Sign In
Register
Help
I have a simple request really, all I want is to be able to share my HP Photosmart USB printer across two Macs and a PC. HP does have a Printserver, but its more than a brand new printer, surely there is a more cost effective way to do it... perhaps from someone else. I've been told there are 4 Port Cable/DSL Routers, some even with 802.11b that have a print server built-in.. but I have been unable to find one in Linksys's portfolio (the only name I've ususally trusted for routers due to problems I've heard from other brands). I do have an iBook that I am wanting to migrate to wireless 802.11b, so it would be quite handy to have the 4 Port, Wireless, and Print server all in the same package. The only problem I've seen is that all these built-in print servers have a Parallel printer port, which makes the memory card readers useless on the PhotoSmarts... go figure.
Anyway, if anyone has solved this type of problem or has any great ideas... I'd love to hear them.
Thanks.... Joe
Page 1 of 1
Inexpensive Print Server w/ USB Printer
MultiQuote
#2
braindoc 
- Member
-
- Group: Members
- Posts: 823
- Joined: 02-June 01
Posted 01 May 2003 - 02:49 PM
Hi, I have and use both solutions that you are looking for. Linksys used to make a router/print server combo but are no longer doing so, since they have a complete line up of standalone print server.
I use an SMC 7004AWBR 802.11b wireless router/switch and print server. I use the print server port to hook up a HP Laserjet 2200DSE printer. To print from the Macs we use Gimp Print or LP printer via IP.
We also have an HP G85xi (a dog of a product... that's a different story) which is connected to the network with a HP 175X Jetprint USB-Ethernet print server. I agree that it is a pricey add on product but it is the only redeeming grace to the HP AIO product. It allows us to scan & print to the G85 from any computer on our network. Again to print from the Macs we use primarily Gimp Print & Ghostscript.
I know that Macsense, Asante, & DLink also make router/printer server combo. I noticed that the Linksys USB print server has quite a few negative feedback from users, and their tech support is just awful ( I used to have Linksys as well); and that's for the Windows users... it's almost non-existent for Mac users.
I don't know how the built in memory card reader will act on the HP via a print server. Lastly, I know you said inexpensive but the only other game in town at this moment is Airport Extreme base Station.
I use an SMC 7004AWBR 802.11b wireless router/switch and print server. I use the print server port to hook up a HP Laserjet 2200DSE printer. To print from the Macs we use Gimp Print or LP printer via IP.
We also have an HP G85xi (a dog of a product... that's a different story) which is connected to the network with a HP 175X Jetprint USB-Ethernet print server. I agree that it is a pricey add on product but it is the only redeeming grace to the HP AIO product. It allows us to scan & print to the G85 from any computer on our network. Again to print from the Macs we use primarily Gimp Print & Ghostscript.
I know that Macsense, Asante, & DLink also make router/printer server combo. I noticed that the Linksys USB print server has quite a few negative feedback from users, and their tech support is just awful ( I used to have Linksys as well); and that's for the Windows users... it's almost non-existent for Mac users.
I don't know how the built in memory card reader will act on the HP via a print server. Lastly, I know you said inexpensive but the only other game in town at this moment is Airport Extreme base Station.
Page 1 of 1
