Wireless printers and routers?

[Xstyle]

What is the best wireless printer??

I will put my Laptop in my AV cabinet, and get a wireless keyboard and mouse,
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217713&page=2&pp=15

Dependant on which one I get; either (Bluetooth or USB)
Logitech® diNovo™ Cordless Desktop® for Notebooks
GYRATION Keyboard... ULTRA PRO

I will also get a wireless router for the broadband internet...
can the wireless printer work off this?


Please give me recommendations!!?


Thanks,

Sid


:
I just added to this post, rather than creating another thread ... and have come to a closer decision on printers:
Post #71 of this same thread http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4077530#post4077530

[Maff et1]

Some wireless routers will act as USB print servers, like this one: http://www.asus.com.tw/products4.aspx?l1=12&l2=43&l3=0&model=359&modelmenu=1

I've never used any so can't recommend.

[stuartmc]

The HP2710 has wireless networking built-in if you need an all-in-one. If you have the printer Netgear have just introduced a Wireless Print Server, more here http://www.netgear.co.uk/wireless_print_server_wgps606.php

[The Dude]

If your laptop has bluetooth, the HP BT1300 is a good piece of kit, especially if you already have a printer lying around..

Can't remember exact prices, but I'd guess at around £75, a great piece of kit.

[Big Adam]

Belkin have also had a wireless USB print server on the market for quite some time.

[Xstyle]

Found a great website for information!!

Router:
Buffalo 54G Wireless Cable/DSL Router with AOSS (http://www.wirefreehomes.co.uk/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=WBR2-G54&Category_Code=wireless&Product_Count=1)
£46.71 delivered (http://www.blueunplugged.com/Products/Buffalo_AirStation_54_Mbps_Wireless_Cable__DSL_Rou ter_with_AOSS__WBR2_G54.aspx?ptnrSrc=2)

Printer:
HP Deskjet 6840 (http://www.wirefreehomes.co.uk/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=943G0X9&Category_Code=wifi_print&Product_Count=0)
£121.80 delivered (http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/68418/art/hp/deskjet-6840-color.html?srcid=36)

OR

HP Photosmart 2710 all in one (inc. fax & scanner) (http://www.wirefreehomes.co.uk/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=943G4T3&Category_Code=wifi_print&Product_Count=1)
£262.31 delivered (http://www.misco.co.uk/tracker/tradedoubler/redirect.aspx?tduid=2be6fdbb7ccfb7d648166bfa34ab4d 41&url=http://www.misco.co.uk/productinformation/~99519~/product.htm?affiliate=2004)


I think it makes sense to go for a Wi-Fi printer.
What are your opnions on this "state of the art" Buffalo router, and these HP Printers??

Any other recommendations?


p.s. I don't have a laptop, printer, or a router at the moment!
Thinking of getting the Sony Vaio FS295VP laptop:
£1079 delivered (https://secure.sell247.com/svcdigital/product_detail.asp?id=15963507)
However, Wireless Homes was very surprisingly the cheapest I've ever seen it, at £899 +vat = £1059! Astonishing considering their prices for other products. (But they do have great service...)


Sid

[hornydragon]

I have a linksys print server much better idea, means i print from anywhere i have one with 2 parralell but USB ones are available, so that way you can use any printer!

[Xstyle]

HD... links please?

Is the Baffalo Router not also a print server?
what is "2 paralell"?
I want the printer to not have to be near the router... i.e. maybe on different floors?

[hornydragon]

parallel ports for older printers see here: http://www1.linksys.com/international/group.asp?coid=6&grid=33&scid=37
Netgear etc all do them

http://www.netgear.co.uk/wireless_print_server_wgps606.php

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201576&pcount=&Product_Id=172856&Section.Section_Path=%2FRoot%2FNetworking%2FWirele ssNetworking%2F80211gWi%2E%2E%2Etworking%2F

Suggest you use same brand as router for ease of use set-up etc. I use linksys, D-link, Edimax and US Robotics all mixed up only have my laser hanging off server at the moment but looking for a colour inkjet (old stock second hand) for colour (dont like USB printers but thats all you can get these days

[Xstyle]

parallel ports for older printers see here: http://www1.linksys.com/international/group.asp?coid=6&grid=33&scid=37
Netgear etc all do them

http://www.netgear.co.uk/wireless_print_server_wgps606.php

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201576&pcount=&Product_Id=172856&Section.Section_Path=%2FRoot%2FNetworking%2FWirele ssNetworking%2F80211gWi%2E%2E%2Etworking%2F

Suggest you use same brand as router for ease of use set-up etc. I use linksys, D-link, Edimax and US Robotics all mixed up only have my laser hanging off server at the moment but looking for a colour inkjet (old stock second hand) for colour (dont like USB printers but thats all you can get these days

Would it not be easier to get a router and print server in one?

Does the Buffalo item above not do that?
The advantage of the Buffalo is that it has ASOS, press a button and it encrypts without effort.

Firewall:
Is it worth having both SPI and NAT firewall?
(like in the Asus as mentioned above) (http://www.asus.com.tw/products4.aspx?l1=12&l2=43&l3=0&model=359&modelmenu=1)

I think I'm going to get confused now!

[hornydragon]

to enable wep is so easy why spend more on buffalo if you use Dynamic addressing you are pretty secure too most routers include a hardware firewall which you just use to lock out unused ports old comm ports are how most hackers gain access to PC's
If you want the router close to your Phone socket ie in lounge hall etc and leave printer upstairs you need 2 boxes..........all you need is this :http://www1.linksys.com/international/product.asp?coid=6&ipid=667
and this:http://www1.linksys.com/international/product.asp?coid=6&ipid=447
and wireless on laptop and any other machines in house.


