Wireless. Everything is moving to wireless nowadays, wireless mouse, wireless phones, and wireless printers. Even if your gadget isn’t wireless to begin with, manufacturers create gadgets that convert these non-wireless gadgets into wireless gadgets. A perfect example would be a wireless printer adapter. Its basic function is to convert a common desktop printer, into a wireless printer. However, because of this feature, it allows people to have a number of advantages.
Eliminates the Need for Cables
This is primarily why you want to convert your printer into a wireless printer. It allows you to be free in selecting where to put your printer. You don’t have to put your printer where your computer is because you are tied down with the length of the cable. With a wireless printer adapter, you can place your printers as far as 30 feet away and still be able to print from the computer. In a way, this frees up your main work area more so you can place things that are more important on top of your work area. Eliminating cables also creates a risk free area since you are eliminating cables running everywhere.
Allows Multiple Gadgets to Use the Printer
Various gadgets that people commonly use, like mobile phones and other handhelds, have wireless interfaces that allow them to connect with other mobile gadgets. The most common interfaces are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. If most of your gadgets operate in Bluetooth, you can allow them to use the printer using a Bluetooth wireless printer adapter. You can buy one at Amazon for no more than $50. With this, you can print documents and pictures straight from your mobile phone or PDA.
Allows Multiple Users Access to the Printer
Giving different kinds of gadgets the capability to interface with your printer is no more important than having multiple users access your printer. Another type of wireless printer adapter is one that uses 802.11 b/g or most commonly called Wi-Fi. This device allows your printer to become a wireless printer that can be connected to the local network. This means that anyone who is connected to the network has the capability to use the printer.
Eliminates Host Computers
When you need to print something, be it a document or photo, the norm would be to turn on your computer. However, with a wireless printer adapter, you can print directly from your mobile device. By using the adapter, you are freeing up the need for your host computer and therefore saving more resources. Since you only need to print, you only have to turn on the printer.
Compatible with Most Printers
The great thing about these gadgets is that they are compatible with most of the existing printers. Though not all models are capable of interfacing with all types of printers, there are some that can support a wide range of printers ranging from lasers to inkjets to all-in-one printers. In a way, it becomes hassle-free since you don’t have to install a lot of software for you to use them.
Choices
Here are some wireless printer adapters that you can find available from Amazon, and check out which one is compatible with your printer.
D-Link DIR-655 Extreme N Gigabit Wireless Router
The D-Link DIR-655 Extreme N Gigabit Wireless Router allows all computers in one network to share one printer that is connected onto the router. It gives any user within this network to access the printer anywhere within the location, and at anytime. Available at Amazon new for just under $80, used from $45, and refurbished from under $60.
Cisco-Linksys Wireless-G Print Server
Compatible with most USB printers, the Cisco-Linksys Wireless-G Print Server with Multifunction Printer Support lets you print from anywhere within your local network, and allows you to put your printer wherever you want. It allows for sharing your printer with other computers connected within the network, and there’s no more need to wait for access to a printer, or swapping cables. Easy to install and use, the Wireless-G Print Server is available from under $50 new, used from around $40, and refurbished from $58.
IOGEAR USB 2.0 Print Server
The IOGEAR USB 2.0 Print Server allows any computer within a local network to share a printer, and eliminates the need to set a printer right beside a computer. It is compatible with many types of printers (refer to the list released by IOGEAR). However, it only supports the printing function on multi-function printers. One can print from anywhere within a network or even from across the Internet. Very compact and lightweight at 0.12 lbs and palm-size 2.4 inches wide x 1 inch high x 2.5 inches long. Available new at $37.
HP bt500 Bluetooth USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter
The HP bt500 Bluetooth USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter allows you to wirelessly print and transfer documents, messages, photos and graphics from your PDA, camera phone, laptop, MP3 player, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Just plug the adapter into a PC or printer’s USB port. If you are using the latest Class 2 Bluetooth 2.0+EDR technology, you are assured of a fast and secure connection using the HP bt500. Compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista™, HP PCs and Bluetooth-compatible printers. Available at under $25 new from Amazon.
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