Printer/Laptop

Is there a wireless USB that I can install on my laptop for my printer? I use my laptop in the dining room and would like to set up a printer in a spare bedroom.

Thanks

I think the only way to do this is to set up a network and run your wireless router through it. I loked just a little bit into it and that seemed to be the cheapest way.

Do you have another pc?

If so, share the printer out on the pc that it’s connected to. Make sure your pc’s are all members of the same workgroup. To get the workgroup settings, right click on My Computer and go to properties. Go to the computer name tab and be sure your workgroup name is the same on all pc’s.

If not, they make wireless routers that have print servers built into them. The ones I have worked with only had USB interfaces, so an older printer with a parrallel connection will not work. If you need help finding one, let me know. I’ll do some digging for you.

Thanks guys.. I have a desktop and printer in the basement with a wireless router connected to it. I have a new printer that I got with the laptop that I’d like to use upstairs with the laptop. Then I dont have to run up and down the stairs when I print from the laptop.

You need a wireless print server.

Print Server

Unless you have a wired connection upstairs, then a regular print server would work, and if so, let me know, I might have one laying around

No wired connection upstairs. But I could easily add a wire connection. But if a print server would be easier I’ll go that route. dtro, let me know if you have one and how much you need..

THanks

I would go with the wireless print server, they are pretty slick. The ol’ wires are sure becoming a thing of the past.

Derek , if you have the desktop connected to the same wireless router (plugged in is fine) you can setup the desktop computer to run the printer when you hit print on the laptop (wirelessly). You would have to leave the other computer on, but you do not need anymore new parts to do it the route. Windows have a wizard to this up. Check around there are ways to share the printer in the printer options or something. This is how I did it, worked great (though I have problems with it not working now, seems my router may be dying, but that has nothing to do with you really )

Of course you could go out spend the $80 on a wireless print server too, and you wouldn’t need to have the other computer on when printing.

I’m pretty sure he would still have to keep the printer downstairs connected to the Desktop though right?
That’s just a simple print sharing and you wouldn’t need a server, but if you want your printer in a remote location, your going to need that server. Heck, with a wireless server, you can keep the printer in the garage if you like

A server basically assigns the printer it’s own IP address.

It does take a bit of knowledge to get it setup, but DLink has a good tutorial on their site. I’m pretty sure I have a brand new Dlink wired server around somewhere collecting dust (it’s possible I may have dumped it on EBay I need to check).

Yes the printer would have to stay with the desktop, normally I don’t have to print a whole lot from my laptop (that I can’t print from the other computer easily), not to mention my other computer is on the same level of my house.

Just a free option.

Edit:

I neglected to read the part where he didn’t want to run up and downstairs, then a wireless print server is teh best choice like dtro said in the first place

Here is the answer. I have this wireless print server and it work great and is easy to hook up, install, and configure. It is sold at Best Buy, Officemax, Staples, and even Walmart. You will be able to share one usb printer between all of the pc’s on your network. It is very small and comes with velcro to mount on a wall. That’s what I did. Linksys Wireless Print Server

let me see what i can find out. i am sure there is something you can do for that.

Quote:

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Here is the answer. I have this wireless print server and it work great and is easy to hook up, install, and configure. It is sold at Best Buy, Officemax, Staples, and even Walmart. You will be able to share one usb printer between all of the pc’s on your network. It is very small and comes with velcro to mount on a wall. That’s what I did. Linksys Wireless Print Server

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This is what I did as well. Hit print on any pc in the house and documents start flying off the printer.

Thanks guys..