emilydawn3

Q: printing

Can I just use any wireless printer for a macbook pro? or do I need an apple wireless printer?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jul 28, 2013 7:45 PM

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Q: printing

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  • by gail from maine,Helpful

    gail from maine gail from maine Jul 28, 2013 7:48 PM in response to emilydawn3
    Level 7 (26,725 points)
    iCloud
    Jul 28, 2013 7:48 PM in response to emilydawn3

    Unless you want to directly attach the printer to your Mac, you should purchase an AirPrint-compatible printer:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4356

     

    By the way, it is super easy when you purchase an AirPrint compatible printer. Once you get the printer on your Wifi network, it works with your Mac without you having to do anything else except select it.

     

    Cheers,

     

    GB

  • by markwmsn,

    markwmsn markwmsn Jul 28, 2013 8:52 PM in response to gail from maine
    Level 5 (5,669 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 28, 2013 8:52 PM in response to gail from maine

    I disagree with gail. AirPrint is only relevant for use with an iOS device (iPhone, iPad, iPod). A Mac will not make use of AirPrint.

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jul 28, 2013 8:58 PM in response to markwmsn
    Level 9 (61,235 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 28, 2013 8:58 PM in response to markwmsn

    The article she cited sides with gailfrommaine on this one, PROVIDED, your Mac is running 10.7 or later:

     

    OS X requirements

    To print from your Mac using AirPrint, you need either of the following:

    • OS X Lion
    • OS X Mountain Lion

    You also need an AirPrint printer listed in this article. Printers not listed in this article are not supported by AirPrint.

     

  • by gail from maine,

    gail from maine gail from maine Jul 28, 2013 8:58 PM in response to markwmsn
    Level 7 (26,725 points)
    iCloud
    Jul 28, 2013 8:58 PM in response to markwmsn

    I beg to differ:

     

    AirPrint Basics

    AirPrint enables instant printing from iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Mac without the need to install drivers or download software. Simply select an AirPrint printer and print. It's that simple.

    Get details on how to print using AirPrint in iOS.

    AirPrint

    AirPrint is an Apple technology that lets you create full-quality printed output without the need to download or install drivers. AirPrint is built in to many printer models from most popular printer manufacturers.  Just select an AirPrint printer on your local network and print from your favorite iOS or OS X app.

    iOS requirements

    To print from your iOS device using AirPrint, you need one of the following devices using the latest version of iOS:

    • iPad (all models)
    • iPhone (3GS or later)
    • iPod touch (3rd generation or later)

    OS X requirements

    To print from your Mac using AirPrint, you need either of the following:

    • OS X Lion
    • OS X Mountain Lion

    You also need an AirPrint printer listed in this article. Printers not listed in this article are not supported by AirPrint.

    Tip:  Many AirPrint printers are available from the Apple Online Store.

    Important: Some AirPrint printers listed in this article will require a firmware update out of the box to become AirPrint-enabled. See the manufacturer's documentation or website for details.

    A Wi-Fi capable AirPrint printer must be connected to the same home Wi-Fi network as the iOS device or Mac. See this article for an overview on connecting a Wi-Fi capable printer to your Wi-Fi network.

     

    GB

  • by markwmsn,

    markwmsn markwmsn Jul 28, 2013 9:04 PM in response to gail from maine
    Level 5 (5,669 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 28, 2013 9:04 PM in response to gail from maine

    I stand corrected. Apparently, AirPrint can be used from a Mac. However, I am certain that AirPrint is not necessary for printing from a Mac to most printers.

  • by gail from maine,

    gail from maine gail from maine Jul 28, 2013 9:20 PM in response to markwmsn
    Level 7 (26,725 points)
    iCloud
    Jul 28, 2013 9:20 PM in response to markwmsn

    Right - not necessary if you want to physically hook it up to the printer. You also need to install the drivers for the printer on the Mac....

     

    You do not need to do this with an AirPrint compatible printer.

     

    GB

  • by markwmsn,

    markwmsn markwmsn Jul 28, 2013 9:21 PM in response to gail from maine
    Level 5 (5,669 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 28, 2013 9:21 PM in response to gail from maine

    Lots of printers work fine with wifi and/or ethernet connections using only drivers provided with OS X.