I have always used a parallel port for my printers. My first one didn't have USB, the onbe I have now does, but I use the parallel port since:
1. Is it mainly for a printer, I have nothing else that would/could us it.
2. Why tie up a USB port when the other decicated port is there and I have the cable?
BUT, is there:
1. Less processor usage using a USB port?
2. Faster data transfer (USB 1.1 that is)?
I notice when I send a larger 'job' to the printer it really 'chokes' the processor, maxes it out until the job is done. I don't know if it is a port issue or something else.
Specs:
2k, w/sp4 14 processes running at startup
AMD 2100b Throughbred
nForce2 MB
512 MB PC2700