THis is NOT a printserver:http://www.blueunplugged.com/Products/Buffalo_AirStation_54_Mbps_Wireless_Cable__DSL_Rou ter_with_AOSS__WBR2_G54.aspx?ptnrSrc=2

[The Dude]

ASOS sounds like a world of hurt in a button... ;)

but you definitely want both NAT/SPI on your firewall.. most of the WAP/Router devices out there will do this by now I would have thought..

The Netgear models certainly do, but I rarely play with the other brands mentioned so can't comment with any confidence on the rest..

[Xstyle]

Q1:
Is a Print Server primarily for more than one printer and/or computer?

Q2:
I will have just one laptop and one printer... so will just a router suffice for my needs?
(one that has NAT & SPI firewalls)

Q3:
Printers connect via USB ports???
But I thought you won't need USB if you're using the Wireless 802.11g?

Q4:
And I'll have to get a wireless printer with 802.11g... can't use an older printer (as HD says initially) as I may not have the printer & server/router in the same place?


Sorry if I'm sounding thick! Not having seen any USB connects / wireless gear I find it hard to digest the information... but I appreciate all you guys' patience!

[The Dude]

Do you have bluetooth on the laptop?

If you do, and this is the only PC using the printer, I wouldn't worry about print servers, and just get a bluetooth adapter and ANY printer you like..

There are also plenty of WiFi adapters that slot in a USB port, go this way if you don't have bluetooth, or prefer the WiFi route...

Q1 - Yes

Q2 - Yes

Q3 - If the printer has onboard wireless yes, other wise you need the USB port to add the wireless adapter.

Q4 - If you go bluetooth, all you need is the printer sitting somewhere near the laptop.. if that answers the question?

:)

[MattTheBeanster]

my vote is for a canon ip4000r around £140.

and to answer a couple of your questions. Q1: yes it is, Q3: if you go wireless you don't need usb.

darn too slow.

[Xstyle]

I don't want to have to plug bits in the laptop's usb (no bluetooth inside).
So as Wireless Homes said in my initial thread, a wireless router and a wireless printer.
Thats it?

Routers...
- The Downside of the Buffalo is that it only has SPI firewall, I would like NAT too.
+ The Positive is that it has ASOS, click a button and its all encrypted.

So I guess I continue to look...

With these other wireless routers mentioned, how easy/hard is it to set up the encryption? (For a novice like me!) What have you got to do?

I also understand the wireless printer will need to be given an IP address.
How do you do that?

I'll have a look round for Printers, tho the Canon seems good.
The Canon iP400R
http://www.photo-i.co.uk/News/Aug04/ip4000r.htm

[The Dude]

Yep, that's all you need.

And you *** MUST*** get a firewall with NAT, The internet will get you one day, if you dont.... :devil:

I wouldn't worry about the one touch encryption ( Or rather I would worry! :grin: )

as already mentioned, all Wireless routers come with WEP, which is as easy to set up as ticking a box in the router config screen.

If the printer has built in networking, there will be a way of configuring IP settings from the printer control panel itself.

The exact details vary printer to printer, so you'll need the manual for this bit.
It's easy enough though, and once we know what you have we can always help.

[Xstyle]

And you *** MUST*** get a firewall with NAT, The internet will get you one day, if you dont.... :devil:

SPI = "Stateful Packet Inspection" (http://www.homenethelp.com/router-guide/features-firewall.asp)
NAT = "Network Address Translation" (http://www.networkclue.com/routing/Firewalls/nat.php)

Apparently the Buffalo AOSS WBR2-G54 does have NAT support, as well as SPI. See:
http://www.wireless4u.co.uk/products/fulldetails.asp?catalog_code=WBR2-G54&zonename=soho

Wireless Homes also emailed me to confirm that.



I wouldn't worry about the one touch encryption (Or rather I would worry! :grin: )
Why would u worry?

:confused:

[The Dude]

I'm an IT guy... anything that claims to 'configure itself' should be Atomised and then thrown into a black hole. :grin:

As long as you've got NAT & SPi then it's a 'proper' firewall and should do the job nicely.
I can't comment on the Buffalo kit specifically though.. Other than I don't personally know anybody who uses one.

I swear by Netgear for home kit, the 2 guys working for me swear by LinkSys and 3COM respectively....

It's a funny ol' game..... :rolleyes:

[hornydragon]

Xstyle does the lapto have WiFi built in (802.11A/B/G) etc? if so its easy to get it all working if you follow the instructions i still think a wireless printer is a worse option than a prinserver as your choice will be very limited.......

[Kramer]

You won't go wrong with the IP4000r.............excellent printer :smashin:

[Xstyle]

Decided to go for the Sony Vaio FS295XP Laptop:
http://www.technoworld.com/laptops/Sony_Vaio_FS295XP.htm

Yes, its WiFi 802.11b/g. ...and other very good specs.

Linksys is recommended by Sony too, and all my IT family also recommend & use them, so that's the router sorted.

Linksys Wireless-G ADSL Gateway WAG54G
£52.59 from Comet
http://www.comet.co.uk/comet/html/cache/117_171212.html

Unsure on the Linksys Wireless Print Server WPS11-UK£85 from Ebuyer
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=9274894259&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=49708


The Printer will be mainly used to print high quality photo's, and the odd other bit of printing... like Word, and website info etc ...and I can wait for that if some better printers will be out soon...
and even if I go for the Canon IP4000R
£158 delievered from Pixmania
http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/54736/art/canon/pixma-ip4000r-printer.html?srcid=36#avisconso
...it is still a very good printer (judging by the reviews)
Prints on DVD/CD's etc... which is great to have... a function I would use.

