Print server advice

Hi,

I am trying to find a suitable (cheap) color laser - print server for my
home network.

I have considered these printers:
- Minolta Magicolor 2400W;
- HP Color LaserJet 1600;
- Canon LBP5000

I already have a Synology DS101j which can act as a print server. I can also
consider adding another (wifi) print server.

I'd like to make sure that the combination will work. So, any advice about
working/not working pairs would be welcome.

Many thanks in advance - best regards,

--
Daniel CLEMENT

"Daniel CLEMENT" <no@spam.thanks> wrote in message
news:45927539$0$27377$ba4acef3@news.orange.fr...
> Hi,
>
> I am trying to find a suitable (cheap) color laser - print server for my
> home network.
>
> I have considered these printers:
> - Minolta Magicolor 2400W;
> - HP Color LaserJet 1600;
> - Canon LBP5000
>
> I already have a Synology DS101j which can act as a print server. I can
> also
> consider adding another (wifi) print server.
>
> I'd like to make sure that the combination will work. So, any advice about
> working/not working pairs would be welcome.
>
> Many thanks in advance - best regards,
>
> --
> Daniel CLEMENT
>

Are you looking for a print server for a color printer? or a color printer
with a built in print server?

I have a HP Color LaserJet 2600n ... which has a built in hp print server
..... that I am very happy with.

I don't think the HP Color LaserJet 1600 has a print server. You would have
to get something like a hp 175x external jet direct print server.

"riggor" <riggor9999@nospam_yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:UbydnV-qMbC26g_YnZ2dnUVZ_sCdnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "Daniel CLEMENT" <no@spam.thanks> wrote in message
> news:45927539$0$27377$ba4acef3@news.orange.fr...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I am trying to find a suitable (cheap) color laser - print server for my
> > home network.
> >
> > I have considered these printers:
> > - Minolta Magicolor 2400W;
> > - HP Color LaserJet 1600;
> > - Canon LBP5000
> >
> > I already have a Synology DS101j which can act as a print server. I can
> > also
> > consider adding another (wifi) print server.
> >
> > I'd like to make sure that the combination will work. So, any advice
about
> > working/not working pairs would be welcome.
> >
> > Many thanks in advance - best regards,
> >
> > --
> > Daniel CLEMENT
> >
>
> Are you looking for a print server for a color printer? or a color printer
> with a built in print server?
>
> I have a HP Color LaserJet 2600n ... which has a built in hp print server
> .... that I am very happy with.
>
> I don't think the HP Color LaserJet 1600 has a print server. You would
have
> to get something like a hp 175x external jet direct print server.
>
>
Actually I would like to install the printer in remote room (from the
router). That's why I'm thinking of a (cheap printer + cheap wifi print
server).

The other possibility would be: network printer + wifi bridge, but it
appears more expensive (especially HP print servers, when purchased
separately).

Not to mention a wifi color laser printer, if it ever exists...

On Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:03:37 +0100, in alt.internet.wireless , "Daniel
CLEMENT" <no@spam.thanks> wrote:

>>
>Actually I would like to install the printer in remote room (from the
>router). That's why I'm thinking of a (cheap printer + cheap wifi print
>server).

Be Super Careful with your choice of printers and print servers.

Many cheap printers require special drivers on the PC, and these do
not always work with printservers. If your printer has "clever"
ink-level monitors or other utility functions, be suspicious. This is
ESPECIALLY true with multifunction devices.

For example,

Works: HP Laserjet 6, HP Deskjet 815c
Doesn't work: Kyocera X5150, Epson Photo R220

These were tested with a parallel port Edimax printserver, and a USB
port printserver built into my SMC router. In the "not work" cases,
either it simply didn't work at all, or printed half a page then
crashed, or printed garbage.

