Help me find the right print server device for my small office setup.
April 4, 2008 8:34 AM Subscribe
I just started working in a small office (there are 3 of us). We have wired internet (I know, I know!), and an HP OfficeJet 5610 All-in-One Printer/Fax/Copier in a tiny closet. We all work different hours and use laptops. There is no dedicated computer that is there and always on. I know from working with a friend that we need a small printer server to plug into the printer and connect to the switch in the closet. One side needs to have a USB plug, the other side needs to accomodate the internet cable.
I think I'm talking about option #4 in this Wikipedia article.
I need to make a recommendation to my boss for what exactly she needs to buy to make this work.
Is something like this what I'm looking for? Is it likely to be compatible with the HP OfficeJet 5610? I need it to be!
Best answer: The 5160 doesn't have a lpt connection, just usb. The 500x doesn't work with USB printers plus it's been discontinued (replaced with the 510x which also doesn't support USB). Also the 500x only supports printing not the fax/scan functions.
What you want to use is a 175x. It supports the fax and scan functions as well as printing and works with USB printers. I've used the 175x in conjunction numerous 30X0 HP all in ones and they work very well. Simple setup using telnet and they just work. I've never had an external JetDirect box fail on me FWIW.
posted by Mitheral at 8:51 AM on April 4, 2008
What you want to use is a 175x. It supports the fax and scan functions as well as printing and works with USB printers. I've used the 175x in conjunction numerous 30X0 HP all in ones and they work very well. Simple setup using telnet and they just work. I've never had an external JetDirect box fail on me FWIW.
posted by Mitheral at 8:51 AM on April 4, 2008
I use a jetdirect box on my G85 all in one printer, and all users on my network are able to print / scan / fax from their desktop over the network.
posted by indigo4963 at 9:01 AM on April 4, 2008
posted by indigo4963 at 9:01 AM on April 4, 2008
Response by poster: Yay! Thanks so much, Mitheral. I just sent a link for that devise to my boss. You made me look good today!
posted by abbyladybug at 9:31 AM on April 4, 2008
posted by abbyladybug at 9:31 AM on April 4, 2008
Whatever you do: Do not be tempted by any cheaper alternatives. They look sexy, but they will burn you bad when you can't scan or fax. Go with the JetDirect.
posted by tcv at 10:13 AM on April 4, 2008
posted by tcv at 10:13 AM on April 4, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
HP J7988G Jetdirect en1700 Ethernet Print Server - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833316069
posted by indigo4963 at 8:49 AM on April 4, 2008