printer there, share it and network the two PCs. ---
**Author:** ![H8\_2\_W8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c77e96/32.png) [@H8\_2\_W8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/H8_2_W8)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-connect-a-usb-printer-to-a-non-usb-computer/130248/4 "2002-09-30T15:00:02Z")
Our desktop is even older, so no USB there either. In a nutshell, we still don’t have access to DSL or cable internet in our area so I’ve been putting off buying a new computer because the ones we have suffice for email, limited web surfing and work (using Word and Excel). But, Mrs H8\_2\_W8 has been wanting a new printer so I bought the one above at Target for $99 knowing it wouldn’t work with our current set-up but hoping for a simple connection solution for the USB issue. I can either return it or find a fix (hence, my OP) or buy a new computer with USB ports. ---
**Author:** ![Urban\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Urban\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urban_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-connect-a-usb-printer-to-a-non-usb-computer/130248/5 "2002-09-30T15:26:58Z")
You can also get PCI USB masters if your notebook have expansion slots. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-connect-a-usb-printer-to-a-non-usb-computer/130248/6 "2002-09-30T15:57:18Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by H8\_2\_W8 \* > \*\*Is there some sort of USB adaptor/cable/connector that would allow me to connect a new USB printer (Lexmark X73) to an older IBM Thinkpad laptop (~4 years old) that doesn’t have USB ports? I know I’d need to upgrade to Windows 98 or newer from the Windows 95 currently on the laptop, but I don’t want to mess with that if there’s no easy way to get the printer connected. > > I’m not too techie, so please keep ideas or options as simple as possible. Thanks in advance. \*\* Been there, done that. Unless your notebook supports 32 bit PCCARD adapters you. are. out. of. luck. You can add a 20.00 +/- PCI, 2 Port USB adapter to the desktop and uograde to 98SE for full USB connectivity then network the notebook PC to the desktop and share the printer, but this is alot of work for a little project. You can get quite acceptable USB+parallel inkjet printers for less than 100. at most electronic stores, however, given the age of your hardware it really sounds like you need to upgrade there before going further with adapter fixes. You can get firebreathing boxes for around $300- $500. see > **[TigerDirect Business - Electronics, Tablets, Phones, Office Supplies &...](https://www.tigerdirect.com/)** > > Shop TigerDirect Business for the best prices on computers, computer parts, electronics & more! With over 100,000 items online to choose from, we offer a wide selection of your favorite products. You shop fast, we ship fast at TigerDirect... [www.computergeeks.com](http://www.computergeeks.com) > **[Computers, Monitors & Technology Solutions | Dell USA](https://www.dell.com/en-us)** > > Shop the latest Dell computers & technology solutions. Laptops, desktops, gaming pcs, monitors, workstations & servers. FREE & FAST DELIVERY ---
**Author:** ![xash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c6cbf5/32.png) [@xash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xash)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-connect-a-usb-printer-to-a-non-usb-computer/130248/7 "2002-09-30T18:45:16Z")
some USB printers have an option to use a normal printer port/cable… just check the back of the printer to see if this is available on your model… ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-connect-a-usb-printer-to-a-non-usb-computer/130248/8 "2002-09-30T19:23:41Z")
BTW what is the specific Thinkpad model? About 4 years ago is just about when they first started to include USB ports. Many older IBMs have USB’ ports but they are hidden behind hard to see port covers.