Where do I start ?

[Bob S]

I have 2 win Xp machines at home. Only one is connected to a printer. I was thinking about using 802.11b to wirelessly network them so I can use the one printer.

I can't quite fiqure out exactly what I need to do this.

what type of devices do I need?

also If i have to spend $300 to get the parts, I might as well by a $100 printer.

I don't have a high speed internet connection, so I dont need anything to share that.


Any suggestions?
:?:


Thanks

Bob

[Sven Johannsen]

The bad news is you would need a WiFi device for each machine. Probably around $70 each (depends on sales, and specific device), so you are probably over the new printer threshold.

Of course if your printer is a couple of years old, the quality you are going to get on a new $100 - $150 printer will make you ask this all over again because you'll be wanting to share the new one :)

Simplest is two USB WiFi adapters (AKA dongles). You run them in Ad-Hoc mode and it is like stringing a cable between the two machines.

[Kati Compton]

I have 2 win Xp machines at home. Only one is connected to a printer. I was thinking about using 802.11b to wirelessly network them so I can use the one printer.

Is one of the machines a laptop? If they're both desktop, and in reasonable proximity, it'd probably be cheaper to do a wired network.

[Bob S]

they are both desktops. They are in separate rooms and I'dather not drag another wire across the floor. The printer is a nice new one.

"USB WiFi adapters"

Can you list an specific example?

Thanks

Bob

[Sven Johannsen]

Can you list an specific example

http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=22&prid=435

or same at

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=282389

with price. Just an example. Most of the wireless OEMs make one.

[TheNewSteve]

If the printer has a USB port, you can get USB Bluetooth dongles for $50. If they are less than 50 ft. away, I'd recommend that. You could connect both computers via USB and you have a small network to print from the printerless computer with...

-Steve