OK! No bluetooth printer option? What about USB printing?! Come on Apple!!!

Here are instructions on how to set up an ad-hoc wi-fi network with your MacBook, as outlined in my previous post:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.6/en/8339.html

I'm with you JMT, I also work in the field. I'm all over the country and almost never in a place where I can have access to the internet or a network to use AirPrint. I can do all of my paperwork on the iPad now but sometimes I need things printed and bluetooth would be all I need. I love AirPrint when I'm home but its worthless outside my doors, and as much as I love Apple products, I see that as a major flaw. I don't have a laptop right now and don't really want to buy one for that one option that the iPad lacks. I'm thinking a mobile 3g/4g hotspot would be all I need to use AirPrint on the road though. My question is, would I need to even have an active internet account setup and pay that bill? Would just the hotspot device turned on create enough of a network to use airprint?

You don't need an internet account, you could get an Airport Express which would provide you with a local area wi-fi network that your iPad and AirPrint compatible printer could communicate through.

HailRaiser1 wrote:

My question is, would I need to even have an active internet account setup and pay that bill? Would just the hotspot device turned on create enough of a network to use airprint?

In order to work, to create a network, the mobile hotspot must be activated on a cellular carrier. This would mean either a monthly bill or some sort of prepaid option.

If you have an iPhone or Android phone, you might also look into getting the personal hotspot feature added on to your plan. It may be cheaper than getting a dedicated device.

Off to the Apple store! Thanks Zyriab.

Thanks Meg St._Clair The iPhone hotspot is a good idea too I didn't think of. I'm just trying to avoid another monthly bill because all I would need it for is printing from my iPad to an AirPrint printer. Just estimates and invoices for some old timers who need paperwork still. I think I'll try an Airport Express before I suck up another monthly charge on my iPhone.

On your way tothe store to look at the apple express, swing through best buy. There are a lot of low end routers that wills do this print relay job just fine.

JMTsr wrote:

I'm glad someone sees my point. I wish apple did. I wrote them. I don't know if I will ever get a response.

You won't get a response as noted on the feedback page.

"Use the form below to send us your comments. We read all feedback carefully, but please note that we cannot respond to the comments you submit."

pjl123 wrote:

On your way tothe store to look at the apple express, swing through best buy. There are a lot of low end routers that wills do this print relay job just fine.

Reasonable advice, but I think I'd recommend the AirPort Express route for guaranteed compatiblity with the iPad, which quite frankly can be a bit finickity when it comes to printing via AirPrint.

I very much see your point. Everything works fine with a laptop, but that's a lot more stuff to carry around and setup just to print a page of paper. With all the great business apps for the iPad, I personally think the iPad can do more for me than any laptop at work. Printing is the one major issue for me. Faxing can be a challenge also but thats an option that just needs to die off already anyway with email and all. I think an Airport express will do the trick for me. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yeah, thanks again Zyriab, but I'm not looking for low end stuff. That's why I use Apple products :) plus the compatibility issue could be a headache with something else maybe.

AirPort Express is an Apple portable wifi router.

-> http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB321LL/A/AirPort-Express-AirTunes?fnode=MTY1N DA0Mg