USB and printers

[blockie]

I just got an Okidate 490 printer that will replace a worn out Panasonic.
The new printer uses a USB cable for data. The printer will be about 40 feet away. How long can the USB cable be?

The previous printer (Panasonic) used some sort of convertor from the LPT1 port to a line that appears to be a telephone line. The data was then converted back to a parallel conver at the printer. Because this was begore I came on scene I don't know what the devices are called. I would like to have some sort of convertor that goes from USB to the telephone line. Are they available and where might I find them?
Bill

[setoguro]

A usb cable can be up to 5 meters or 16.4 feet long.

[blockie]

How about the cxonverter? Know of any?
Bill

[rond36]

Does your computer have a USB port?

Would this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812101152) work? It converts USB to cat 5, 5e, or 6 Ethernet cable.

From Vigor's site:

This unique USB Extender lets you locate your USB device or hub up to 150 feet from your computer, overcoming the typical 15-foot USB cable limitation. Patented ASIC technology conditions the USB signals to communicate up to 150 feet using low-cost CAT 5/5E/6 cable. Now you can enhance the capability and usefulness of your USB devices!

[Paul Komski]

Would this work? It converts USB to cat 5, 5e, or 6 Ethernet cable.
Thanks for the link - useful one to know about.