Samsung printer connection cable rant

downshifter

Dear all, have just had lovely new printer delivered and was hoping to get going with all the work stuff I have been typing up ready to print and send out. However there is no cable to connect the printer to my laptop though they have sent 2 different types of power lead. This is totally aggravating as I live 9 miles from the nearest town which might sell cables, and I wasn't planning on going there for a week or so, as I'm obsessed with saving petrol. Really livid!!! Having googled I see they don't send them as standard and others have also complained.

What do I look for when I go shopping tomorrow? Are all printer cables the same? I thought of taking a photo of the connection on the bank of the thing to ensure I get it right. Or what do I ask for in the shop?

The other thing is what would be best to do with the spare power cable, it's got 3 longish prongs on it - is this US? Or European or something? Charity shops won't take electrical things but I'm not throwing it out either. If I can't think of anything I'll send it to Samsung and explain they've sent it in error instead of the other cable.

Advice please on what to ask for when buying connection cable and what to do with spare power cable.

Thanks - DS

fwor

I can understand your frustration, but it's not just Samsung. All of the printers I've received in the last couple of years (4 different makes) come without them. I think they reckon that most users will just re-use the one from their previous printer.

Almost certainly it will need a USB Type A to USB Type B lead. If that's true, the printer end's socket will be almost square but with two of the four corners chopped off. Take a look in the USB wiki if you're not completely sure.

Second mains cable - probably just best to drop it in the "domestic appliances" skip at your local tip and hope it gets recycled - the copper is well worth recycling, given current prices as a raw material.

downshifter

Many thanks for this helpful response. My old printer has completely different fittings and anyway, it's still perfectly fit for purpose so this was an additional printer to go with laptop,

Will take the info you've given me when I go shopping tomorrow. Sounds as though they're fairly standard at least. Thanks. DS

caveat_emptor

What makes you think there are two power leads? The wired data connection is probably USB one end of which, Type A, will plug into your PC but the USB type at the printer end depends on the printer. Read the manual to find out which type you need or post a description.

downshifter

Both the leads that have come with it have the right connection to connect to the power socket on the printer, one has a normal 3 pin plug on the end, the other has 3 prongs that are around an inch long - like this. http://www.amazon.co.uk/power-American-Socket-connector-length/dp/B001B6AMNM - and I see it is indeed the US style fitting. No usb connection of any type. GRR GRR and thrice GRRR!!!
DS

caveat_emptor

Thanks for that. Manufacturers normally package for a particular market but not Samsung it seems.

ManAtHome

If all 3 pins on the 'spare' connector are round, it'll be a 'Eurozone' one (USA have a round earth and (2) flat power prongs).

I bought my last couple of USB cables in a pound shop - worth a look round before trying an (expensive) electrical store.