Print server question

[kater1]

I am wanting to place my printer on a print server to free up my own computer from other users printing with it. Is there a print server, wired preferably, that will allow the printer to still monitor ink levels and such?

If so, which ones? I am using a Canon i960 printer

 

[JackMDS]

I doubt that there is such 3rd party printer server.

Most of the printer Drivers/Utilities are propriety and 3rd party printer server would not account for it.

You are better of buying a network ready printer for general use. http://www.ezlan.net/prtserver.html

 

[RebateMonger]

How can you afford to run an inkjet printer anyway? Unless you actually NEED photo-quality prints, you can save tons of money on ink cartridges with something like a Dell color laser printer for $350 with built-in networking.

 

[kater1]

I do alot of photo printing. The i960 makes great photos

 

[JackMDS]

I have similar needs. I use a Cannon photo printer hook to my main computer to do my photo work, and a $99 Brother Network Ready AIO (totaly compatible with Vista too) providing, Printer, Copy, Scanning, Fax to the whole Network (Wired an Wireless, 5 Desktops, 2 laptops).
The $99 is a much better investment than a "lame" 3rd party printer server that can not do any thing but straight basic printing.

 

[Modelworks]

I'm using an hp jet direct 300x.
It works well with epson printers.
It only has a parallel port though, so that might not be the best choice for most of the newer stuff.

Still it works very well with printers that are parallel port based, the printer software doesn't even realize its using the network.

 

[Modelworks]

I'm using an hp jet direct 300x.
It works well with epson printers.
It only has a parallel port though, so that might not be the best choice for most of the newer stuff.

Still it works very well with printers that are parallel port based, the printer software doesn't even realize its using the network.

 

[nweaver]

the reason is that most print servers are not BIDI parallel connections. Without that bi directional communication, you cannot get the info back off the printer. These printers were not designed for use on a print server, and most of the time the drivers struggle enough with just printing. Often, you end up going to a smaller, less feature rich driver (HP calls it a "network" driver) for use on a print server.

 

[Modelworks]

The 300x server I have is one of the few that is bidirectional.
I got it from someone that was using it with an old zip drive.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
The 300x server I have is one of the few that is bidirectional.
I got it from someone that was using it with an old zip drive.

Ok so you have double luck on your side.:thumbsup:

1. Your printer works well with the HP 300X (Not every printer does).

2. You probably got it at bargain price.

Double luck is nice for buying Lottery tickets, but it does not make a technological Rule, coz otherwise the thingie is expensive.

 

[Modelworks]

Actually they aren't that expensive.
Mine was given to me, but I see them on ebay all the time for 20-30.00

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
Actually they aren't that expensive.
Mine was given to me, but I see them on ebay all the time for 20-30.00

For that kind of money and the ability to return if it does not work, it might be worth while to try.

 

[blimey]

Originally posted by: kater1
I am wanting to place my printer on a print server to free up my own computer from other users printing with it. Is there a print server, wired preferably, that will allow the printer to still monitor ink levels and such?

If so, which ones? I am using a Canon i960 printer

The Silex SX-2000U2 will do what you ask, provided that you use Windows and that the printer is USB.

The SX-2000U2 is the only print server I recommend, and I've tried many of them. However, it is not really cost effective at around the $100-$120 range. You can buy a new network capable printer in that price range.

But, if for some reason you're in love with your current USB printer, the Silex is the only way to go (in the under $200 print server market). If you buy some cheap print server, chances are that you will be disappointed. I know this from experience.