Sharing a Printer

[Badger]

What adapter do I need to be able to share a printer?

The printer is set up on the desktop, but I occaisonally will need to use it from the laptop. I don't want to keep pulling the desktop out and unplugging the usb from the desktop and plugging it into the laptop and vice-versa I just want the printer to have 2 usb cables, one permanently plugged into the desktop, the other 'spare' until I need it for the laptop.

Thanks

[NickFitz]

You could always use the network and save yourself the price of an extra USB cable, I suppose

[TheFaQQer]

Belkin do a USB print router fairly cheap - plugs into your router using standard network cable and into the printer via USB. I used one for a while before buying a printer with a network connection.

[bogeyman]

You could always use the network and save yourself the price of an extra USB cable, I suppose

No way! You crazy chimp!

Printers must always be hard-wired and hand-plugged. Otherwise God only knows what might happen!

I thought this was a forum for computer contractors, but maybe it's for cattle drovers or something.

[Moscow Mule]

I thought this was a forum for computer contractors, but maybe it's for cattle drovers or something.

Ooo arr. That reemoinds mee, I needs to go and get dat silage trough unblocked, ooo arrr.

[Badger]

I think all I'm looking for is a simple thing like a USB 1 into 2 splitter, but can't find one. Printer plugs into the 1 end, 1 of the 2 into the desktop, the other one spare for occasional use.

Will that work?

[Gonzo]

I use a cheap Belkin one as described by Faqqer for a printer that only has USB connection.

The box plugs into the router so all computers on the network can see it, then it is USB cable to the printer.

I did not find any other way to achieve this, but networks are not my field of expertise.

[VectraMan]

I think all I'm looking for is a simple thing like a USB 1 into 2 splitter, but can't find one. Printer plugs into the 1 end, 1 of the 2 into the desktop, the other one spare for occasional use.

Will that work?

USB doesn't work like that. You have one computer that can control many devices, but not the other way around.

I guess some kind of switch would work, but since print sharing has been built into Windows for years and those print sharer boxes are dirt cheap, it would be a little pointless to try.

[Badger]

I use a cheap Belkin one as described by Faqqer for a printer that only has USB connection.

The box plugs into the router so all computers on the network can see it, then it is USB cable to the printer.

I did not find any other way to achieve this, but networks are not my field of expertise.

Do you have a linky for that?

[lilelvis2000]

http://www.usbswitch.com/index.html

could do the trick