"brooksr" <brooks@rimesrv.net> wrote in message
news:1168726792.547622.39790@v45g2000cwv.googlegro ups.com...
> We have 2 laptops with wifi cards and a Canon Pixma IP4000 printer (it
> has parallel and USB ports). We don't have a network or router.
>
> We'd like to be able to print wirelessly from the laptops to the
> printer.
>
> Will a device like Linksys WPS54G Wireless-G 802.11g Print Server
> http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WPS54G...-Server/dp/B00...
>
>
> do the job?
>
> Its nice and small. I could probably velcro it to the side of the
> printer.
>
> If not, other suggestions are appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Brooks

Trying to wiggle a non-network "dumb" USB printer into some sort of adhoc
802.11 "network" sounds like a bunch of headaches just waiting to happen.
I wouldn't try it without the printer hanging off a computer with a wireless
NIC. I bet even an old P2 would even work. But, I know you want a pretty,
"standalone", printer... :-)

If you don't absolutetly need the range of 802.11, how about just making it
very simple: bluetooth. You can get a USB bluetooth printer adapter (they
don't need drivers, everything needed is built right-in, its just
USB-Bluetooth bridge.). If the laptops don't have bluetooth built-in,
bluetooth USB adapters are cheap. Bought a couple Zonets from Newegg not
too long ago. They do what they are advertised to do. I don't do any
"fancy" things with bluetooth like networking. I just use bluetooth simply
as "cable replacements" for a few things here and there...