How to Make an HP LaserJet 6MP Compatible for Leopard

The Hewlett-Packard 6MP PostScript printers were introduced before wired or wireless networking became common. The HP LaserJet 6MP printer included two parallel ports, a LocalTalk port and an infrared wireless port. Modern Apple Macintosh computers do not provide any of these older-style ports. To connect a LaserJet 6MP to a Mac running OS X Leopard, you will need an adapter. The simplest adapter to use with a 6MP printer is a print server that connects to a wired Ethernet network and also offers a parallel port interface.

• 1

  Locate and purchase a print server with both Ethernet and parallel ports. HP sold a line of dedicated print servers under the name JetDirect. There are other manufacturers, such as Hawking Technology and Farallon, which also make similar print servers.

• 2

  Connect the print server to your network and configure it with an Internet Protocol (IP) address. Unless you use a wireless print server, the print server will need to connect to your network with an Ethernet cable. The steps to configure the IP address in your print server will vary based on the specific device and manufacturer.

• 3

  Connect your LaserJet 6MP printer to the print server using a parallel printer cable. You can find such a cable at nearly any local or online computer retailer.

• 4

  Add your LaserJet 6MP in the Mac OS X "Print & Fax" control panel. Choose to configure an "IP" printer and enter the address you configured in Step 2 for the print server, and OS X will automatically discover your printer.