Easy way to network a HP 2200 ?

[Tim..]

I have two laptops (XP Home & Vista Prem.) in my home office which connect
wirelessly via a Netgear DG834 to the outside world. The Router lives in the
hallway, not near the Laptops.

I've got a HP2200 printer i'd like to use for drafts. Alas it only has a
parallel port but could take a JetDirect Card.

Whats the easiest way to network the printer so it can be used by the
wireless Laptops?

Is there such a thing as a wireless print server that would connect to the
parallel port, or via a jetdirect card??

TIA

Tim..

[IntergalacticExpandingPanda]

Firstly it looks like your Netgear DG834 is a 4 port ADSL2 router, as
in it has an ADSL modem onboard. Granted I'm sure you know what you
have but this is for the benefit of the onlooking audience.

The basic options for networking a printer is the following
1) Windows printer Sharing
2) Wired print server (JetDIrect card or 3rd party device)
3) router with parallel port
4) Wireless print server (jetdirect or 3rd party device)
5) wireless usb (i.e. one machine to one printer, like an all in one)

(1) is possible, and cheaper if you already have a parallel port on
your laptop so long as you keep the laptop powered in when you print
(3) since you are on DSL, and your router has a modem on board, this
would be impractical unless there was a cost savings, which there
might be
(5) this costs more, you don't have an all in one, and you want both
pcs

(2) With the JetDirect card you can attach your printer to your
router. These run $10-$70 on the used surplus market.
(4) Likely what you want, likely to cost the least and makes your
printer mobile if needed. there is a Jet direct option for this, 680n.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000130387%201135310097&name=LPT%2c%20Centronics
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000130387%201135320443&name=Centronics
http://www.superwarehouse.com/HP_Jetdirect_680n_802.11b_Wireless_Print_Server/J6058A/p/118773
http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=655
(no centronics units presently in stock)
http://www.thedriveshop.com/kds/products_id.php?keywords=J3110A
http://www.dealtime.com/xPO-Hewlett-Packard-HP-JetDirect-610N-J4169A

Jetdirect model numbers: 600n, 610n and 615n

This is generic advice and may not apply to your specific model. The
wireless solutions seem to float at about $50-$100, with the lowest
price being about $30 for closeout/refurbished items. Centronics is
the keyword to search for. They are often supplied at your more well
stocked electronics dealers, but as it's centronics you might not find
them everywhere.

If it wasn't $300, I'd say buy the 680n 802.11b

If you are willing to go used with the official HP solution
http://www.dealtime.com/xPO-Hewlett-Packard-HP-JetDirect-610N-J4169A
This isn't wireless, but will attach to your hub via a network
cable.

If you must go wireless, there are sometimes issues with print servers
and printers, mainly ones that demand bi-directional support. The
usual complaint is I can print but not see my toner levels. The LJ
2200 doesn't strike me as such a unit, but I have no direct
experience.

[Tony]

Good advice but note that the 615n is not a good choice, there was a very large
failure rate with this card and HP replaced many free. I would steer away from
that model. The 610n is a good reliable card.
The LJ2200 does not post toner levels so there is no issue there, it will
report low toner however.
Tony
MS MVP Printing Image

[IntergalacticExpandingPanda]

On Oct 6, 4:47 pm, Tony <tonythebengalti...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Good advice but note that the 615n is not a good choice, there was a very large
> failure rate with this card and HP replaced many free. I would steer away from
> that model. The 610n is a good reliable card.
> The LJ2200 does not post toner levels so there is no issue there, it will
> report low toner however.
> Tony
> MS MVP Printing Image

First hand experience trumps generic advice.

1) HP Jetdirect card 610n, wired to router
2) WIFI print server, attached to printer

WIFI will make your options for placement more liberal. Wired
solutions are always more stable, and with the HP solution you are
assured all features work, though in this case the feature in question
is getting a message "toner is low".