network print server? | The SoundHole

mnhermit
Senior Member

Posts: 8,492

network print server? Mar 27, 2013 10:27:58 GMT -5

Quote

Post by mnhermit on Mar 27, 2013 10:27:58 GMT -5

Any of you out there use a network print server to provide printing to Mac and PC devices (along with ipad)? Do you have any recommendations? I've looked at the Lantronix xprintserv and the IOGear - both appear to have their detractors (on Amazon reviews). Is there any real world experience by y'all?

TIA for any advice/opinions

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true - James Branch Cabell

If you're over fifty and get out of bed with no pain, check your pulse you may be dead. Doug Heard

Dub
Administrator

I'm gettin' so the past is the only thing I can remember.

Posts: 19,914

network print server? Mar 27, 2013 12:04:53 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Dub on Mar 27, 2013 12:04:53 GMT -5

I just plug our printer (HP C5180) into an Apple AirPort Express. Mine's an older one that plugs directly into the wall. Add the AirPort Express to your wireless network and you're there. Our printer is seen and wirelessly used by Macs, PCs, iPads, iPhones, & iPods. I haven't tried it with Android devices but they support wireless printing, it should work.

I see there's one like mine on eBay currently at $43. eBay also has some attractive prices on the newer models.

Keep in mind that my printer is sold "network ready." Not wireless but USB and or Ethernet. It has the server stuff inside. If you're connecting a printer that isn't also its own server, you'll need the network print server. It might be as cheap to buy a new network-ready printer. I think there are a lot of reasonably priced printers that have that.

Last Edit: Mar 27, 2013 12:11:33 GMT -5 by Dub

“Life isn't waiting about for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.”
- Saskia Fraser

“I think [life is] more like a bar crawl, where you stumble and swerve from stop to stop. And then end up face down in some random ditch at the end.”
- Rick Waugh

sekhmet
Ancient citizen

Resident Goddess

Posts: 15,780

network print server? Mar 27, 2013 12:21:58 GMT -5

Quote

Post by sekhmet on Mar 27, 2013 12:21:58 GMT -5

We recently purchased an HP laser 1217, which is wireless and we print seamlessly from our two computers and two iPads. It's pretty cool. It is a multi-function printer and does great scans. It faxes too, but I don't care about that aspect.

Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, "You owe me."Look what happens with a love like that, It lights the whole sky.
Hafiz a persian poet of the 1300s

Ann T
Senior Member

Posts: 3,057

network print server? Mar 27, 2013 13:33:06 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Ann T on Mar 27, 2013 13:33:06 GMT -5

I just set up a Time Capsule drive/airport router for the home network. I had to do an extra step, using Airport Utility to add our wireless Epson printer to the network to allow it to be seen by the computers. It wasn't "just there" when I plugged everything in.