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    Wireless printer or print server???

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by randallrivy11, Feb 21, 2010.

  1. randallrivy11

    randallrivy11 Notebook Consultant

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    Once again i come to u guys and gals for advice on something... My question is
    i want to make my printer wireless would it be best to put it ona print server or buy one that has wireless already any recommendations of printers is welcome as well the printer will be used alot for school as well ...

    thanks in advance guys
    Randall
     
    randallrivy11, Feb 21, 2010
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  2. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    There is also a third possibility- to buy a router with USB port that acts as a print server. I've seen some wireless print servers and those were pretty expensive. I don't know about wireless printers' prices but these may well be expensive too.
    Besides by buying router or a dedicated print server you do not limit yourself and you can choose any printer you like to use your current one.
    Anyway- compare routers to wireless print servers pricewise before you go any further.
     
    downloads, Feb 21, 2010
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  3. randallrivy11

    randallrivy11 Notebook Consultant

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    whats a good router with a usb port?
    ill take a look since i just upgraded my wireless router
     
    randallrivy11, Feb 21, 2010
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  4. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    It depends on how much do you want to spend on it and do you want/need wireless N or not.
    Asus WL-520GU has USB print server decent specs and costs some $30-40
     
    downloads, Feb 21, 2010
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  5. randallrivy11

    randallrivy11 Notebook Consultant

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    thats a good price, i will need wireless n.
     
    randallrivy11, Feb 21, 2010
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  6. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

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    Well it seems to be either a good price or wireless N.

    Asus RT-N16 is a great router however it costs some $100. It's much more than just an ordinary router with a print server though.
    In most routers with USB you can connect a hard drive and even run a server on it but not a print server.
     
    downloads, Feb 21, 2010
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  7. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

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    If you go with a print server connect it directly to the router. Forget about wireless you will get a lot better performance on a wired connection even if you have a wireless connection to internet.

    It's always better buying Laser Printer that is network ready. These are not very expensive ~$130. I purchased a used HP 4100 4 yrs ago off ebay for < $300 to my door, and it included a duplex unit. Had less than 20k pages through it, on a printer rated at 200k/mo service. If you buy a used laser make sure it's toner cartridge removed and sealed in a plastic bag. You do not want these springing a leak, makes for one good mess.
     
    blue68f100, Feb 21, 2010
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