I was originally looking to get an Epson Stylus printer:
http://www.epson.co.uk/products/product_hub/Product_Listing_Inkjets_Photo.htm
...can't remember which one now!
But they're not wireless, and don't know how they would compare to the Canon (in similar price range)

[Xstyle]

LINKSYS WRT54GSUK WIRELESS-G BROADBAND ROUTER WITH SPEEDBOOSTER
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/Networking/Wireless+Networking/Wireless+Routers/LINKSYS/WRT54GSUK/250537
£49.10

This is better than the Linksys WAG54G, isn't it?
:confused:

[rdhir]

I would recommend the Canon ip4000R if you really need wireless. The Canon is cheap to run and very good quality. I bought the ip4000 in the end as I did not need wireless. eBuyer sell both the ip4000 and ip4000R.

A wired printserver and a ip4000 still come out less than the ip4000R, but there is a lot of convenience if the printer manufacturer handles the wireless. For example with inkjets, you will find that although they work via a printserver, the supplied utilities, which check and see if the ink is low and tell you which tank to replace, will all break and report errors because they cannot communicate over the network. I would steer clear of Epson if you have to use any kind of print server as you have to disable the spooler part of the driver to make them work.

Two good sites to check for reviews of AOSS and hardware routers are

http://www.tomsnetworking.com/
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/

The auto configure is supposed to work well and is no bad thing. Personally I would always lock down a wireless network. Do not bother with WEP, any fool with a laptop could crack it in less than 24 hours. There is a series of articles on how to do it on tomsnetworking. The auto configure is for using WPA which is much harder to crack. Generally WEP is known to be flawed and is trvial to crack whereas WPA is recommended. I also suggest that you configure your router to only recognise known MAC addresses. This means you can restrict it to just the printer and the laptop. Its not foolproof but will stop most casual fools. I live in a block of flats and can see 5 open networks around me and could wander in them at will if so inclined. (I will tell you how to configure MAC restriction if you PM me after you have purchased. - so I know which manual to look at))

Also I don't know what kind of building you live in. A detached or semi detached house is best. Flats are a real pain as the number of networks around you will reduce your performance. This is ok if all you do is surf on a 512kb-1Mb connection but could prove a problem if you are intending to stream lots (of uncompressed audio or video). The various G super booster technologies are all a bit nasty and don't generally give the performance you may be led to believe. See tomsnetworking for more.

I gave up on wirless in my place as I am in a flat and all the other routers caused too much iinterference. I have used Linksys, Buffalo, Netgear, DLink and eBuyer own brand routers. I gave up on linksys after it died on me after a bout 18 months. I'd bought it in the US and brought it back to the UK so there was no hope of warranty. Buffalo and dlink were fine, but now I stick to Netgear personally. For most people on a budget I have to say that the eBuyer ones are very good. But you have to configure them yourself, but its not too hard (I can PM recommended settings).

Finally a quick note on some of the other jargon. You can have an SPI firewall and it is fairly common nowadays, but not guaranteed. It is still used to get more money for and otherwise commodity product. NAT is built into every router and it is essential. Basically it is the protocol that allows you to have your own private network that is hidden behind the single (and usually dynamic) IP address that you are given by your ISP. For Internet security it is generally the NAT and the router that block most worms etc. Some security firms have stated that the half life of a directly attached unmodifed Windows machine is 12 minutes if directly connected. Anyone connected without a router eg by USB or Cable modem directly attached to you PC is mad unless they have a software firewall such as Norton Firewall of Windows ICF. Even if you have a router your must also have uptodate antivirus software.

The SPI basically is more sophisticated than the basic port blocking that most routers do. But unless you are doing something clever you may not need this. Something clever would be running a homeserver of some kind, eg Webcam, TIVOWeb, Quake Server...

Sorry to be a bit long. I am happy to expand on anything, but I wanted to keep the explanations short.

[Steve.J.Davies]

"I'm an IT guy... anything that claims to 'configure itself' should be Atomised and then thrown into a black hole. "

Sound advice. We share scars and agree on this.
For Joe Q public though its tempting. Windoze and Networking just too darned hard to manage propelry for the non IT bod - hence the market and the hacking.
Am agreeing with you Dude - last thing I want to do is pee on your carpet.

[Xstyle]

LINKSYS WRT54GSUK WIRELESS-G BROADBAND ROUTER WITH SPEEDBOOSTER
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/Networking/Wireless+Networking/Wireless+Routers/LINKSYS/WRT54GSUK/250537

This is better than the Linksys WAG54G, isn't it?
:confused:

LINKSYS WIRELESS-G BROADBAND ROUTER WITH SPEEDBOOSTER
WRT54GS
http://www.misco.co.uk/SSinfo/~47997~/Linksys+Wireless-G+Broadband+Router+with+SpeedBoos.htm


LINKSYS ADSL MODEM & 54G WIRELESS ROUTER
WAG54G
http://www.misco.co.uk/SSinfo/~45970~/LINKSYS+ADSL+MODEM+%26+54G+WIRELESS+ROUTER.htm


What are the main differences please?
From what I can see:
The WAG has Digital Signalling Protocol, it's not listed for the WRT?

Also the WAG seem sto have more features which the WRT does not, or are they just not listed?... and the Encryption methods?

WAG:
Digital Signal Protocol: ADSL
Features: Firewall protection, switching, NAT support, VPN, auto-uplink, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), DoS attack prevention
Encryption Algorithim: 64bit & 128 bit WEP

WRT:
Digital Signal Protocol: Not listed
Features: Auto-uplink, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), MAC address filtering
Encryption Algorithim: AES, TKIP


Not that I understand any of that!? Anybody wanna have a go at simplifying it for me :lease: ?

[Xstyle]

I phoned Micso's technical dept, and they said the WRT does not include an ADSL modem, so you would need to get a seperate modem with an ethernet port.

Think the WAG54G is the way to go then ...

