need to print wirelessly from multiple pc's

Samfau2

Samfau2

Samfau2

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Weve just got rid of our downstairs desktop pc and replaced it with another laptop.

Now there is no place for the printer to be kept and used from. Before id just stick files onto a usb stick and print from the desktop.

So, i need something to plug into the printer so it can be put on my wireless home network and receive print jobs from all laptops and be completely independant from any of them, i.e. sitting in a room on its own.

Would a print server do this? how do they connect to the printer, usb?

Can anyone recommend a device that will satisfy my needs? Preferably fairly cheaply! :)
 
Easiest way would be to buy a printer with built in wireless. A HP 6980 for example. The Lexmark Z1420 Wireless Colour Printer is stupidly cheap but a bit crappy.
 
i'm interested in this also although you'll probably find that such a gadget would cost the same as a new printer so no one makes them
 
Three options:

1) Buy a new wireless or ethernet printer
2) Buy a new router with a printer usb port built in (fairly common in "home hub" style routers)
3) Buy/salvage/put together a printer PC.

3 is the cheapest way if you can salvage some old parts from somewhere. You only need literally a functioning PC - anything that can run XP will do the job. Plug it into your router, plug the printer into it and just leave it on. If you underclock the processor and unplug everything but the printer it will use very little power.

The other advantage is that you can also use it as a file server if you stick a couple of hard drives in the thing. You can do it for £200 or less with 2nd hand parts, or £250 if you just get a cheap netbook which will do the job fine. If you haven't thrown out the old desktop or can get a PC from a school or company throwing some out you can do it for free.

Just stick the lot somewhere unobtrusive near the router or pretty much anywhere you like with a cheap wireless dongle (under the stairs if it's not hideously dusty?).
 
You can get wireless print servers starting from about £40. OcUK sell three different ones that may fit your needs.

The capabilities of print servers do vary (bidirectional support, multifunctional printer support, etc.) so check your requirements before deciding.
 
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