Printer Question for Wireless network and sharing

[Zab]

Ok, so im going to be putting together a wireless network together connecting my PC in the living room, my wifes in our bedroom and then syncing my PPC to it. I have no problem setting up a network, ive done that before. My trouble is getting the printer to be shared by both computers so both can print to it. Im getting a Wireless Linksys router that has 4 ports on it so you can plug in if you want to. My setup will be as such.

My PC plugged into router as the router will be sitting on my desk in the living room. My wife will have a wireless card in her computer in the bedroom ( a total of about 15 feet thru the wall ). PPC will be synced to my desktop in the living room and such.

How do we connect a printer to the network so both of us are able to use it w/o much difficulty. We have between 100-150$ to spend. We have been looking at a few HPs as they have been very good to us in the past. If you know of any good color printers ( we would like one that can scan/fax/copy ) in that price range or what i should look for ( we have found a nice printer at best buy we would like to get ) when buying one from a store to work with this setup any information is appreciated

Thanks Folks

[OSUKid7]

The easiest way is to just let Windows share the printer. I've done that for years, and have had little if any performance issues with the host computer. You can share any printer - USB or Parallel port. Jut go to The printers control panel, right click the printer, and click Sharing.

A more expensive way is to get a Print server such as Wireless-G PrintServer for USB 2.0 (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=37&prid=584) from Linksys. This lets you print without needing to leave the host computer on.

The most expensive way is to get a business printer with an Ethernet port so you can plug directly into the network. That type of printer includes it's own print server. If you want to go wireless with that, just get an ethernet bridge such as Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=36&prid=603) from Linksys.

I'd just recommend finding a good home printer and using Windows to share the printer. That works fine for moderate usage.

As for printers, HP's good. I'd use CNET (http://www.cnet.com) and PriceGrabber (http://www.pricegrabber.com) to look for good printers and good prices.

[Sven Johannsen]

Another way, if you have not already bought the Linksys is to get a Wireless router/access point/switch/Print Server.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=19

I don't believe Linksys makes such a beast, but they do make wired print servers that you hook to one of the ports on the Wireless router/access point/switch.

Really, the biggest advantage to that is not having to have the PC that hosts the printer, on, to print.