So... CHECK with the printer maker and the wireless printserver maker
to confirm your printer is compatible.
--
Mark McIntyre

look at the NetGear Print server for just about all "basic printing" needs
....ie just print and like Mark said no ink notifiction or such...
Check the web site for a list of compatable printers.
I know that the NetGear does not load any software it just configures the
port to the printer

"Mark McIntyre" <markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote in message
news:1ad7p21pr2gams6p9j5babhppp3nnacikn@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:03:37 +0100, in alt.internet.wireless , "Daniel
> CLEMENT" <no@spam.thanks> wrote:
>
>>>
>>Actually I would like to install the printer in remote room (from the
>>router). That's why I'm thinking of a (cheap printer + cheap wifi print
>>server).
>
> Be Super Careful with your choice of printers and print servers.
>
> Many cheap printers require special drivers on the PC, and these do
> not always work with printservers. If your printer has "clever"
> ink-level monitors or other utility functions, be suspicious. This is
> ESPECIALLY true with multifunction devices.
>
> For example,
>
> Works: HP Laserjet 6, HP Deskjet 815c
> Doesn't work: Kyocera X5150, Epson Photo R220
>
> These were tested with a parallel port Edimax printserver, and a USB
> port printserver built into my SMC router. In the "not work" cases,
> either it simply didn't work at all, or printed half a page then
> crashed, or printed garbage.
>
> So... CHECK with the printer maker and the wireless printserver maker
> to confirm your printer is compatible.
> --
> Mark McIntyre

"DavidT" <njt1955@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:WOadna0N6I_LgAnYnZ2dnUVZ_qarnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> look at the NetGear Print server for just about all "basic printing" needs

basic printing is perfect for me.
I assume you are talking about the WGPS606 (only wireless print server I
know from Netgear).

> ...ie just print and like Mark said no ink notifiction or such...
> Check the web site for a list of compatable printers.

I had a look. The compatibility list is very light... It has the
(discontinued) Color Laserjet 1500 on it. Should I bet the newer HP color LJ
1600 will work?

> I know that the NetGear does not load any software it just configures the
> port to the printer

Good point, but then, why is its compatibility list so short? Makes me
doubt... I'll try to ask Netgear directly next week, but I can already
figure out their reply ("see compatibility list"...)

>
> "Mark McIntyre" <markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote in message
> news:1ad7p21pr2gams6p9j5babhppp3nnacikn@4ax.com...
> > On Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:03:37 +0100, in alt.internet.wireless , "Daniel
> > CLEMENT" <no@spam.thanks> wrote:
> >
> >>>
> >>Actually I would like to install the printer in remote room (from the
> >>router). That's why I'm thinking of a (cheap printer + cheap wifi print
> >>server).
> >
> > Be Super Careful with your choice of printers and print servers.
> >
> > Many cheap printers require special drivers on the PC, and these do
> > not always work with printservers. If your printer has "clever"
> > ink-level monitors or other utility functions, be suspicious. This is
> > ESPECIALLY true with multifunction devices.
> >
> > For example,
> >
> > Works: HP Laserjet 6, HP Deskjet 815c
> > Doesn't work: Kyocera X5150, Epson Photo R220
> >
> > These were tested with a parallel port Edimax printserver, and a USB
> > port printserver built into my SMC router. In the "not work" cases,
> > either it simply didn't work at all, or printed half a page then
> > crashed, or printed garbage.
> >
> > So... CHECK with the printer maker and the wireless printserver maker
> > to confirm your printer is compatible.
> > --
> > Mark McIntyre
>
>

Unfortunately your assumptions are correct. That is the big issue with
todays Print servers. They are a crap shoot as to weather they will work or
not.
If you are willing to take a chance then i would try it as long as you can
get it someplace that will accept returns. My guess is that it would proable
work since i bet there is not a whole lot of difference in the basic printer
commands between the 1500 and 1600...perhaps compairing them might shed some
light.

