[markw10]

I have been with Windows for years and just bought my first mac, a C2D MBP a couple months ago. Later this year I plan to upgrade my main desktop computer which I use as a server to a Mac Pro. I currently have a Brother printer/copier/fax machine combo that is hooked up to my Windows XP desktop and set up to share across the network which works great when printing from my MBP through the network. When I switch this over to OS X will I still be able to share it across the network? It is a USB printer.
One reason I ask this is I'm very interested in the new airport express base station. The only thing I dont' like is it doesn't support gigabit LAN. Yet I figure one way around that is to get the Mac Pro with Wi-Fi installed which I assume (I'm waiting for next generation) will have n networking. That'll take care of the 100mbps bottleneck. I am looking at other brands of routers though which in many cases include gigabit lan. They don't include the usb port though which I'm very interested in for the printer.

[Phrogman]

Assuming that your Brother printer has a Mac driver (probably does) you can definetly share this printer across a network. In system preferences, select the "Sharing" preference and the put a checkmark next to printer sharing and your done. This printer will show up via Bonjour on all your other Macs on your network.

I use an Airport Expess to share a second printer I have. Its really trivial to set up.

Good Luck

[amex]

Hi
I have a similar problem. My printer is hooked up to the ethernet router. Printer sharing is activated. But when my desktop is turned off, the Laptop does not find the printer. The printer is an HP LaserJet 4000 TN. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

[OreoCookie]

Originally Posted by amex 

Hi
I have a similar problem. My printer is hooked up to the ethernet router. Printer sharing is activated. But when my desktop is turned off, the Laptop does not find the printer. The printer is an HP LaserJet 4000 TN. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you.

Chances are that the printer you've created points to your windows machine that has shared it. Instead, you should activate AppleTalk (in your System Prefs > Networking > [Network Interface] > Apple Talk) and look for the printer on your local Apple Talk network (in the Printer Utility, select Add Printer and choose your laser printer).

[jasong]

To the OP, I think the current MacPro has the N card already, it just needs the driver from Apple which can either be bought for $2 or comes with the new airport base station. So if that's all you are waiting for, then wait no more.