[Xstyle]

Two good sites to check for reviews of AOSS and hardware routers are

http://www.tomsnetworking.com/
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/

The auto configure is supposed to work well and is no bad thing. Personally I would always lock down a wireless network. Do not bother with WEP, any fool with a laptop could crack it in less than 24 hours. There is a series of articles on how to do it on tomsnetworking. The auto configure is for using WPA which is much harder to crack. Generally WEP is known to be flawed and is trvial to crack whereas WPA is recommended. I also suggest that you configure your router to only recognise known MAC addresses. This means you can restrict it to just the printer and the laptop. Its not foolproof but will stop most casual fools. I live in a block of flats and can see 5 open networks around me and could wander in them at will if so inclined. (I will tell you how to configure MAC restriction if you PM me after you have purchased. - so I know which manual to look at))

Does the Linksys WAG54G have WPA?? (It does have NAT, SPI & WEP)
If not, what router does?
Thanks

[The Dude]

the Netgear 834 models def. use WPA if desired, not sure about the Linksys WAG54G device mentioned, but I'd be suprised if they didn't by now..

[Xstyle]

Rdhir provided me with the link to this Linksys forum...
http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=602

shocking performance from the WAG54G!

I saw reviews of this one from the two sites Rdhir also mentioned earlier ... but all the routers seemed to have c. 50% positive, & 50% negative views ...or thereabouts.

[The Dude]

'anonymous' home-user reviews aren't that handy at all for wireless kit really... most peeps are more than happy to jump on the equipment as being at fault, rather than their lack of basic understanding on the subject of wireless connectivity. </rant>


I've heard a few really bad 1st hand reports on the early version of the WAG54G (massive overheating problem), but that could well have all changed with the V2..?

Me personally, I'd say as long as your WAP comes with a removeable antenna, you can always find a way to make it work for you.

I'd also say forget about 108mbps if you have wireless neighbours, as with 54G you can nearly always find an interference free channel.

If you're having trouble with interference, Ch. 1 & 2 are the least popular, as they are never used as default by any WAPs that I know of, and also other kit broadcasting radio on 2.4ghz seems to go much higher up in the range too... ;)

[Xstyle]

the Netgear 834 models def. use WPA if desired, not sure about the Linksys WAG54G device mentioned, but I'd be suprised if they didn't by now..

Found a review here of the Netgear DG834G:
http://www.adslguide.org.uk/hardware/reviews/2004/q3/netgear-dg834g.asp

Dabs Reviews...
http://www.dabs.com/uk/channels/categories/networking/productView.htm?quicklinx=2VCD&mc=3

There's more good reviews than bad!

£66.89 from Amazon.co.uk

Also seems to have won a few "awards" / stars etc

[Maff et1]

I've got a DG834G, and don't like the wireless on it, range isn't good and the link isn't terribly stable - it can loose my work laptop from just a couple of feet - that may be a compatibility problem between it and the laptops 2wire PC card. However I also have a Linksys wireless game adapter (1 floor down, through a couple of walls), and that looses the link aswell.

I like the netgear as a router, but wouldn't recommend it for heavy duty wireless work (it may ofcourse just be a duff setup by me).

Oh, and if you look at this months PC Pro magazine, there is a review of wireless routers.

[The Dude]

I think you're probably sitting too close maff et1.... honestly.! ;)

omni-antenna emit a (quite literally) donut shaped signal... too close to the antenna and you're probably in the weakest spot!

move your WAP to the far corner of the room from where you sit, well above desk height if at all possible, and you should get a much cleaner signal....

not making any promises obviously.. :grin:



EDIT: the supplied antenna with the 834G is still as bad as EVERY supplied WAP antenna... if you get signal probs with the DG834G (or anything else) try one of these (http://www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-indoorantenna-omni-5ord.htm)

you should find it a nice improvement! ;)

[Xstyle]

Dabs Reviews...
http://www.dabs.com/uk/channels/categories/networking/productView.htm?quicklinx=2VCD&mc=3

From the reviews on Dabs... I understand that there is a "Version 2" for the Netgear DG834G? (a review from 03/09/04)
"The new one (they have just updated the case I think) is very cute, smaller than the picture and white with funky stand"
BUT DAB's Picture is silver??

Found another review here...seems positive!:
http://www.reviewcentre.com/review158400.html

[Xstyle]

Netgear WPN824 Details here (http://www.netgear.co.uk/rangemax_wirelessrouter_wpn824.php)
and here (http://www.wifigear.co.uk/netgear-wpn824-rangemax%E2%84%A2-mimog-wireless-bundle-p-135.html)
Reviews (http://www.wi-fitechnology.com/Wi-Fi-Products-B0007U9KAY.html)

I understand this won't work with my current 54mbs Wi-Fi in the laptop, without plugging an external adaptor into it? (similar to the Linksys WRT54G?)

[{EDIT: I understand now that this is NOT the router to go for! (http://forum1.netgear.com/support/viewtopic.php?t=8343&highlight=wpn824) I do need an all in one with modem!}

So is the Netgear DG834G the best option?? I don't mind spending the extra £ here or there if it means reliable performance for the laptop all over the house.

[Xstyle]

I've tried registering on the Netgear forums, and yesterday oon the Linksys forums ... I go to activate the accounts... and it says no users exist!?

Good reviews on Amazon for the Netgear DG834G (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/electronics/B0000TZ8Z8/customer-reviews/ref=cm_cr_dp_2_1/202-8491144-3683868)
Sales Rank: 8 (not bad!! ...with 167 reviews, mostly positive!)
I have to unsure I get v2... or are they ALL v2 now?

[rdhir]

XStyle,

ok I think we should start from the beginning. If you want good advice lets start with what you are trying to do. From your emails you say you want a laptop, router, printer.

To do what?

Where are your machines going to be located?

While marketeers may clain their products do everything, reality is a little more ugly whether its a wireless antenna, or a button to screw up your settings. Networking is particularly confusing as their are many many ways of doing the same thing, for example much earlier in this thread I pointed out that you could get a wired print server and printer for less than the cost of the wireless printer.

