Computers & Networking

[BRUMLOW]

How do these work?  Do they use the laptop's wireless card...or do you need a usb-type device????

[joka]

It's basically like a wireless keyboard or mouse... they should come with a bluetooth flash drive to put into an USB port and when you print it'll send a signal over to the printer. However this might cause a small delay since it is wireless, but it'll clear up space behind your desk due to wires and you can basically put the printer anywhere in the room. I have a wireless printer for my other computer... they're ok... tho in the beginning it did have issues connecting, but this really depends on which brand you get and how good the program/driver of the printer is.

[Matthew-GS Retired: Community Advocate]

Welcome, BRUMLOW!

There are a few options for establishing a connection to wireless printers. The most common connections are through an established network or an “ad-hoc” wireless connection. Don’t worry; I won’t get too technical here.  Just know that there are a few options and that the “ad-hoc” connection means using your computer’s wireless adapter/signal to make a direct connection to the printer’s native wireless adapter.  Alternately, some wireless routers may have a built-in print server which allows for a USB connection to the printer in order to “share” that printer across the network.  It is also true that a few printer models will allow you to establish a Bluetooth connection with your computer, mobile phone, or camera for direct printing. You should determine if the printer already has the functionality built in or if the manufacturer offers and adapter to make your printer wireless.

[QX9770_oc3-8]

I have a wireless printer question- kind of in reverse to what's posted here. It's a dumb question to most but if someone could answer it I'd appreciate it. I need a new printer, the one I want is wireless but I don't use a wireless set up at home where I'd use the printer, but intend to in the future, my PC even came with Bluetooth installed. I'm still wired in other words but wanted to know if you can use a wireless printer on a PC rig that isn't currently wireless? (thought it would be helpful also for when I do go wireless, my printer will already be updated). I was eyeing the Canon Pixma wireless MP 560 if that helps. Thanks.

[Nokia]

Yeah, of course. Just connect it through normal USB.

[QX9770_oc3-8]

Thank you very much for the quick answer!

[Entropy]

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QX9770_oc3-8 wrote:

I have a wireless printer question- kind of in reverse to what's posted here. It's a dumb question to most but if someone could answer it I'd appreciate it. I need a new printer, the one I want is wireless but I don't use a wireless set up at home where I'd use the printer, but intend to in the future, my PC even came with Bluetooth installed. I'm still wired in other words but wanted to know if you can use a wireless printer on a PC rig that isn't currently wireless? (thought it would be helpful also for when I do go wireless, my printer will already be updated). I was eyeing the Canon Pixma wireless MP 560 if that helps. Thanks.

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Nearly all wireless printers also support USB, and most also support wired Ethernet.  Double-check the specs, but I'm fairly certain all Canon Pixmas have USB.

[SlimJim77]

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joka wrote:
It's basically like a wireless keyboard or mouse... they should come with a bluetooth flash drive to put into an USB port and when you print it'll send a signal over to the printer. However this might cause a small delay since it is wireless, but it'll clear up space behind your desk due to wires and you can basically put the printer anywhere in the room. I have a wireless printer for my other computer... they're ok... tho in the beginning it did have issues connecting, but this really depends on which brand you get and how good the program/driver of the printer is.

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WOW! This is just not the case.

Wireless printers require a wireless network. That means you must have a router. Bluetooth wireless printers are a totally different beast, and not nearly as common.

[asandwhich]

Yep, Most wireless printers will connect to your network and then any computer that was insalled with the printers software and can use it. OR you can plug a printer into a computer that is linked to the network and then access it through that computer. Much harder to do though.