"Daniel CLEMENT" <no@spam.thanks> wrote in message
news:4597e321$0$5092$ba4acef3@news.orange.fr...
> "DavidT" <njt1955@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:WOadna0N6I_LgAnYnZ2dnUVZ_qarnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>> look at the NetGear Print server for just about all "basic printing"
>> needs
>
> basic printing is perfect for me.
> I assume you are talking about the WGPS606 (only wireless print server I
> know from Netgear).
>
>> ...ie just print and like Mark said no ink notifiction or such...
>> Check the web site for a list of compatable printers.
>
> I had a look. The compatibility list is very light... It has the
> (discontinued) Color Laserjet 1500 on it. Should I bet the newer HP color
> LJ
> 1600 will work?
>
>> I know that the NetGear does not load any software it just configures the
>> port to the printer
>
> Good point, but then, why is its compatibility list so short? Makes me
> doubt... I'll try to ask Netgear directly next week, but I can already
> figure out their reply ("see compatibility list"...)
>
>>
>> "Mark McIntyre" <markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote in message
>> news:1ad7p21pr2gams6p9j5babhppp3nnacikn@4ax.com...
>> > On Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:03:37 +0100, in alt.internet.wireless , "Daniel
>> > CLEMENT" <no@spam.thanks> wrote:
>> >
>> >>>
>> >>Actually I would like to install the printer in remote room (from the
>> >>router). That's why I'm thinking of a (cheap printer + cheap wifi print
>> >>server).
>> >
>> > Be Super Careful with your choice of printers and print servers.
>> >
>> > Many cheap printers require special drivers on the PC, and these do
>> > not always work with printservers. If your printer has "clever"
>> > ink-level monitors or other utility functions, be suspicious. This is
>> > ESPECIALLY true with multifunction devices.
>> >
>> > For example,
>> >
>> > Works: HP Laserjet 6, HP Deskjet 815c
>> > Doesn't work: Kyocera X5150, Epson Photo R220
>> >
>> > These were tested with a parallel port Edimax printserver, and a USB
>> > port printserver built into my SMC router. In the "not work" cases,
>> > either it simply didn't work at all, or printed half a page then
>> > crashed, or printed garbage.
>> >
>> > So... CHECK with the printer maker and the wireless printserver maker
>> > to confirm your printer is compatible.
>> > --
>> > Mark McIntyre
>>
>>
>
>

Daniel CLEMENT wrote:
> I am trying to find a suitable (cheap) color laser - print server for my
> home network.
>
> I have considered these printers:
> - Minolta Magicolor 2400W;
> - HP Color LaserJet 1600;
> - Canon LBP5000
>
> I already have a Synology DS101j which can act as a print server. I can also
> consider adding another (wifi) print server.
>
> I'd like to make sure that the combination will work. So, any advice about
> working/not working pairs would be welcome.

I have some general advice. If you purchase a printer that has a built
in ethernet port, you can add an external wireless ethernet client
bridge and will surely work. (Note that I said built in, not hang on
ethernet). The basic problem is not the wireless, it's the ethernet
printing support. Once you can print over ethernet, wireless is
trivial. You're also not restricted to one printer to one wireless.
You can connect more than one printer to a wireless ethernet client
bridge with an ethernet switch. One of my customers has a "crash cart"
with 3 printers and a wireless link.

Where you get into trouble is with printers with USB or parallel only
interfaces. The HP LaserJet 1600 does NOT have an internal ethernet
interface only plays USB 2.0. For ethernet, you need the HP LaserJet
2600N for about $100 more.

The Canon LBP-5000 has an optional ethernet board. I suggest you get
it.

I'm too lazy to look up the others. I also find it rather odd that
you're searching for a printer to go with your print server, when it
should be the other way around.

On Sun, 31 Dec 2006 17:21:30 +0100, in alt.internet.wireless , "Daniel
CLEMENT" <no@spam.thanks> wrote:

>"DavidT" <njt1955@comcast.net> wrote in message
>news:WOadna0N6I_LgAnYnZ2dnUVZ_qarnZ2d@comcast.com ...
>> look at the NetGear Print server for just about all "basic printing" needs
>
>> I know that the NetGear does not load any software it just configures the
>> port to the printer
>
>Good point, but then, why is its compatibility list so short? Makes me
>doubt... I'll try to ask Netgear directly next week, but I can already
>figure out their reply ("see compatibility list"...)

My experience is that ANY usb printer will give you grief. They mostly
expect bidirectional traffic, which most printservers seem not to
handle well.

If it has a parallel port, it'll probably work ok. If it has USB, then
worry. Especially if its from Epson or is multifunction.
--
Mark McIntyre

i have 3 epson printers hooked up to my Netgear PS and all work well as long
as i only want to print..which is fine for 99% of the time...they do act a
bit quirkey sometime with the responses the send back but will print...You
are correct in the Bidirectional aspect...you cannot get the printer status
throught the PS .