What is your budget as well?

I'm sorry if this seems a step backward but I just reviewed the whole thread and I think its a little confusing now. Don't be too afraid of network cable as its quite small and very very cheap. It can also be very unobtrusive.


I'd also like to know

Do you have broadband now? If so with who?

Do you or will you use cable?

Are you likely to move home in the near future (<2years)?

I ask these questions, as I think you need to trade carefully between futureproofing and price, as computer equipment diminishes in value so quickly. For example I bought a Nikon D70, but I held out for 6 months and paid £400 less than the original price. Had I waited a further six months I might have saved £150 more, but the truth is the camera has been worth that £150 for those 6 months.

Cheers

Rajiv

[The Dude]

rdhir, I think you should stick to reading PC magazines mate... ;)

[rdhir]

Dude, that's a little uncalled for and its personal.

I've built plenty of PCs over the past dozen years and microcomputers over the last twenty and not had any problems. People do pay for my advice, and are generally pretty happy because I steer them through the jargon so they get presented a choice that actually makes sense.

I do work in IT and my job is to advise people what technology to use. I can assure I have happy customers. XStyle asked for my advice, so I am asking him the same questions I would ask any client, because they are what you should be thinking about.

I'd still like to hear an answer to these questions if you're willing XStyle.

Cheers

Rajiv

[The Dude]

I'm not getting personal mate... but you do one hell of an impression of a magazine article sometimes.. ;)

[rdhir]

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I'd be happy to discuss by PM as it would hijack the thread but feel free to make another pithy comment, but I won't feel offended if you feel your life is too short and I'm a windbag.

Cheers

Rajiv

[Xstyle]

From your emails you say you want a laptop, router, printer.
To do what?
Laptop so it is portable around the house mainly, ease of use, convenience etc ...and also because the wife demanded it (I wanted a HTPC!)

Activities:
- Surf the net ... and sometimes connected to the plasma;
- Download MP3's etc, and hook up to a portable MP3 player;
- Use with my Sony Camcorder TRV17 (http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/sony/trv17-review/index.shtml) to edit and record the movies onto DVD;
- Use with my Sony Camera DSC-FX77 (http://www.microanvika.com/CAMERAS/product.asp?TXT=INFO&PNO=SON52179) to view and print photographs;
- Printer for general use too... letters etc (not much use tho)
- Would like to also hook up the laptop to Sky + to record programmes onto DVD, maybe via Hauppauge's WinTV-PVR usb2 (http://www.hauppauge.co.uk/pages/products/data_pvrusb2.html)

I have bought the Sony Vaio FS295XP (http://www.misco.co.uk/productinformation/~101747~WW~/Sony+VAIO+VGN-FS295XP+Intel+Pentium+M+750+1.86GHz+%2F+15.4++WXGA +%2F+512MB+RAM+%2F+100GB+HDD+%2F+DVD+%2F-RW+%2F+XP+Pro+%2F+802.11bg+%2F+Motebook.htm)


Where are your machines going to be located?
The router, & laptop (when its not mobile) will be housed in my AV cabinet in the lounge. Other times the laptop will be used from the bedroom.
I have not decided where the printer will be located yet... maybe the garage, behind the AV install, or in of the bedrooms.

See my AV install here:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=16503
The router to go above the sub on the left handside top compartment, and the laptop on the opposite righhand side. Will it all be ok here, and good signal strength for the wireless router?
The BT socket has been relocated so that it sits behind the AV gear for Sky+ and the router.


What is your budget as well?
£300? for both router and printer. I'm flexible on this...


Do you have broadband now? If so with who?
I have Broadband with Virgin.net ... no 12 monthly contract. Will look to change (anytime now!) to something with no limit perhaps / fast / good value... Suggestions?


Do you or will you use cable?
I don't intend to.


Are you likely to move home in the near future (<2years)?
No way!! I can't afford to after my install! :devil:

I hope this clarifies my scenario...

[The Dude]

The router to go above the sub on the left handside top compartment, and the laptop on the opposite righhand side. Will it all be ok here, and good signal strength for the wireless router?

I'd be a little concerned by having the Router's antenna in a small closed box like in your pic... It might be absolutely fine, but you might have some trouble.

Give it a try, and see what you get. You can always go for an upgrade antenna if you do have wireless trouble.. anything that gets the antenna away from that box would fit the bill, ie somewhere behind your install.

something like this (http://www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-indoorantenna-omni-105os.htm), or this (http://www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-indoorantenna-omni-8osc.htm), depending really only on the length of cable you need, as either one will do fine for your needs.....

[oxygenuk]

wireless printers? i guess you must hate wires.

roll on the total wireless generation eh lol.

[john249]

I also need to get a new router as the one that I had got FREE from BT don't work. They gave me a replacement but that one also don't work. I told them what the problem is, "I am to far from the exchange and the Voyager ADLS routers are to sensitive, which makes the connection get cut time and time again during the day.

The only option that I now have is to purchanse my own router. I would like a wireless one, but don't know if it would be a good idea as I am so far away from the exchange.

What do you all think?

[The Dude]

You'll probably see me in the other thread John, but the Netgear 834G will be much more stable in your circumstances, based on what I've seen with friends. :smashin:

[rdhir]

First my apologies for the delay in replaying. I was away this weekend and only got back late last night. So to business...

Right from your activities and the fact that you have a single computer then the only reason you will use the network is Internet access, so reception/antenna issues aside wireless will be a fine solution. You might as well stick to 802.11g although your laptop is compatible with a/b/g, as a is not much used except by business and b is just the slower older cousin of g. The other router you looked at were about 802.11n and mimo which is a technology to have multiple antenna so as to increase throughput. This is relatively experimental so AVOID it like the plague for the time being unless you like pain or have a good reason for doing so.

