I have been looking for a network print server so that I can share my Epson laser printer. I didn't see many suggestions on these forums, so if any else is looking, here's one you can try.
D-Link DP101+
Basically, this is an inexpensive little black box ($72 at Computer4Sure) that plugs directly into your printer's parallel port. You plug that into your network. There is some setup that you have to do, to configure the IP address and the printer name. The biggest hassle is that the printer is setup by default to 192.168.0.1, which is not the same default network as my Linksys router (192.168.1.1).
So what are the advantages?
- Supports Appletalk. I have never done anything with Appletalk, but it found my printer really easily in Print Center.
- Doesn't really require Windows installation. There is a telnet interface AND a web interface.
- Really cheap, just $68 and it's small too.
- I shared the printer with both an OSX and Windows computer just fine.
Previously, I used my Windows NT machine to share my printer using SAMBA. I finally retired the sucker and it's amazing how quiet things are with only my Powerbook turned on. :-)
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