Wireless Laser Printer?

PDN

Apologies if a thread already exists for this. first time on this forum.

We have four laptop users in our house. All of us have to print stuff out. What we really want is a laser printer where we don't have to physically hook a printer cable up to the laptop. I have seen wireless inkjet printers, but can't find a laser printer with wireless capabilities. I've asked in a few stores but all I got was blank stares and shrugged shoulders.

Anyone here know if wireless laser printers exist? Are there any other ways round this problem? Or are we just lazy because we can't be arsed with the cables?

spartacus93

I'm not sure. Haven't seen one but wouldn't really be looking either.

The way around the problem is to use a print server. Komplett stock a few different models. http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=307214 . Basically just plug your network printer into this and this will connect it to your wireless network. It's the next best thing! Check the Linksys page to make sure your printer is compatible.

D - Link do a model that supports two USB printers. Parallel models are also available.

Alternatively, if you have a desktop computer you can leave the laser printer connected to that and share it over the network. The downside is the computer has to be on all the time.

Hope this helps...

Brian

darraghrogan

Brian - have you ever seen a print server that was powered FROM the printer? I'm on the look out for a wireless print server with a short USB lead, that is powered from the printer, with a view to reducing cable clutter...

D

spartacus93

Nothing wrong with clutter Darragh! That's half the fun... I've 3 pcs in my living room. Cables everywhere, nice bit of trunking and the place looks very neat and tidy!

To answer your question, i'm afraid i haven't. Never even heard of it until you mentioned it. It's a good idea, but the USB port can only supply a small amount of power. That's fine for USB sticks etc., but may not cut it when it comes to powering a print server. USB ports can (iirc) supply 5V +- 5%. And up to 500mA. Print servers would probably need a couple of Amps to function. USB ports cannot provide this amount of power, and so an external sourse is needed.

If you really want to reduce the clutter there's a few inject printers with wireless built in. Perhaps this might be an option.

darraghrogan

yeah - ou're prob right about the power - the dlink dp301u uses 5Volts with 2.5Amps...

TBH with the injet printers out there - for example Dixons have a Lexmark for €69 at the mo - I'm just concerned that they're all "consumer" type products, and the drivers to run them would be extensive, and clutter up the OS!

BTW nothing wrong with trunking - done correcly!

D

jamieh

Hi PDN,

I have a wireless print server that will work with any printer. I have it working with a HP Laserjet 2840.

PM me if u have any questions!

http://www.dabs.ie/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=3TFD&SearchType=1&SearchTerms=wireless+print+server&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=0

Jamie