Printer Connections Help!!

archieboy

Hi,

I'd like to share a common printer with 2 computers and am not sure what I need.

The printer has a single USB socket at the back.

I thought that a USB hub would work but I've just found out that they are only suitable for a single upstream device with connection to various downstream devices. What I'm looking for is 2 upstream devices (computers) and a single downstream device (printer).

Thanks in advance

A_Nice_Englishman

Something like this should do the trick
http://www.lindy.com/uk/productfolder/04/42902/index.php

Little_John

What are you going on about upstream and downstream?

There are 3 ways to share a printer, both require a network.
Will 1 of the PC's be on all the time? if yest then connect the printer to that PC install it so it works and share the printer. then install a networked printer on the other pc.

You can also buy a print server, this doesnt require any pc's to be left on and is a better way but it does have additional cost of buying the print server.

the other being a data switch these used to be a pain but there are now automatic ones.

mr_flibble

Hi Archieboy.

The print server is the way to go if you are already using a wireless router. And even if you are not you could invest in one, tons on ebay.

We have a pc and an imac and use an airport express to do the job as it uses our existing wireless network.

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/

Not cheap but it works really well for the windows pc and the imac.

And the ability to hear your itunes songs through a hifi in a different room is a bonus.

Kel.