2 printers connected to a single PC? How?

[gittyup]

I have 2 different printers that I would like to have connected to my PC at the same time. What options do I have? Thanks....

 

[Downgrade]

Are they USB or parallel?

 

[gittyup]

Parallel.

 

[BeauJangles]

Maybe buy a parallel to USB adapter for one?

 

[ModemMix]

Buy a printer hub connect them both to the hub, then you can access them individualy by turning the selection switch.

 

[skeletal29]

ah they are all crzy!

set up the printer on one of the computer and then add as a share on the computer and then the other computer will be able to see and just add as a network priner and it should work!

 

[gittyup]

set up the printer on one of the computer and then add as a share on the computer and then the other computer will be able to see and just add as a network priner and it should work!

Ummm, 2 printers 1 computer.

 

[gittyup]

And where can I pick up a printer hub?

 

[RanDum72]

CompUSA is one place.

 

[DN]

Should be able to get that anywhere for little to nothing.. The choice would be between getting one that you have to manually switch and one that auto-switches, the latter obviously being more $..

 

[DocDon]

Try buying an add in parallel port

 

[FlipSide]

get an expansion printer card and set it up as LPT2. Check your box for availble spot and type of I/F (PCI or ISA). If both are available, choose PCI.

 

[tekwrite]

I think this Belkin auto switch would work.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=13113



F1U115E at provantage.com for 9.60 plus shipping. Costs 24.99 plus shipping at Compusa online! Take your choice!

Ken

 

[Tominator]

Neither printer has a pass through?:Q

 

[Gunbuster]

I have found HP printers hate being on a switch, an add on LPT port card or USB to P-port adapter may be the better choice

 

[S0me1X]

Get a USB to parallel cable, and connect one printer to the computer via USB. Or get 2 USB to printer cables..

 

[Burnt]

USB to parallel cables are expensive (at retail stores at least), you'd be better of just buying a parallel card, they cost anywhere from $10 -$30

 

[DieHardware]

Are they laser printers? I've never run into this problem so take this with a grain of salt, but one of my A+ books states that depending on the make and model of the printer, its drivers may have trouble with a with a manual switchbox. The book also states that "changing the active location either manually or automatically can interrupt device driver commands and create electrical noise spikes that could possibly damage the laser printer or the PC's parallel port".

 

[Viper GTS]

From best to worst:

1) Parallel add-on
2) Switchbox
3) USB to parallel adapter

My qualifications: HP Corporate Laserjet technical support

Reasons:

1) True parallel port, direct connection, ideal solution
2) Still a true parallel, some devices may have trouble with the switch but for the most part it's generally pretty safe. Will generally be supported to some degree or another.
3) Unsupported by the printer manufacturer, not a real parallel port (try doing a DOS dump to it ), requires drivers

Viper GTS