"Mark McIntyre" <markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote in message
news:bilgp2leu8d6lc1qplpurr42j6i6kvs8cu@4ax.com...
> On Sun, 31 Dec 2006 17:21:30 +0100, in alt.internet.wireless , "Daniel
> CLEMENT" <no@spam.thanks> wrote:
>
>>"DavidT" <njt1955@comcast.net> wrote in message
>>news:WOadna0N6I_LgAnYnZ2dnUVZ_qarnZ2d@comcast.co m...
>>> look at the NetGear Print server for just about all "basic printing"
>>> needs
>>
>>> I know that the NetGear does not load any software it just configures
>>> the
>>> port to the printer
>>
>>Good point, but then, why is its compatibility list so short? Makes me
>>doubt... I'll try to ask Netgear directly next week, but I can already
>>figure out their reply ("see compatibility list"...)
>
> My experience is that ANY usb printer will give you grief. They mostly
> expect bidirectional traffic, which most printservers seem not to
> handle well.
>
> If it has a parallel port, it'll probably work ok. If it has USB, then
> worry. Especially if its from Epson or is multifunction.
> --
> Mark McIntyre

On Mon, 1 Jan 2007 11:29:08 -0500, in alt.internet.wireless , "DavidT"
<njt1955@comcast.net> wrote:

>i have 3 epson printers hooked up to my Netgear PS

Can you let me know the model of the epsons and of the netgear unit, I
have had absolutely no luck.

>bit quirkey sometime

In my case "bit quirkey" meant either crashing the printserver, or
randomly stopping the print job and restarting from the start, or not
even being recognised by the printserver as a valid printer....

--
Mark McIntyre

I just realized i said three when i ment 2 an RX500 and a Picture Mate....
The RX500 is a all in one but will only print through the serve....fwiw i
also had these at one time on a D-L Print server...worked fine there two but
the server was flakey..kept losing network connection...

"Mark McIntyre" <markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote in message
news:h21jp2lrphvi0uo15vgv75idpo99elk9dm@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 1 Jan 2007 11:29:08 -0500, in alt.internet.wireless , "DavidT"
> <njt1955@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>>i have 3 epson printers hooked up to my Netgear PS
>
> Can you let me know the model of the epsons and of the netgear unit, I
> have had absolutely no luck.
>
>>bit quirkey sometime
>
> In my case "bit quirkey" meant either crashing the printserver, or
> randomly stopping the print job and restarting from the start, or not
> even being recognised by the printserver as a valid printer....
>
> --
> Mark McIntyre

"Jeff Liebermann" <jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us> wrote in message
news:1167593417.467325.174660@i12g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Daniel CLEMENT wrote:
> > I am trying to find a suitable (cheap) color laser - print server for my
> > home network.
> >
> > I have considered these printers:
> > - Minolta Magicolor 2400W;
> > - HP Color LaserJet 1600;
> > - Canon LBP5000
> >
> > I already have a Synology DS101j which can act as a print server. I can
also
> > consider adding another (wifi) print server.
> >
> > I'd like to make sure that the combination will work. So, any advice
about
> > working/not working pairs would be welcome.
>
> I have some general advice. If you purchase a printer that has a built
> in ethernet port, you can add an external wireless ethernet client
> bridge and will surely work. (Note that I said built in, not hang on
> ethernet). The basic problem is not the wireless, it's the ethernet
> printing support. Once you can print over ethernet, wireless is
> trivial. You're also not restricted to one printer to one wireless.
> You can connect more than one printer to a wireless ethernet client
> bridge with an ethernet switch. One of my customers has a "crash cart"
> with 3 printers and a wireless link.
>
> Where you get into trouble is with printers with USB or parallel only
> interfaces. The HP LaserJet 1600 does NOT have an internal ethernet
> interface only plays USB 2.0. For ethernet, you need the HP LaserJet
> 2600N for about $100 more.

The difference is much higher in France!
>
> The Canon LBP-5000 has an optional ethernet board. I suggest you get
> it.

The Canon NB-C1 ethernet board is almost as expensive as the printer...
>
> I'm too lazy to look up the others. I also find it rather odd that
> you're searching for a printer to go with your print server, when it
> should be the other way around.
>
Actually, I have a NAS storage that _can_ act as print server (not its
primary function). But it's wired, and it's in the wrong room. That's why I
also considered adding a wifi print server to match the printer.

A network printer would be great, but I'm still wondering if it's worth the
extra price.

Thanks however for taking time to reply in so much detail.