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    Wireless Printing question..

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by nav211, Apr 1, 2006.

  1. nav211

    nav211 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is a bluetooth printer adapter(BELKIN F8T031 USB 1.1 Bluetooth Wireless Printer Adapter) a good idea?
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833314317#DetailSpecs
    Or shall I buy a wireless print server?
    I have no idea how the two compare.

    Can anyone suggest a good wireless printing solution? I am a college stugent and the only computer I own is a notebook.
     
    nav211, Apr 1, 2006
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  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    If you have a wireless router, I would suggest a wireless print server as it will have much greater range. Think of bluetooth as short range wireless usb. Your notebook must also have bluetooth for it to work. You'll only be able to print when you are in close range of the printer whereas with the print server, your printer will work anywhere where are connected to the network which should be a greater range than bluetooth.

    I personally have this wireless print server also a Belkin. It can connect two printers and works quite well. It plugs into your router. The only downside is it can only communicate one way, from the pc to the printer, so if your printer has an ink level monitor it won't work since it cannot send data to the pc. Perhaps bluetooth can do this, but I don't know.

    I think I picked it up for around $50 on Belkin's site back when it was on sale. You might be able to get a single usb port one cheaper, but I have a inkjet and a laserjet so I needed two usb ports. good Luck.
     
    ZaZ, Apr 1, 2006
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  3. Chutsman

    Chutsman Notebook Evangelist

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    Zazonz, does the printer have to be one of the "network ready" types to work with that Belkin or would a standard usb printer work?
     
    Chutsman, Apr 1, 2006
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  4. lmychajluk

    lmychajluk Notebook Evangelist

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    From Zazonz's link:
    "The Belkin 802.11g Wireless Print Server lets you easily add two USB printers to your wireless, or wired network."

    The "network ready" printers basically have the print server built into them and will generally connect over an ethernet cable (I haven't seen any wireless ones, yet....).

    Also, if your printer is next to your router, and you have a free ethernet jack on the router, you can save a few bucks and get a wired print server, like this Belkin.
     
    lmychajluk, Apr 3, 2006
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  5. dr_st

    dr_st Notebook Deity

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    Not all printers will work with all print servers, but most of the time you shouldn't run into compatibility problems.
     
    dr_st, Apr 4, 2006
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  6. vladgrig

    vladgrig Notebook Consultant

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    Anyone know if D-Link DP-G301/DP-311P will work with LINKSYS routers?
    Does D-Link DP-G301/DP-311P compatible with Epson stylus PHOTO 820 ?

    Thank you very much!
     
    vladgrig, Apr 4, 2006
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  7. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I would assume it would though I don't have any personal experience.
     
    ZaZ, Apr 4, 2006
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  8. Menorcaman

    Menorcaman Notebook Enthusiast

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    I use a Linksys WPS54GU2 wireless printserver with a HP Deskjet 970Cxi and a Canon i865 connected to the parallel and USB 2 outlets respectively. This communicates with an Acer Aspire 1691 laptop through a Linksys WAG354G Wireless ADSL Home Gateway (combined ADSL modem, router and wireless access point). I also have a desktop PC connected to the WAG354G via two Intellon PL-85PE (85Mbps) HomePlug ethernet-over-mains adapters. No problem printing to both printers from either machine.

    Regards
     
    Menorcaman, Apr 11, 2006
    #8