Wi-Fi Printing: Understanding Your Options

Are you ready for wireless printing but unsure of your options? You may be surprised to know that there are several ways to print wirelessly at home. The experts at Lexmark tell us how easy it is to cut the cord by giving us the following tips:

1. Installing a print server has been the traditional way of connecting a printer to a Wi-Fi access point. Although this option works, it limits where you can put this equipment in your home because it requires that you connect your printer via cable to the print server. Other potential frustrations of using a print server include the fact that you need to purchase the print server separately and it is possible to run into compatibility issues with the rest of your computer equipment.

2.Direct, wired connections between a printer and a router are easier and a far more typical approach in most homes, but it ties you to the router, which limits your mobility and printer location.

3. Another option is to use your desktop PC as a relay to enable wireless laptop printing, known as printer sharing. Keep in mind that it doesn't work if the desktop computer is powered down, or even asleep, which means you have to make sure your desktop stays on. That's neither energy- nor time-efficient. You also must have two computers or laptops in this scenario, one hooked to your printer and the other for working wirelessly.

4. Using a wireless printer and router is the latest technology in wireless for the home, and is the easiest and most economical way to connect but still cut the cord between your computer and printer. Many computers made over the last three years are wireless capable (or can be fitted with a wireless adapter), so all you should need is a wireless router and a wireless printer. Both are easy to install and use, and there are a variety of choices for nearly every budget. Lexmark, for example, has introduced a new line of wireless printers starting at $79.99.

The wonderful world of Wi-Fi printing
Using a wireless printer and router gives you the most benefits, including:

• Wireless printing anywhere within your wireless network -- giving you more mobility and reducing cable clutter.
  
• Step-by-step guide for quick and easy installation and use
• Save time, space and money by allowing multiple users to use one printer --wirelessly.
  
• The freedom to place your printer almost anywhere in your home -- you decide based on what suits your usage preferences and decor, with no worries about shackling it to your wireless router or computer.
  

For maximum productivity, choose a wireless all-in-one printer that not only allows you to print wirelessly, but scan, fax and access media card slots as well. Lexmark's new line of wireless printers provides a variety of choices, such as the new Lexmark X6570, which offers business-class features such as two-sided printing, fax, automatic document feeder and vibrant, borderless photo printing.

For more information about wireless printing, visit www.lexmark.com

SOURCE Lexmark