3G and print impossible?

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Level 1

0 points

3G and print impossible?

3G and wi-fi are mutually excluding, so AirPrint is not possible egen using 3G ?I understand concerns about power but it could enable them both while printing.

iPad 2

Posted on Apr 6, 2011 7:28 AM

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Answer 1

ClayG

Level 4

1,416 points

Apr 6, 2011 7:35 AM in response to Elperro2

No, you cannot use 3G to print. Communication with the printer is made through a local Wifi network. In order to do the same via 3G, you'd need a 3G-enabled printer which, as far as I know, doesn't exist.

What IS possible, though, is to print by email. Some printers (I think HP makes a few, and maybe others) allow you to email a document for printing directly to the printer. Try a Google search for "print via email".

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Answer 2

red555

Level 4

2,581 points

Apr 6, 2011 7:37 AM in response to ClayG

I think the OP means allow Wifi and 3G to be active at the same time so he can use 3G AND print over wifi at the same time. That's my take anyway.

I do not know the answer to that part. Sorry...

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Answer 3

ClayG

Level 4

1,416 points

Apr 6, 2011 7:44 AM in response to red555

Oh, yes. I think you're right. I misread the question. In response to that, I'd say: Wifi is generally faster and uses less battery than 3G. If you have a Wifi signal available for printing, wouldn't you also want to connect to it for general connectivity? Why would you want to use 3G in this situation?

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Answer 4

Apr 6, 2011 8:18 AM in response to ClayG

ClayG wrote:
Oh, yes. I think you're right. I misread the question. In response to that, I'd say: Wifi is generally faster and uses less battery than 3G. If you have a Wifi signal available for printing, wouldn't you also want to connect to it for general connectivity? Why would you want to use 3G in this situation?

And, in fact, the iPad is supposed to default to WiFi for general connectivity if it's available.

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Answer 5

Elperro2 Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 6, 2011 9:06 AM in response to ClayG

The problem comes when there is no Internet connection on the wi-fi, only the printer. If there was, why skuld I use 3G ? There is really no fundamental reason for the problem unless embarrassing bugs from Apple counts.

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Answer 6

red555

Level 4

2,581 points

Apr 6, 2011 9:20 AM in response to Elperro2

Elperro2 wrote:
......There is really no fundamental reason for the problem unless embarrassing bugs from Apple counts.

What bug are you referring to ?

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Answer 7

Elperro2 Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 6, 2011 9:33 AM in response to red555

The bug is that wi-fi shuts down 3G without reason.

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Answer 8

red555

Level 4

2,581 points

Apr 6, 2011 9:46 AM in response to Elperro2

There is a reason. Wifi has priority when both are available for data usage and speed purposes. A consequence of this is for non-Internet wifi networks, the device attaches to the wifi network without Internet access. Not sure how that qualifies as a bug but more as a tradeoff.

You can go to www.apple.com/feedback and recommend they change this.

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Answer 9

Apr 6, 2011 10:01 AM in response to red555

red555 wrote:
Not sure how that qualifies as a bug but more as a tradeoff.

In my opinion, WiFi should have priority... as in being first choice in a list of available connection methods. There should be a hierarchy.
If there's no internet connection via WiFi, the device should automatically attempt to gain internet access using another connection method as a fallback option. In this case, 3G.
(My BlackBerry works this way, as an example.)

(I have no idea if Apple deliberately designed the networking in this manner, or if it's indeed a bug.)

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Answer 10

Elperro2 Author

Level 1

0 points

Apr 6, 2011 10:20 AM in response to red555

No need for tradeoff. When using 3G and requesting Print there should be a, temporary if necessary, use of wi-fi because the printer can only be there. No need to change the Internet access.

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Answer 11

red555

Level 4

2,581 points

Apr 6, 2011 10:30 AM in response to Elperro2

Elperro2 wrote:
No need for tradeoff. When using 3G and requesting Print there should be a, temporary if necessary, use of wi-fi because the printer can only be there. No need to change the Internet access.

That sounds like a good idea to me....
Www.apple.com/feedback

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Answer 12

May 7, 2011 8:36 AM in response to Elperro2

My problem is that I do not have a Mac or pc in my home, therefore no wifi, just 3G.

I had to go to a friends house to get my original download to make my iPad 2 work.

Isn't there any way to match a printer with an iPad 2 that only has 3G access ?

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Answer 13

May 7, 2011 10:42 AM in response to robertfromport saint lucie

All above is only partially correct and yes there IS a 3G printing method but it requires a third party app and a helper app on a PC or Mac.

Specifically you need to purchase PrintBureau

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/printbureau/id363371015?mt=8

Combine with Weprint server and configure using an email address (They recommend a googlemail) and you can print over 3G.

Combine with the "open in" dialog to print from a other apps !

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Answer 14

May 7, 2011 12:42 PM in response to Keith Doherty3

Kevin, so I still need a pc or Mac to make it work.

I need something that will work on 3G Without a pc or Mac.

I don't have either one.

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Answer 15

rccharles

Level 6

12,957 points

May 7, 2011 1:02 PM in response to robertfromport saint lucie

You need to buy the right printer. Once you have one of these newer HP printers, you set it up for adhoch WIFI printing.

For example HP D110. HP D110 Info Page See Page 31 of User Guide... HP D110 User's Manual

Here is how to set up an ad hoc network form there instruction manual.

1. In the Control Panel, double-click Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center..

2. In the Network and Sharing Center (under Tasks on the left), select Set up a connection or network.

3. Choose the connection option Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network, then click Next. Read the description and warnings about ad hoc networks, then click Next>.

4. Enter details, including Network name (the SSID for your ad hoc connection), Security type, and SecurityPassphrase. If you are going to save this network connection, check Save this network. Make a note of the SSID and the Security key/ Passphrase for future reference. Click Next

5. Continue to follow the prompts to complete setup of the ad hoc network connection.

Disclaimer, I have not tried this out. All is based on what I have read online.

Robert

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