What is an 'optional interface

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riahon

937 posts

Ultimate Geek

#24385 22-Jul-2008 17:22

Hi all,

I am in the market for a budget laser printer. DSE have Brother HL2040 for sale however I am curious what this Feature means:

Optional interfaces: External 802.11b Wireless Network Server, 10⁄100 BaseT External Ethernet Print Server

I went to retail chain store to ask but he didnt know either.

nairda

140 posts

Master Geek

#150408 22-Jul-2008 17:33

Those are optional accessories for the printer. There is a reference to them on this website. However, the fact that they are labelled "discontinued" isn't very promising.

rscole86

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#150410 22-Jul-2008 17:37

That model is obsolete, and is now replaced by the HL2140.

As per the hl2040 spec sheet you need to buy a NC-2100p to make it networkable.

scottjpalmer

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#150417 22-Jul-2008 17:54

To answer the question, despite the above, the first option allows you to place the printer within range of your wireless network and print to it from any PC on the wireless network (after configuration) without having to plug in directly to the printer.

The second option allows you to connect the printer directly to a wired (ethernet) network and again print to it from any pc on the network.

Network connectivity of some sort is favourable if you have more than one PC that you want to be able to print from as any PC can print regardless of the turned on/off state of the other PCs on the network.

riahon

937 posts

Ultimate Geek

#150418 22-Jul-2008 17:58

Thanks for the replies. I figured it was an optional extra but until now I didnt know what it even looked like and more importantly the cost. With this info then it makes sense that I now proceed onto the 2nd part of this little project and look at a compatible usb print server.

Cheers

scottjpalmer

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#150419 22-Jul-2008 18:00

I would suggest you look for the cheapest network-ready printer, that will more than likely be a lot easier to install and probably a similar price or cheaper than a USB printer + USB print server

riahon

937 posts

Ultimate Geek

#150428 22-Jul-2008 18:21

scottjpalmer: I would suggest you look for the cheapest network-ready printer, that will more than likely be a lot easier to install and probably a similar price or cheaper than a USB printer + USB print server

It has been part of my calculations as my goal is to have a wireless laser printer and so far prices for standalone are too high. I understand setting up will be easier however what I also have to consider is future purchases. A wireless print server can plug into any usb printer (assumption here) therefore future proofing that purchase.

rphenix

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#151927 27-Jul-2008 22:06

riahon:
scottjpalmer: I would suggest you look for the cheapest network-ready printer, that will more than likely be a lot easier to install and probably a similar price or cheaper than a USB printer + USB print server

It has been part of my calculations as my goal is to have a wireless laser printer and so far prices for standalone are too high. I understand setting up will be easier however what I also have to consider is future purchases. A wireless print server can plug into any usb printer (assumption here) therefore future proofing that purchase.

Brother HL-2170W for $239 +GST doesnt seem overly expensive for a wireless printer. Dont bother trying to future proof a wireless print server by the time you allow for wireless standards to change, encryption standards to change and crappy firmware from a lot of the cheaper print servers its not a good idea.

linw

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#153121 31-Jul-2008 20:33

rphenix is giving good advice IMHO.