Time for a new printer, some problems.

[WSikorski]

It's about time to think about getting a new printer. My current one is a
Canon BJC-6000. It still prints well, but the local stores are no longer
stocking ink, Compusa, Staples, Circuit City, Walmart, Etc. I have had to
buy directly from Canon lately, not a big deal. The printer pretty much will
not feed paper on it's own, I've cleaned the pick-up roller, usually have to
feed it by hand.

Now for the problem. The printer is shared by 2 non networked pc's, using a
parallel auto switch, no real need to be networked. All of the newer
printers are USB. Is it possible to use one USB printer with 2 pc's? Does a
USB autoswitch exist? Both pc's are USB 1.1 I believe. Asus a7v-133 MB's,
one running WinMe the other XP Home.

Thanks for any advice.

Wayne

 

[NCHA]

The Epson C84 has a parallel port on it

 

[Jimmy]

Now for the problem. The printer is shared by 2 non networked pc's, using a
parallel auto switch, no real need to be networked. All of the newer
printers are USB. Is it possible to use one USB printer with 2 pc's? Does a
USB autoswitch exist? Both pc's are USB 1.1 I believe. Asus a7v-133 MB's,
one running WinMe the other XP Home.

Thanks for any advice.

Wayne

You might take a look at www.belkin.com and in particular their 4x4 USB
Peripheral Switch Part # F1U400. I have no experience with this product,
but it looks like it may meet your requirements.

 

[Jeff H]

Hi Wayne,

It's about time to think about getting a new printer. My current one is a
Canon BJC-6000. It still prints well, but the local stores are no longer
stocking ink, Compusa, Staples, Circuit City, Walmart, Etc. I have had to
buy directly from Canon lately, not a big deal.

The BJC-6000 uses the common bci-3 cartridges - I would have thought someone
at these stores would have known that but then I suppose the 6000 dates back
to when most of their staff was in Junior High :->

The printer pretty much will
not feed paper on it's own, I've cleaned the pick-up roller, usually have to
feed it by hand.

Now for the problem. The printer is shared by 2 non networked pc's, using a
parallel auto switch, no real need to be networked. All of the newer
printers are USB. Is it possible to use one USB printer with 2 pc's? Does a
USB autoswitch exist? Both pc's are USB 1.1 I believe. Asus a7v-133 MB's,
one running WinMe the other XP Home.

Both the Canon i560 and i860 have both USB and Parallel connections - I have
both printers and have been quite pleased with them. The C84 that someone
else suggested will also work, though in my opinion the only consideration I
would give give this is if the need for waterproof ink with high fade
resistance outweighed your concern for economical printing.

Cheers,

Jeff H

 

[NCHA]

Hi Wayne,
Both the Canon i560 and i860 have both USB and Parallel connections - I have
both printers and have been quite pleased with them. The C84 that someone
else suggested will also work, though in my opinion the only consideration I
would give give this is if the need for waterproof ink with high fade
resistance outweighed your concern for economical printing.

Cheers,

Jeff H

Both my C82 and C84 are very cheap to run, on average I get between 1100
to 1200 pages out of the black cart(depends on which setting I use) Colors
range form 450 to 550. I do little or no photos so results will vary..

 

[Larry Fieman]

The Epson C84 has a parallel port on it

I have a new one, never used. Came with my iBook. For sale. $50, plus
nominal s&h.

Larry

 

[WSikorski]

Thanks to all for your replies. I should have given more info on the type of
new printer that I'm looking for.

At the current moment I am leaning toward the Canon i960. I will definately
check out Belkin's offerings for USB Sharing.

Wayne