Can I print from an ipad
Is there any way to print from an ipad.
19 replies
Thanaks, but that is pathetic. Why did Apple only get into bed with HP. I don't want to buy another printer just for the ipad. I have four printers already. Are Apple so arrogant that they think they know best and that they can force people o buy what they want you to buy. Why doesn't the oS work and find shared printers on a LAN for instance. Why do they put a USB port on the unit. Other manufactureres are doing just that. But no, Apple knows best.
I didn't know that your post was a prelude to a rant but calm down there are several Apps available which allow printing to other network printers besides HP. You can also print to a shared printer through Mac OS - See here for how to do this: Enable Airprint on any Printer
If you are through with your rant, here are a few facts you might find helpful:
- Any company can make printers utilizing Air Print. HP is the only company that chose to. Their choice, not Apple's.
- If you want to print from an iPad WITHOUT a networked computer, Air Print is the way to go, and yes, currently all Air Print printers are made by HP. About 65 models, IIRC.
- If you want to print from an iPad via a non-Air Print wireless printer and with the assistance of your computer, there are many alternatives. Print and Share and Printopia apps are mentioned frequently and favorably on the forums. Just do a search for many discussions of the specifics.
Why doesn't the oS work and find shared printers on a LAN for instance. Why do they put a USB port on the unit. Other manufactureres are doing just that
Please remember that if the iPad doesn't meet your needs, there is a robust market for used ones.
Thanks I didn't know that despite looking I thought everywhere. Why they didn't Apple say that in the document about printing. That would have solved my complaint.
Thanks. I am otherwise happy with the iPad and have no intention of selling. Thanks for your advice about the resale position.
Love that Enable Airprint on any computer-thanks!
Meant to say the fact that you have to use a computer in order to share a printer, should be necessay. I may not have another computer.
Apple had code in Snow Leopard to allow printing to any wireless printer connected to a network with the computer on but it was removed in the next to last build. Most likely reason: a patent troll probably was able to dig up an obscure patent and Apple's lawyers did not have sufficient time to respond to it.
Any printer manufacturer can make an AirPrint compatible printer, the code is in the public domain. HP is the only one that chose to do so.
axis360 wrote:
Love that Enable Airprint on any computer-thanks!
It's not like Airprint at all, it requires a Mac to be running as well.
It is like AirPrint in that you can use AirPrint on your iDevice to print, you don't have to go to a 3rd party app.
deggie wrote:
It is like AirPrint in that you can use AirPrint on your iDevice to print, you don't have to go to a 3rd party app.
Yes,
But it needs an OSX intermediary
and No
Even when AirPrint was announced (before the patent troll) this was how AirPrint would work with non-AirPort compatible printers. Want it to be the "full" AirPrint? Get an AirPrint compatible printer.
I don't think it's Apples fault, HP is the only company at present that makes air print/e-print printers. There is an App you can purchase that will let your print to your iPad. A friend has the App & it works fine.
deggie wrote:
Even when AirPrint was announced (before the patent troll) this was how AirPrint would work with non-AirPort compatible printers. Want it to be the "full" AirPrint? Get an AirPrint compatible printer.
That's what I think, now let some other printer manufacturers get onboard.
Can I print from an ipad