Router

[TheStealth]

The Linksys wireless print server I was using for my HP LaserJet has finally given up and died. I need to find a replacement for it, though the wireless print servers I can find seem way too pricey for what they are. The printer is not anywhere close to my Asus router and is on another floor. Is it possible to just grab a router with a USB port and use this instead (as a wireless bridge or extender)? Maybe flashing it with Tomato or something similar. If so what model do you suggest I get for the best value?

 

[L&LD]

Depending on your printer and printing needs; a new (wireless) printer may be the smarter purchase at this time?

A router with USB printer capabilities is a hit or miss experience for me.

A wireless printer on the other hand has never given problems for many of my customers and they were purchased with a range from $60 to ~$600.

 

[TheStealth]

I don't really want to change my laserjet 1320 since it is working very well and I did pay a nice sum for it at the time. Just looking for a solution that will work reasonably well. (The linksys print server I was using worked great)

 

[L&LD]

It may be a good printer but that doesn't change the fact that it is limiting you now.

Don't look at just the obvious solution (replace a wireless print server) - look for the best long term solution for the same, less or even slightly more expensive option. Over the long term it will be cheaper, ime.

The bonus is that you can either sell the current printer, or, dedicate it to a specific machine/task. And it may cost you the same and you'll have some built in redundancy for your printing needs too.

Also; what you have spent in the past is not relevant to what you're going to spend today - all else being equal as I've pointed out above.

 

[TheStealth]

I found an interesting solution to my problem, a Raspberry Pi. I had one kicking around and the variety of printers supported by CUPS is quite large so a perfect fit!