Wireless should be good enough for surfing and downloading MP3s as they are not that big. You may also get away with bigger downloads (10MB >) because Internet protocols are designed around bad connections so the odd dropped packet will be recoverable.

My only concern with your usage profile is that with Video editing and and PVR use but this is not related to these questions. You may need to buy an external hard drive for these apps. When you do so, you should buy a USB2 or Firewire (called iLink by Sony) external drive that attaches directly to the laptop, these will perform as well as if they were attached internally to the laptop. As you will want drives with large capacity, you should only bother with 3.5" as 2.5"/laptop drives will be expensive and do not really get bigger than 100GB as well as being slower than 3.5". The only pain with 3.5" is they need an external power supply brick (supplied with the external drive case) so they just need more wires.

As you are not moving and/or potentially switching to cable, then for simplicity lets go for a solution where the ADSL modem is built in. Its a bit hard to say how well wireless works as it varies according to house type. As other people have also said, an external antenna works wonders. Now if you have an internet only usage profile then upgrading the router/access point antenna may be enough as your upstream traffic is much lower than downstream (its the same reason that ADSL works as 1/2/4/8mbps downstream, but only 0.25/0.5 upstream). The only way to know is to borrow someone else's to see how well it works in your house or be happy to by the antenna later once you've tried the router/wireless access point in your house.

So the specs are

ADSL Modem
Router
Wireless b/g
NAT
WPA
optional external antenna connection


Physical install issues. Looking at your setup the slots you have are fine from a heating/ventilation point of view, and I assume that when the laptop is plugged in you will have the display connected to the plasma and the mouse and keyboard wireless. (I use Gyration myself as the range is excellent and I find the lightness of the laptop style keyboard excellent, but I do have a second logitech mouse for games). You might get the too close issue with the laptop next to the router. I think Dude is spot on that from a radio signal point of view the higher the better for the router, you don't say if your bedrooms are upstairs, or do you live in a bungalow. If upstairs then again I would think an extrnal antenna a good idea.

As you have not decided on where to locate your printer, I would say that you could consider locating the printer in your AV setup. The reason I chose the Canon ip4000 is that it has a cassette feed, this means that it can stay as a small closed box and does not need top access unless you are using thicker photographic paper. It is nearly silent in operation and will not look out of place with its glossy black looks. This would save you the cost of a wireless print server. I am thinking of the slot next to your amp, or sideways on below the superman dvd case. In both cases I would use a sliding shelf so that you can slide out the printer to replace ink cartridges or feed thicker or other paper in the top. For general plain paper use, the printer feeds from a cassette at the bottom of the printer and the output arrives on the flip down front. so in the slot next to the amp, it can print without touching it.

OK I hope that's clear

So recommendations...

Option 1 -

Netgear DG834G (ADSL Modem, switch, router, wireless) £65
Netgear WGPS606 (wireless, bridge, switch, 2 x print server) £68
external antenna(s) (optional)

Option 2 ( if locating printer near AV Setup)

EBuyer 1 port ADSL Modem Router (use as an ADSL modem in bridge mode) £20
Netgear FWG114P (switch, router, wireless, print server) £105


All the netgear product supports WPA-SPK, which is what is recommended for home use. There is a "better" version of WPA but it requires an external security server which would cost more than most people's hifi setups so thats for corporate use only.

Looking around while when I first saw it the WGPS606 seems overkill, I could not find a cheaper way to do it. You can buy marginaly cheaper wireless USB print servers but you'd save £5+ vat and lose the bridge/switch functions which bring a lot of flexibility. The unit could easily support a whole floor and allow one or more PCs or devices in each bedroom/study.

Because of the wireless print server requirement, I am not in this case recommending other vendors as we want a single vendor system. While I thought I might recommend Option 2, I've got to say I think that the WGPS606 seems like a really flexible device so I think I would say there's miles of room in option 1 for many people.

Only caveats is that I have not used the DG834G but lots of people here have, and my brother-in-law does and he's happy. I use lots of netgear equipment I am very happy with it.

Doing some quick research on the WGPS606, it would seem that there are some compatability issues, but I believe this is common for USB as they were never designed to be that compatible, so you could go back to the ip4000R recommendation. It does work with the ip3000 and ip8500 so it ought to work with the ip4000 but there is no way of knowing till you try.

printer compatibility document here

http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101457.asp

You should probably either think about your house layout and printer location to be able to decide exactly what set up to use.

Hope you find this helpful


Cheers

Rajiv

[Xstyle]

Cheers fella's ... I bought the Netgear DG834G around the same time as these latest replies, from Amazon for £72 delivered.
Gave the Laptop to wifey as her b'day present on Sunday.
so now its all open etc...
I need to get a decent broadband connection....

I was recommended Telewest, but thats cable... I'm on a BT line, and still in the first 12 months of my Sky subscription connection...

Any ideas pls?

[Xstyle]

http://www.ukoffer.com/broadband.php?source=adwords

[The Dude]

check out Bulldog... they've been getting some good hype lately.. super fast connections apparently if available where you are..?

[Xstyle]

check out Bulldog... they've been getting some good hype lately.. super fast connections apparently if available where you are..?
Funny you should mention BullDog... I was on the page!!!
http://www.bulldogbroadband.com/residential/XPNP/NP/inter@ctive_competition.asp

Need to convert from BT to BullDog line (Cable & Wireless) ... high phone charges compared to BT??
£17.50 pm ...THEN it reverts to £29.50 after 6 months
upto 8meg Broadband
1 month contract

[Xstyle]

There seems to be either a choice between:
A) 1mb speed and unlimited download content
B) 2mb speed with 15gb limited content a month

Am I really going to exceed 15gb a month??
(will download movies and mp3's ...byt have no idea of how much)
Haven't done it at all so far... but then again I didn't have a wife before either who will be going crazy with the portable mp3 player!

