Does anyone know of a small print server?

[steve62388]

Hi,

I have a HP Laserjet P1005 printer, this is a USB host based printer. It sits close to my network switch and router, but a long way from my iMac. I also have a Synology DiskStation nearby (which doesn't work as a print server for the P1005).

I'm after a small cheap print server that will be compatible with this setup. Wired is fine, if it's wireless it has to support 802.11n (I don't want to turn on 'g' in my network because it causes interference with my neighbours). It would be nice if it supported AirPrint but not critical.

The big problem is that the P1005 is a host based printer, a lot of the wireless print servers I have looked at don't appear to be compatible. I don't know if a straight wired print server has the same difficulties, perhaps you could advise me?

Any ideas?

 

[ColdCase]

That is a pretty "dumb" printer that required a PC/Mac to do its rendering. I dunno what you have it connected to now, but your best bet is probably to configure print sharing on the connected computer. You could connect it to a server, but thats may not be a cheap print server thing in your mind.

Its probably cheaper and better to buy a modern network capable printer. Some are less than $300. For example, I picked up a Xerox Phaser 6500/DN on sale for $250. It works like a champ, is color, and there are plenty of third parties offering inexpensive toner.

 

[gsahli]

The big problem is that the P1005 is a host based printer, a lot of the wireless print servers I have looked at don't appear to be compatible. I don't know if a straight wired print server has the same difficulties, perhaps you could advise me?

You should buy a used Apple Airport Express! A/Express' use Apple built-in proprietary software to redirect USB output via network to the USB port on the A/Express. This means that the USB-only, host-based page generation will forward its output to the printer on the A/Express. I think there's one other brand of print server with software to do this - but it's not the Apple built-in software!

 

[steve62388]

Thanks for your thoughts. After more investigation I think I'm better off just buying a new printer.

A small printer is important for me because I really don't have a lot of space, that's why I bought a P1005 all those years ago.

I think I'll buy P1102w, it's basically an evolution of the P1005. I don't use my printer very often at all, which is why I bought a laser, unlike an inkjet where the ink dries out. I don't need colour. The P1102w will be a good drop in for size. I'm happy with the P1005's print quality and speed, I'm assuming the P1102w won't be a step backwards in those departments if not better. It's super cheap at £60-£70. And it's got built in WiFi AirPrint support! A whole new printer is cheaper than an Airport Express.

The downsides are that it is still a host based printer, although the only reason I started having issues was because I wanted a wireless connection and it solves that. It's also an expensive printer to run with high cost per page, but I can pick up third party toners for £8 versus £40 for HP and solve the problem that way.

And hopefully I will be able to flog off my P1005 for about £30 to help cover the costs of an upgrade.