msafi
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Can I connect a printer to more than one computer using a USB splitter?
Hi,
We have a printer, desktop, and two laptops at home. We now have one USB cable coming out of the printer; who ever needs it just plugs it on their computer and use it. Once they are done, they unplug. I was wondering if I can have more than one USB cable coming out of the printer, so that one is permenantly connected to the desktop while the other can be used by anyone else. I can do that using a USB splitter such as this http://tinyurl.com/h4xe3 . We have a Samsung ML-17400.
So, is this possible?
Thanks,
We have a printer, desktop, and two laptops at home. We now have one USB cable coming out of the printer; who ever needs it just plugs it on their computer and use it. Once they are done, they unplug. I was wondering if I can have more than one USB cable coming out of the printer, so that one is permenantly connected to the desktop while the other can be used by anyone else. I can do that using a USB splitter such as this http://tinyurl.com/h4xe3 . We have a Samsung ML-17400.
So, is this possible?
Thanks,
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nobus
if the printer does have an LPT and USB connection, you can use each one for a PC connection.
You can find simple devices that alllow you to share USB devices (Such as printers, hard drives, etc), between computers.
Here is an example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817107349
you should be able to find a cheaper device from another manufacturer.
That being said, are you running a home network with either a wired or wireless router?
If so, the best, and cheapest, solution, would be to get a USB Print Server, and turn your printer into a network printer that can be used by all computers on your network.
This is pretty easy to do, and you can find such devices from companies like Belkin, Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, etc...
Here is a link to some: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2050130387&Submit=ENE&Subcategory=387&Description=print+server&Ntk=all
Any store such as Best Buy, CompUSA, FRYs, OfficeMax, will carry these and be able to help you.
Here is an example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817107349
you should be able to find a cheaper device from another manufacturer.
That being said, are you running a home network with either a wired or wireless router?
If so, the best, and cheapest, solution, would be to get a USB Print Server, and turn your printer into a network printer that can be used by all computers on your network.
This is pretty easy to do, and you can find such devices from companies like Belkin, Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, etc...
Here is a link to some: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?N=2050130387&Submit=ENE&Subcategory=387&Description=print+server&Ntk=all
Any store such as Best Buy, CompUSA, FRYs, OfficeMax, will carry these and be able to help you.
ASKER
I think nobus solution is the best one for my particular situation. Unfortunately, after I fished the parallel cable from the storage, I discovered that there is no port for it on the computer. I'm gonna have to look at the other solutions.
or use a lpt pci card http://www.usbgear.com/1x-LPT-PCI.html
Keep in mind that there are some USB switches that allow you to connect four computers to a single device. I just realized that you have a desktop and two laptops, so a two computer switch won't help much, nor would connecting to both USB and LPT, since you'll still have a third computer that's not connected.
I'd say go for either a four computer switch or RyanG's suggestion of a print server, which is basically a USB to ethernet (or wireless) adapter. A print server might actually be a better idea, since you can use your laptops' wireless connection and wouldn't even have to be in the same room as the printer to print. Plus, it will support as many computers as you have on your network.
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Troy
I'd say go for either a four computer switch or RyanG's suggestion of a print server, which is basically a USB to ethernet (or wireless) adapter. A print server might actually be a better idea, since you can use your laptops' wireless connection and wouldn't even have to be in the same room as the printer to print. Plus, it will support as many computers as you have on your network.
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Troy