USB cable question

[h2oman]

I'm in the process of hooking up my new Epson 3800 printer, and discovered that it did not come with a USB cable! I will go get one tomorrow, but I was thinking of just robbing the one from my scanner for now to get things going. The issue is this: The cable shown in the directions is smooth, with just the appropriate connector on each end. The one form my scanner has the proper connectors, but on each end there is a cylinder on the cable a bit in from the connector. Can I use this cable with my printer? What is the purpose of those cylinders?

Thanks from a computer gumby...

[Steve V]

Hook it up and go for it. I did the same thing when my 4880 arrived unexpectedly. I really don't know if those thing do anything or not; my just be a marketing scam.

Steve

[Mike1234]

Don't worry about it. Those are just shielding magnets.

[h2oman]

Don't worry about it. Those are just shielding magnets.

I guess that would explain why they are a little heavy!:)

[h2oman]

Don't worry about it. Those are just shielding magnets.

I guess that would explain why they are a little heavy!:)

When I buy a cable, should I get one with those on it?

[Mike1234]

It doesn't hurt but I doubt they help that much. Some devices are probably more sensative to RF noise than others. My rule of thumb is make sure to use one if the hardware came with one or if the specs call for it.