How do I print from my iPad ?

AirPrint is designed to talk directly to AirPrint capable printers over wifi.

No computer is needed.

However, there are many printers that do not work with AirPrint, such as all printers sold before AirPrint was released and printers not using wifi.

Printopia (and other apps), along with the computer made it possible to to use AirPrint with non-AirPrint printers by acting as the interpreter between the non-AirPrint printer and the iPad.

There's obviously a reason for this software to exist -- which I clearly am not understanding

The reason is they have a printer which is not AirPrint capable.

I need to print from iPad to printer without another computer, and I have an HP laserjet 1300 connected to the Airport.

If you do not have/want a computer, you will need to purchase an AirPrint capable printer.

Phil, Thanksgivings tidings for putting up with me all day! My printer is not on the list, but it is HP (laserjet 1300). I will look, but can you help me find what app I need? I do have an appointment at the apple store tomorrow to revive my laptop so they can help but any info you have will be extra helpful. And thanks thanks again! I knew there were good people in the world....

It appears the HP LaserJet 1300 is not ePrint capable.

-> http://www.hp.com/global/us/en/eprint/mobile_printing_apps.html

(ePrint is HP's cloud printing solution, similar to, but not the same as AirPrint. AirPrint is for AppleiOS devices only.)

Hi Chris, thanks again. At this point, I'm just going to buy or fix what I need to at the Apple store tomorrow, but maybe this discussion will be helpful for future googlers. I don't know what ePrint or AirPrint are, and I don't seem to have the proper devices to make these things work, but maybe it will be helpful to others. My computer is still under AppleCare, so maybe they can explain the printing from ipad thing. It seems you have to buy a new printer every couple of years, which could get expensive.

Since you purchased Printopia and you are getting your computer fixed, you will be able to print from yoru iPad to your printer.

My computer is still under AppleCare, so maybe they can explain the printing from ipad thing.

AirPrint (alone) has nothing to do with the computer.

AirPrint is simply a way the iPad talks to printers.

The printer needs to speak AirPrint. Yours doesn't.

Printopia (on your computer) speaks AirPrint & translates and talks to the printer for your iPad.

Your Printer appears to not support any of the current priting technologies from an iPad/iPhone

So your best bet is if you can fix your Laptop to use Printopia to make it possible to print from the iPad to your printer through your Laptop.

Other than that, you will not be able to print directly from your iPad.