Printer sharing

[Peterdon]

I want to share a USB printer between a laptop and a PC. The ideal way would be for the printer to be permanaently connected to the PC via a hub which also has an input allowing the laptop to be connected when required. It is effectively the opposite way round to a normal USB hub. Does anyone no of such a device?

I don't want to go down the networking, print server route as this is only going to be relatively short term. I just don't want to keep having to swap the cable over continually.

TIA

 

[Gollom]

I think you could network the machines together with a 'crossover' twisted pair cable and then you would be able to see the printer from the laptop

If someone more knowlegeable agrees and the distance is small, I have a crossover cable you can have gratis.

HTH

 

[imadoofus]

Do you mean a KVM switch?

I have a desktop and laptop one one desk, connecting to monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer via a KVM. If the laptop is off the docking station, but on the network wirelessly, I can't print with it, but if it's docked, and selected on the KVM, then I can.

 

[Peterdon]

Gollom - Thanks for the offer. I never thought of a simple crossover . Result of getting too technical with my networks I suppose. I have a cable here somewhere from the good old days.

Imadoofus - The two machines need to be operated independently so I don't think a KVM is the answer.

 

[timwood2000]

Similar question - I have three pc's and a mac on my home wireless network, but can only print from the pc that is connected by USB to the printer - is there a quick and easy way to print wirelessly without having to unpug one pc and connect it to another for printing?

Thanks

(wow- my 100th post!)

 

[whizzkid11]

Similar question - I have three pc's and a mac on my home wireless network, but can only print from the pc that is connected by USB to the printer - is there a quick and easy way to print wirelessly without having to unpug one pc and connect it to another for printing?

Thanks

(wow- my 100th post!)

Congrats on your 100th post...

Basically, just connect the printer to one of your PC's using USB, and then enable 'Printer sharing' on that PC.

From the other PC's use 'Add a printer' and select 'Network Printer' and it should pick up the shared printer.

and Voila!

Peterdon,
Use the same for your set up as well - surely your laptop is connected to the net somehow... add and share the printer from your PC...

 

[spinaltap]

Buy an Apple Airport Express (£65)- where you can simultaneously connect USB and Ethernet devices wirelessly.

 

[timwood2000]

Congrats on your 100th post...

Basically, just connect the printer to one of your PC's using USB, and then enable 'Printer sharing' on that PC.

From the other PC's use 'Add a printer' and select 'Network Printer' and it should pick up the shared printer.

and Voila! quote]

Whizzkid11 - thanks, but my pc's come up with nothing when I try and add a printer. Do you think it's because the printer is connected to the Mac - I enabled printer sharing on the Mac but still nothing.

Any ideas?

Cheers