[GTALUG] odd connector for parallel printer port

[D. Hugh Redelmeier]

I just noticed that the latest printer that we bought (Brother HO-L5000D) 
came with an odd cable (matching an odd connector on the printer).

On one end, there was the conventional-since-the-IBM-PC DB25M connector. 
On the other end, there was a 3-row, 26-pin mail D connector.  I don't 
remember seeing this connector before.

When did this get invented?  I don't think that I've noticed it 
before.  (Parallel ports for printers are pretty much replaced by USB 
these days.  I do have antique computers that are pre-USB but I don't 
print from them.)

Why did this get invented?  Was this to prevent serial/parallel confusion?  
I do remember being annoyed at IBM selecting the DB25 instead of using the 
industry-standard "Centronics" connector because serial and parallel could 
so easily get mixed up.

I will probably save the cable forever.  I'll probably never use it.  If I 
need to, I'll probably be unable to find where I've stored it.