• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

One Printer > Two Computers....

P

phreakah

Platinum Member
Can anyone point me in the right direction (either where to buy it or what to search for)...

I have two computers right next to each other as well as a printer nearby... I don't want to install the printer to one computer and share it over a network.. is there such a USB cable that can split the printer to the two comptuers?

 
Does your printer have both USB and parallel ports? I have a Canon i850 connected that way and it works great on both machines.
 
Here at work we have the Linksys WIRELESS G print server for both USB and Parallel. It works great! The only problem I had was that HP PRINTERS SUCK. The PSC 2210 all in one we have needed to be installed as a 990c...and I had to contact HP twice to FINALLY get a link from a SOMEWHAT knowledgable support agent. We got an HP Laserjet in here (computer shop/store I work at) that was making weird noises. We tried everything but still can't figure out what it is. PLUS! HP laserjets are a BITCH and a half to take apart because THEY SUCK. Unlike the Brother LaserJet we got in the last time...god that thing was beautiful..you pop the top, take the fuser roller out, pop the new one in, bam! done.

But yeah sorry to go off on that...A print server should work fine 🙂
 
well i have a secure vpn running almost all the time on one of the pc's so LAN usage on that pc is limited.. hence no shared printer.. i don't want to get too fancy with wiring/wireless network setups.. just curious if there was a simple cable, and if not i guess the USB print server is the way to go 🙂
 
I know of 4 options.

1. Get a printserver for $50-100 and connect the printer to a network switch.
2. Get a router/printserver and connect the printer to the router.
3. Connect the printer to 1 computer and then use File and Printer Sharing on WinXP to get the other computer to connect to it. (The computer with the printer will always have to be on anytime the other computer prints)
4. Get what I got. An HP 5850 network printer. connects via 10/100 ethernet or Wireless b/g. (Also the standard USB and Parallel cables). Hope this helps.
 
If the printer is parallel, you can get an A/B switchbox that you plug the printer into... Then both computers plug into that and you turn a switch to decide which computer gets the printer... It's cheap and works great.

They may have such a thing for USB as well, but I don't know of one off the top of my head.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top