Wireless connection

jacintosh · Feb 8, 2008

I currently have my MBP wirelessly connected to my pc connected printer via a router. Is there anyway to bypass the need to turn on my pc every time I want to print something off my MBP? My Linksys router only accepts USB connections. So, my printer is connected to the pc.
It is such a pain to print something. I have turn on the pc, then turn on the printer. As convenient as my desktop pc is....I just flat out don't use it anymore. Why should I? I've got this fantastic MBP!

rianm7 · Feb 8, 2008

the only thing i see to do is find something that can enable and power a printer, and the only thing that i KNOW of is Airport Extreme, Airport Express, and Time Capsule.

AnemicOak · Feb 8, 2008

jacintosh said:
I currently have my MBP wirelessly connected to my pc connected printer via a router. Is there anyway to bypass the need to turn on my pc every time I want to print something off my MBP? My Linksys router only accepts USB connections. So, my printer is connected to the pc.
It is such a pain to print something. I have turn on the pc, then turn on the printer. As convenient as my desktop pc is....I just flat out don't use it anymore. Why should I? I've got this fantastic MBP!

Since you say USB is no good I assume your printer uses an older parallel connection? The easiest solution would be some type of print server that still accepts parallel, your PC is basically acting as a print server right now. Just make sure it has Mac support to keep things easier.

PerryLynch · Feb 8, 2008

How about one of these?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3187744&CatId=371
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1642815&CatId=371

jacintosh · Feb 8, 2008

It doesn't say anything about Mac compatibility.

The Vindicat3d · Feb 9, 2008

jacintosh said:
It doesn't say anything about Mac compatibility.

There's no reason it wouldn't work with your mac, probably about 70% of the hardware out there will work with a mac, it's software that suffers the compatibility issues.

zyepod · Feb 9, 2008

Looks like PerryLynch has the right answer... I think I'm getting me one. I just hope it communicates with my Netgear router.

JohnTheMacGeek · Feb 10, 2008

I have my USB printer connected to a LinkSys Print Server that is, in turn, connected to my router. I setup a TCP/IP port for it and it runs like a dream!

PerryLynch · Feb 10, 2008

It will work. Either of those just provides a hardware interface. If your printer was already Mac-compatible, you'll be good to go.