Print Server for R1900 + Macs
October 29, 2010 4:27 PM Subscribe
Please recommend a print server for an Epson R1900 and a bunch of Macs.
I've got three Macs that need to share an Epson R1900 on a wired (gigabit) network. In the past, I just shared the Epson off one of the Macs and left it on all the time. Now the Epson is off to the side and isn't hooked up to any of the Macs. I'd rather not plug and unplug every time one of us needs to print. Can anyone recommend a print server that is bidirectional (need to see ink levels and other stuff on the Macs) and has an ethernet port that is Mac friendly?
Thanks!
I've got three Macs that need to share an Epson R1900 on a wired (gigabit) network. In the past, I just shared the Epson off one of the Macs and left it on all the time. Now the Epson is off to the side and isn't hooked up to any of the Macs. I'd rather not plug and unplug every time one of us needs to print. Can anyone recommend a print server that is bidirectional (need to see ink levels and other stuff on the Macs) and has an ethernet port that is Mac friendly?
Thanks!
A bit unorthodox, perhaps, and a bit more money, but you could use a cheap used Mac mini as a print server. It's headless and small. You just plug it in, set it up and manage it via Remote Desktop, and you're good to go.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 6:01 PM on October 29, 2010
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 6:01 PM on October 29, 2010
Have you tried an AirportExpress?
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/printing.html
Assuming you have the driver software installed on all the machines your sharing to, you should be able to access ink levels and whatnot through the print and fax system preferences panel.
You can configure the express to create only a print network, so you don't have to worry about connecting it to your ethernet.
(this of course presumes that all the macs in your office have wireless - they all should in this day and age)
posted by device55 at 6:14 PM on October 29, 2010
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/features/printing.html
Assuming you have the driver software installed on all the machines your sharing to, you should be able to access ink levels and whatnot through the print and fax system preferences panel.
You can configure the express to create only a print network, so you don't have to worry about connecting it to your ethernet.
(this of course presumes that all the macs in your office have wireless - they all should in this day and age)
posted by device55 at 6:14 PM on October 29, 2010
Response by poster: $100 for an airport is expensive, buying another mini (which is actually one of the 3 Macs I have already) would be even more expensive, not to mention use more electric that I'd rather not.
I'll look into a Pogoplug or similar Linux device and failing that, I'll just go with whatever $40 print server I can find on Newegg, like this one. I'll just deal with the lack of bidirectionality. Thanks!
posted by Brian Puccio at 6:47 PM on October 29, 2010
I'll look into a Pogoplug or similar Linux device and failing that, I'll just go with whatever $40 print server I can find on Newegg, like this one. I'll just deal with the lack of bidirectionality. Thanks!
posted by Brian Puccio at 6:47 PM on October 29, 2010
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I've used a Canon and Epson inkjet hooked up with a CIS for years with simple usb->ethernet print servers (hawking, asus, dlink, etc). They all work fine; if the printer is out of ink the job stalls until you fix it. Make sure you get one with a nice buffer on it, because otherwise the job will st st st stutter as the computer buffers.
Right now I'm using a hacked Pogoplug I got on sale for $40 as the server, works great.
posted by Old'n'Busted at 5:50 PM on October 29, 2010