Usb printer on print server?

MentallyNormal · Post by **MentallyNormal** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 7:45 pm

Yeah I was thinking of getting this printer Lexmark X75

Problem is I want to be able to use it on my print server on my Smc Barricade 7004Abr. But that printer is Usb only well that is what the specs say and this router uses the pararell port.

I looked at one them adapters Usb to pararell port,but that appears just to make your pararell printer be able to connect to a usb port.

So is their any way to make a usb printer work on a router with a parrel port type connection?? Or does anyone sell a cheap print server that supports usb printers?

twwabw · Post by **twwabw** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 8:38 pm

Lexmark makes a USB print server specifically for their USB only (ugh!) printers. I think they sell for about 100 bucks.

I have never had much success with Lexmark printers. (ink jets at least- never tried their lasers). To me, they're cheaply made, and I've not been impressed with their print quality.

gieslel · Post by **gieslel** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 1:36 am

twwabw is right I've had 3 Lexmark jet printers. Nothing but headaches. Of course I've had 2 Hp jet printers as well. Don't care for them either.

zxc47 · Post by **zxc47** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 9:07 am

Just at though .Why can't you just plug the printer into one of the computers on the networks usb port and network it that way?That the way mine is set up.

twwabw · Post by **twwabw** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 9:46 am

Originally posted by gieslel
twwabw is right I've had 3 Lexmark jet printers. Nothing but headaches. Of course I've had 2 Hp jet printers as well. Don't care for them either.

I'm with you. I can't tell you the number of HP DeskJets I've had to return for clients for repair, or throw out because they failed. Stripping gears, paper feeds that quit working, you name it. Their lasers are another story- the best there is.

I prefer Epson ink jets. Durable, dependable. Plus, the spray nozzles are part of the cartridge, so every time you replace a cartridge, you are effectively putting in a new print head.

Their older units had problems with ink fading after time, but the new ones have reformulated inks that are supposed to last for years and years. I just put in a C82 for a client- this thing prints at 5760 x 1440 dpi !!! The photos are truly incredible, and the color ink tanks are all individual. Nice printer.

Originally posted by zxc47
Just at though .Why can't you just plug the printer into one of the computers on the networks usb port and network it that way?That the way mine is set up.

You're absolutely right- you can connect to a PC, and share it out on the network. The disadvantages to that are that the PC it's connected to has to be on for you to print, and print spooling occurs on the PC the printer is hooked to- can slow down the user while it's printing. But, it's free!!

gieslel · Post by **gieslel** » Mon Dec 16, 2002 11:16 am

I'll have to check out that Epson. Looking for a good photo printer.

Old Fart · Post by **Old Fart** » Mon Dec 16, 2002 3:16 pm

I'll have to check out that Epson. Looking for a good photo printer.

Unless you want a color laser to do it for you, you just sold yourself an Epson printer with the above line.

I sold computers retail for a few years before this job, and can tell you that as far as reliability, COST PER PAGE, and availability of cartridges, Lexmark DOES NOT have the best track record.

Epson is pretty much cream of the crop when it comes to image quality, and fares better than Lexmark in the above categories.