Wireless Print Servers

[77horn]

We are a 3 computer house with a wireless network (linksys) and 1 printer. The printer is directly connected to the main (ie most used)computer, the other computers are in different rooms (one is a laptop).

I'd like to connect the printer to the network, and am intertested in wireless print servers. However, as they cost $100 to $150, I could buy an inexpensive 2nd printer. Which would cover about 90% of our needs except we don't really have a good place to put it.

Has anyone used a wireless print server? Are they worth it? Or should I just buy a second printer and make the space? Or is there a better way?

 

[idigTexas]

I don't use a wireless print server, but I know a couple of people who do. They work pretty well, but initial configuration can be tricky. A viable alternative would be to go with a wired print server. It would have to live in the same room as your router, or at least be accessible with an ethernet cable, but they are as cheap as $45, and setup is much easier. If this is an option for you, I'd go with it.

 

[BNB]

If you leave the main computer on all the time, you can just share that printer on the network and have no need for extra hardware.

 

[idigTexas]

I assumed that this was a given and that the poster did not want to leave the main PC on all the time, but I could be wrong.

 

[77horn]

The main computer is not on all the time, and we currently have to turn it on to print from other computers.

The main computer and printer are not accessable from the router and cable modem(this is why I went wireless). I have thought about the wired print server with a wireless access point, but by then the $ are equivalent to the wireless print server.

I have read that the wireless Print servers can be tricky, but I had heard the same about wireless networks, and I had no trouble.

On a pure $s and simplicity basis I would get an inexpensive second printer, but that seems so 20th Century.

 

[idigTexas]

Based on your new info, I'd go with the wireless print server. NewEgg has several models under $100.

 

[jshorns03]

If you have a linksys network, setup would be simpler if you bought a linksys printserver. At least, that's what has happened in my experience.

I've almost bought a wireless printserver a number of times...I keep hoping the price will come down, but no such luck it seems.

 

[TR_Horn]

This is only 4 times what you want to pay, but how about something like this (if you need network storage as well). It has a built in print server.

Amazon - Buffalo NAS

I have a Speedstream 2623 which had one built in. The 2624 which I don't believe is available any longer commercially also had a print server built in - here's one for $22 on e-bay

E-bay