Can you print to a non AirPrint printer

Is it possible for iPad to print to a printer without AirPrint or do I have to buy a new printer ?

Posted on Dec 27, 2012 5:55 AM

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24 replies

Jul 30, 2013 7:57 PM in response to janels

No, janels, PrintHub would require that the printer either natively support Google Cloud Print (nothing that's 5 years old does that I am aware of) or you would need a laptop/computer connected to the printer that has the Google Cloud Print software installed. Demo is correct; without either a laptop or computer then no, PrintHub would not work for your situation.


As for Demo's suggestion that you "won't get much" for $0.99, I just wanted to say I know the author of the app and he wanted to make it available to as many people without making it completely free. It is a fairly robust app, enabling you print an extensive list of MIME file types (TXT, PNG, DOC, XLS, PDF, JPG, etc.), and additionally you can convert images to PDF's, apply graphical filters to images, and manage the files added to the app's library. There are more full-featured apps on the market that will also let you use Google Cloud Print, but from what I saw they start at $4.99.


Lastly, I've not heard of any bluetooth devices that will let you print to a legacy printer. To my knowledge the printer has to have bluetooth ability built-in to print because no device would be able to act as a bridge. Such a device would have to have the hardware drivers for every type of printer in order to communicate with them, which is nearly impossible.


I hope this information helps and I hope you find a solution that works for you, janel.

Jul 30, 2013 7:01 PM in response to janels

I don't know anything about Bluetooth devices that will turn the printer into an AirPrint type printer. There are printing apps that will work with Bluetooth and USB printers, but those apps require the helper apps on the computer in order to use those printers.


Look at this HP support page and some of the links and comments that the experts have made about their AirPrint printers.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Networking-and-Wireless/Which-Airprint-enab led-HP-Printers-support-ad-hoc-network/m-p/1866125#M46712


Most printer manufacturers make AirPrint capable printers but I chose HP simply because I have the HP PhotoSmart 7520 and it was very easy to set up and use with my iPad.


Other printers are listed here.

AirPrint Basics - Support - Apple

Jul 30, 2013 6:02 PM in response to Cabrill

Hi,

We are going to Europe and will have a printer provided in the apartment (not airprint--about 5 year old canon pixma, I think). We used to take laptops, and this was ok, but now only want to take iPads. Will print hub really work as easily as airprint for this printer? I can't tell from the app details. Thanks for your help!

Jul 30, 2013 6:28 PM in response to janels

I took a quick look at the description and went to the "support" site as well. "support" is in quotation marks based on my opinion that from what I saw on the site, the only support offered is via email. I personally tend to stay away from apps that offer absolutely no written documentation, FAQ or some sort of help on the website. But that's just me.


Without knowing for sure, I would think that you would need a "helper" app on a computer in order to use this app. That's the way most of the iOS printing apps work. You still need an app on the computer itself so that the iPad can communicate with the printer via the computer. In my experience, you only get what you pay for and at $.99, my belief is that you will not get much.


I don't think that you will find any apps that will work with a printer that old, without using a computer as well. I believe that some AirPrint printers can actually work without a computer at all once the WiFi connection is set up between the iPad and the printer. The printers are capable of creating a WiFi network for the purpose of connecting the device and the printer, but not for Internet access.

Jul 30, 2013 8:09 PM in response to Cabrill

Thanks, that is very helpful information. It is too bad the iPad has no way of accommodating a USB connection. However, getting a French SIM would help, I assume? Since we will be in an apartment, we won't have use of hotel wifi, and the typical Starbucks and McDonalds for wifi aren't really a good alternative.


I appreciate your help and information!

Jul 30, 2013 8:24 PM in response to janels

I've no experience with being in France with an iPad, but apparently there are services that do provide what you need. I in no way endorse this company, but from their description they can provide you with data access while in France:


http://www.lefrenchmobile.com/en/payg-sim-card-ipad-france.html


That still wouldn't help you print without some type of computer connected to your legacy printer, though.

Jul 31, 2013 1:40 PM in response to Cabrill

Cabrill wrote:


As for Demo's suggestion that you "won't get much" for $0.99, I just wanted to say I know the author of the app and he wanted to make it available to as many people without making it completely free. It is a fairly robust app, enabling you print an extensive list of MIME file types (TXT, PNG, DOC, XLS, PDF, JPG, etc.), and additionally you can convert images to PDF's, apply graphical filters to images, and manage the files added to the app's library.


IMHO, there is so little information in the app description in iTunes, no reviews to compare (not that reviews are the tell-all in situations like this) and with absolutely no information whatsoever on the "support site", I would look elswhere for my printing needs.


I stated that the information that I provided in my response was my own personal opinion. I meant no offense to anyone.

Jul 31, 2013 6:19 PM in response to ALBLincoln

Another thought

this Canon Printer


Pixma MG4220

http://www.adorama.com/ICAMG4220.html?gclid=CPbTjKeI27gCFcuf4Aodlw4AsA


Says it should print directly from an iPad

Or at least it can be interprited as such!


"Mobile Printing: Take full advantage of Canon's Wi-Fi connectivity to unlock, print and share your stored images right on the spot. Print your photos wirelessly from compatible iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Android devices"


Also what about the option of saving to an SD card and plugging the Card directly into a Printer


Just a thought! :-)

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Can you print to a non AirPrint printer

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