whilst my main pc is out of action & being repaired, I need to print off a few bits & pieces bt my printer connection to main pc is a great big thing about 1.5inches, with pins etc. however there is no coresponding connecton on my laptop so how on earth do i go about connecting it? any one know please?

What model is it? someone might have the same and beable to help. Although all printers i have had have a usb connection. The connection your describing looks like my moniter connection

That's a parallel connection and is what most printers used to use before USB became popular. There are parallel to USB cables for around 20 quid you can buy at electronic or computer shops.

cheers for that. I have found a usb hole n back of my printer as well & have spoken to the chap who made my laptop & he is sending me a cable tomorrow. With my current luck with computers, it probably wont fit!!!

Ah well if your printer has a USB connection then you're set. Don't worry, it will fit.