[Xstyle]

Tiscali is only £17.99 for 2mb Broadband, with 15gb limit. (Cheap!)
and you can get cheaper calls than BT, see:
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/services/smarttalk/weekend_comparison.html?StartupCode=PS001&resellercode=UK-118662&nmrefer=1&srccode=COD_359

(line rental still through BT, just cheaper calls if ever need to use the home phone)


Is there a place on the Net that reviews the service of the ISP's??
:lease:

[The Dude]

ADSLguide might be a good place to look, I'd say there are bound to be comparative reviews on there somewhere....

[Xstyle]

ADSLguide might be a good place to look, I'd say there are bound to be comparative reviews on there somewhere....
Cheers Dude ... spent most of the week on there and I'm all clued up now!!!
Crazy how you can learn things so fast when you're interested in it, unlike school homework from back in the day... hee hee

:thumbsup:

I signed up to MetroNet PayGoExtra1000 @ £19.99pm 45gb limit, but then Pay As U Go after that upto a max of £26.75pm unlimited usuage.
(I'm never going to go above 45gb a month!)

[Xstyle]

Do I need additional IP addresses for my wireless printer?

I get 1 static one with my ISP, and can order more at a charge:
IP Addresses
Show prices excluding VAT (http://www.metronet.co.uk/prices/adsl)

IP Addresses

Actual 1, Usable 1, Cost FREE
Actual 4, Usable 1, Cost £17.63
Actual 8, Usable 5, Cost £35.25
Actual 16, Usable 13, Cost £52.88
Actual 32, Usable 29, Cost £82.25
Actual 64, Usable 61, Cost £105.75
Actual 128, Usable 125, Cost £129.25
Actual 256, Usable 253, Cost £152.75

** (Actual) When selecting 4 IPs or more, three IPs from your range will be re reserved for the Network, Broadcast and Router addresses. See the 'Usable' column for the number you can assign to your network PC's, servers and other devices. For example, if you need to apply real IP addresses to 6 devices on your network you will need to select the 16 address option and not 8.

[The Dude]

the static you get from your ISP is your external (internet) address, so no, you don't need to purchase anymore for your internal network.

you can do whatever you like with the addreseses on your side of the modem, but a static IP for your printer is the way to go

I'd say setup your router as .1, your printer as .2, and setup DHCP to issue the addresses from .3 to .254 in whatever IP range you choose to use. :smashin:

shout back if that doesn't make any sense.. :)

[Xstyle]

No idea :rolleyes: !!

I haven't got the printer yet... or set the router up... want to get my BroadBand connected first, which is 14/09/05

[The Dude]

you don't need any extra adresses from your ISP Xstyle,

shout back when you have the router ready for setup, and it'll all make more sense.. ;)

:thumbsup:

[Xstyle]

I'm on it now... and its taken me most of the day.
I've got it WPA enabled... but I am unable to get on the wireless connection?!
I've put in the Network key (password), and it thinks about it, then nothing.
I'm on the ethernet at mo...

May have something to do with Wireless Access Stations?
:confused:

[The Dude]

hi there,

just for now as a test, turn off WPA alltogerher on the router and see if you can get the laptop to connect up without any security..

once you know if it is all setup & working OK, thern go back and enable WPA on the router..

:)

[Xstyle]

I'd say setup your router as .1, your printer as .2, and setup DHCP to issue the addresses from .3 to .254 in whatever IP range you choose to use.
I think my PC is on .2 as automatic?
But in description as "Device" it says "Unknown"??
Shouldn't it say its my pc, or the name I gave it when configured on the new start-up?

Is it the MAC code from this that I need to put in the trusted Wireless Station?

[The Dude]

you only need to add the PCs mac adress if you want to use MAC security as well as WPA, or instead of.... but you're quite right.. the MAC address of your PC needs entering in the trusted stations list that you see.. :smashin:


Goto 'LANIP setup' on the router, and set the DHCP range to start from .3 instead of .2

this way, .2 is tucked safely out of the way to use for the printer... :)

[Xstyle]

you only need to add the PCs mac adress if you want to use MAC security as well as WPA, or instead of.... but you're quite right.. the MAC address of your PC needs entering in the trusted stations list that you see.. :smashin:


Goto 'LANIP setup' on the router, and set the DHCP range to start from .3 instead of .2

this way, .2 is tucked safely out of the way to use for the printer... :)
I've done that.

On my Local area connection, the IEEE802.1x is authenticated (box is checked),
however on the Wireless Network Connection, this section is all greyed out.
Could this be why I can't connect?
How do I change this??

[Xstyle]

hi there,

just for now as a test, turn off WPA alltogerher on the router and see if you can get the laptop to connect up without any security..

once you know if it is all setup & working OK, thern go back and enable WPA on the router..

:)
I missed this post!! Wish I read it earlier!
I did that, also took OFF the MAC security... and I've no connected and re-selected WPA security.

Now ... with the MAC address, which one do I put into the Trusted Wireless Access Station?
ADSL Port?
LAN Port? (same as router)

[Xstyle]

I missed this post!! Wish I read it earlier!
I did that, also took OFF the MAC security... and I've no connected and re-selected WPA security.

Now ... with the MAC address, which one do I put into the Trusted Wireless Access Station?
ADSL Port?
LAN Port? (same as router)
?


Also, do I leave my Netgear router on all the time? (can unplug the power lead from the back?)

It seems to get quite hot?

[The Dude]

you'll need to leave the netgear on all the time.
they do tend to run quite warm, no fans anywhere to keep things quiet..

have you managed to get everything working Ok now?
not sure where we got to last time, been a tad busy.. :oops:

[Xstyle]

I have got it all working, and can connect wirelessly.
Network is protected with WPA... but not with MAC.
Can I still put the MAC security on? I can't work out where I get my Laptop's MAC number from? I can see the routers MAC (ADSL Port), and the LAN port MAC ... but not my Laptop (unless that is the LAN MAC?)

