Printer double adaptor

[leon]

Hi Guys, just wondering is there such a thing as a double adapter so 2 computers can plug into the same printer with out having to change leads all the time.

Many thanks in advance

Leon

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by leon

Hi Guys, just wondering is there such a thing as a double adapter so 2 computers can plug into the same printer with out having to change leads all the time.

USB isn't designed for double adapters. I haven't seen a USB switch but you might find one. You can get USB to ethernet adapters. Not so sure about USB to wireless.

[leon]

Thanks Andrew, I did think that, but with todays technology one could only hope.

Leon

[Regulus (Trevor)]

Don't know Leon. There used to be a switchable serial adapter but whether they have a USB device I just don't know.
My lovely $49 Brother is wireless and runs thru my wifi internet so three pc's and iPad and my android phone all print to it. U can buy my printer for $39 now (it takes seperate col cartridges that sell after-market for $5) and it might end up being the quickest and cheapest solution. Just a thought.
Trev

[acropolite (Phil)]

Leon, network the two PC's together and share the printer on the PC that has it installed. Nothing complicated in doing that, other than that you can get network print servers with USB ports.

[leon]

Thank you people will have a play and see what happens.

Leon

[Steffen]

Belkin used to make a USB printer switch, specifically for sharing one printer among two computers. Both computers and the printer plugged into that little device, and the switching was done via software from either PC. My parents used to have that gadget.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BC8S1A

Cheers
Steffen.

[leon]

Interesting Steffen, thank you.

Leon

[julianh72 (Julian)]

A few thoughts:

If your computers are on the same network, you can share the printer which is connected to one PC with any other computer on the network.

If the host computer is on the internet, you can set up Google Cloud Print, and print from any device anywhere on the internet.

And many recent printers have WiFi built-in, and connect to your home network without even needing to be connected to a host computer at all. E.g. We have an HP PhotoSmart 5520 printer / scanner / copier, which you can buy for about $70 from OfficeWorks, Harvey Norman, etc. It has WiFi connection to our home network (no cable to any computer), and we can print from any computer, phone or tablet at home. It even has its own e-mail address, so you can email it pictures or documents from your phone while you are away from home (e.g. when you are on on holiday), and they will be printed while you are thousands of kms away. (I'm not saying that's a good use of the technology, but the point is that wireless printing is the way to go these days.)

[malau (David)]

There is a usb printer hub which the computer connect to that hub and there is a usb port to the printer. Alternatively if your printer is networked printer (i.e. can connect LAN cable) you can do that too.

[leon]

Many thanks Guys.

Leon

[jjz (Joe)]

This might do the trick:


http://www.lindy.com.au/4-port-usb-2-0-sharing-hub

[leon]

Thanks Joe, that seems exactly what i am looking for.

Leon