Msg: 5396 *Conference*

08-31-94 19:28:35

From: ANTHONY FEST

To : COMET _

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #5386 (PRINTERS)

Thank you, Comet, for that lucid  explanation of serial and parallel  
communications. Are serial printers  predominant now? I'd planned to buy  an HP
310 (portable inkjet), but  noted that it didn't have a parallel port. Are
comparable parallel  printers available, or are parallel  printers becoming
scarce?     I now  know, thanks to you, that I have the options of connecting a
serial  printer (1) via the RS232C port, or  (2) connecting to the parallel
port  through a buffer.  Regarding (1),  does this tie up the communication  
capability? (i.e., is it impossible  to be online and do serial printing  at
the same time?) Re (2), I know  that some printers have internal  buffers, but
I didn't know that  print buffers could be bought  separately... are these
specific to  particular computers/printers, or  does 'one size fit all'? What
model  do you have?                        
       I'm curious about a couple of other things you touched on, namely  
connecting a CRT and using an  external modem. I presume that with  the CRT,
you can display 80 columns? And all that's required are the CRT, print buffer
and appropriate cables?
   I had thought that external  modems were computer-specific and  not
available for Model Ts. Where  can Model T compatible modems be  had? It would
be great to go online  at 2400!   Thanks for your  assistance! [PS: My computer
is a  200, with a Super ROM]