[The Dude]

you can add MAC security as well if you like.... WPA is a tough nut to crack though... :)

you can get your laptop's MAC by doing IPconfig /all from the command prompt, 'physical address' for the 'wireless network connection' is the one you want.. ;)

[Xstyle]

BRINGING THE THREAD BACK TO LIFE!!!!

Over a year on, and I am now seriously in the market for a printer!!

The Canon IP4000R is discontinued, and I have come across this:
Canon IP5200R, £126
http://www.misco.co.uk/SSinfo/~105509~/CANON+IP5200R+INKJET.htm

Advantages:
1. Its wireless!!
2. prints onto cd's and dvd's,
3. 2 paper trays (one for photo's and one for my wife's college work) ...although I can easily live without the extra tray,
4. Double sided printing
5. and the resolution is just phenomenal!! 9600dpi x 2400 dpi!

Disadvantages:
1. Can't use a memory stick direct, have to use pc or "pictbridge" enabled camera.
2. Can't print directly from mobile phone (maybe with a bluetooth adaptor ...but not overly important)
3. No digital display.

The other contender is the Epson Stylus Photo R360 (before I remembered this thread again!!!!)
Epson Stylus R360, £80 (PLUS usb connector cable (£10?), and bluetooth adaptor (£??))
http://www.misco.co.uk/productinformation/~Q81396~/product.htm?affiliate=2012

Advantages:
1. Cheaper than Canon
2. 3.5" Digital display
3. Memory card reader, no need for a pc
4. New 6 ink system
5. Prints onto cd/dvd
6. Resolution is still fantastic at 5760dpi x 1440dpi (still higher than the previous Canon IP4000R)

Disadvantages:
1. Not wireless (but has an optional bluetooth adaptor; how much?)

...and I don't mind adding in the bluetooth adaptor to the laptop now... its not as if we will be using the printer all the time anyway!!
Printer will still be stored away, most likely behind the AV set-up in the garage, or in a spare bedroom upstairs. (I definately don't want the hassle of a usb connection as prefer freedom of movement with the laptop).

(my wireless connection is generally ok. The Netgear router is placed where I said in earlier threads, inside my AV cabinet, without an ariel extender. Lose connection sometimes, even tho the signal strength is excellent!!? but that could be the ISP, Metronet?)

A better option than the Epson would maybe be the Canon IP6600D (http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Printers/Bubble_Jet/PIXMA_iP6600D/index.asp) or the IP6700D (http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Printers/Bubble_Jet/PIXMA_iP6700D/index.asp), purely for the enhanced resolution... also has 6 ink tanks, lcd screen, memory card reader ... all the same as the Epson... and the extra features of the Canon

BUT still no wireless!!! aaargh!
I think the only wireless printer is the IP5200R.


...and the bluetooth adaptor for the Canon is £65 (cheapest!!) (http://www.ameiva.co.uk/index.php?section=products&item=F56E3D75-A573-469B-9264-6201136B2CDF&product=Canon_BU-20_Bluetooth_Adaptor_Unit) (plus £10 ish for the pc dongle).
that makes it not worth it.

I really want the 6 ink pots for the IPR5200R now, as in the Epson R360 and the Canon 6700D!


Confused, or dissapointed, I am!

UPDATE
I just bought the Canon IP5200R wireless printer for £121, from savastore.com, and they also had the cheapest (genuine) ink cartridges, so bought a full set of those too, for £40.

£161 (and a few pence), delivered.
:clap:

BUT hold on, just been informed its going to be discontinued soon! Phoned Canon and there is yet no official successor for this.

Whilst searching I also came across this:
http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/382511/art/canon/pixma-mp600r-multifunctio.html?srcid=36
The MP600R ... an all in one, printer, scanner, copier ...all the same as the IP5200R, but more! Also £60 more...

The newest product is the MP9500R, which has 10 inks!!! Due in Spring 07, and is £650 (not even considering that, just thought I'd mention it!)

[Xstyle]

FURTHER UPDATE!!

I bought the Canon MP600R
£177 inc delivery from Savastore.com (http://www.savastore.com/productinfo/product.aspx?catalog_name=Savastore&product_id=10291372&pid=44&rstrat=0)

A Wireless ready, All-in-One mini photo lab with 6.3cm colour TFT screen
The whole family can wirelessly share this networkable Photo All-in-One at home. Print photos, copy and scan effortlessly using the intuitive user interface with colour screen and Easy-Scroll Wheel.

Features
- Wireless/wired networking
- Intuitive user interface, Easy-Scroll Wheel
- 6.3cm colour TFT screen
- Superior photo lab quality: max. 9600*x2400dpi
- Print a 10x15cm borderless photo in approx. 28 sec.
- Direct printing: PictBridge, memory cards, camera phone[/list]

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9647/canonmp600rtw0.jpg
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4593/canonmp600rspecux7.jpg

[Spooksta]

Im going to go for the Canon IP6700D for £106 @ Amazon
Anyone got one ?

[bradavon78]

I thought I'd give this thread a bump now I too am after a:

* Printer
* Scanner
* Photocopier
* Wireless

All-in-one Printer.

Is the Canon MP600R still the best one to go for? The spec. looks perfect. The Canon iP6700D doesn't have Wireless.

Thanks

p.s - Does the Canon MP600R come with a USB Cable and cartridges? How much do new ones cost?

[bradavon78]

The HP Photosmart C6180 is £150 at Amazon (it supports Wireless G) but look how ugly it is:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Photosmart-C6180-All-One-Multifunction/dp/B000HWXVEI

Fine for an office but not home. What's with that tray?

[bradavon78]

Anyone? Thanks

If not I'll go with the Canon.