How to hook up 2 computers to 1 USB printer?

[amheck]

Hello,

Does anyone know if there's such a thing as a USB splitter, or another device that would allow me to comment 2 computers to 1 printer?

Thanks!
Aaron

 

[tenoc]

Why not network the two with a Cat5 cross-over and enable file-and-printer sharing?

 

[amheck]

Cause I'd have to buy another PCI and PCMCIA network card for the computers. I actually found a USB switch from Belkin that will do the trick. $29.99.

Thanks!
Aaron

 

[Slogun]

Yes, I was going to suggest a switch.

Here's one from an outfit I like. Connects 3 devices via USB for $25.

 

[Pauli]

Yeah, I got a cheapo USB switch and it works pretty well. The only problem is that you have to physically hit the switch to choose which computer to print from - no automatic detection like many of the LPT switches. Maybe there is one there that performs this function - it doesn't look like the one in the last post does this.

 

[JetsFanatic]

Originally posted by: Slogun
Yes, I was going to suggest a switch.

Here's one from an outfit I like. Connects 3 devices via USB for $25.

See I learn something every day.

I didn't know these items were available 😀

I have mine networked
SO I don't have a need for one
But it is nice to know it is out there

 

[amheck]

Paulie,

Yeah, same with the Belkin one I got - it has a little switch on the top. I don't planning on switching too much - one is the primary computer, ones a laptop we use not so frequently. So this will work for now.

Yeah, it is neat to know products like this are out there that you didn't know about before.

Aaron

 

[spanky]

i was gonna suggest a kvm with usb support. kvm's rule. but aparently, u alreadyu found a cheap solution... kvm's w/usb r frickin' expensive.