Two Computers Sharing A Printer Via A Usb Hub

[astral]

At the moment I have my notebook connected to the printer with a parallel cable

and the desk top connected using USB and this arrangement works well with

no conflict.

When I get my new notebook it will no longer have a parallel port so I am looking

at new ways of sharing the printer.

I wondered if I can connect both machines to the same USB hub and access the printer

from there?

I know I can share across my home network, but to do not want to have both machines

on all the time as the power here is not very reliable. The printer does not have a server

facility.

Thanks

Edited April 10, 2006 by astral

[nullx8]

well ... USB has no multihost functionality.

some systems (like apples) supporting this .. but also not well ...

with firewire is there no problem about this.

in fortunity it will work without conflicts .. but well noone will quarantee for it.

;-)

[Artisan]

At the moment I have my notebook connected to the printer with a parallel cable

and the desk top connected using USB and this arrangement works well with

no conflict.

When I get my new notebook it will no longer have a parallel port so I am looking

at new ways of sharing the printer.

I wondered if I can connect both machines to the same USB hub and access the printer

from there?

I know I can share across my home network, but to do not want to have both machines

on all the time as the power here is not very reliable. The printer does not have a server

facility.

Thanks

As you are able to share across a home network, why not buy a print server from any of the well known consumer networking companies...D-Link make such a print server. It has two USB interfaces and you can allow printing from either of your networked computers.

OR....buy a USB "miniature share switch". This cheap piece of kit will allow you to connect two computers to a single USB device.

Edited April 10, 2006 by Artisan

[Crossy]

OR

Get one of those USB - Parallel cables, plug in like you are now.

A whole host of options, depends what you can source in your local PC emporium