I need help printing WITHOUT an AirPrint Printer (iPad)

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I need help printing WITHOUT an AirPrint Printer (iPad)

Hi, I am a lifelong Windows user; I've never owned any Mac and/or Apple products for my computer needs for either personal or business use. However, since the first iPhone was released, I have owned one and refuse to ever own any other phone! I am still using iPhone 4 and will not upgrade unless Apple decides to listen to their customers and release an iPhone with a larger screen (the iPhone 5 was not exactly what people desiring a larger screen had in mind!). My company issued me a Samsung Galaxy S3 for work use, and it is no comparison to my iPhone. Apple is untouchable in user friendliness and overall features with very little exception, but I've always said that for many of the awesome features exclusive to iPhone and even for just camera, video, and basic apps such as YouTube, etc., a larger screen is a must.

But this is not a cell phone review! I mentioned my ownership/usage history as an indicator that I do NOT have ANY knowledge and/or experience with iOS, Mac computers/laptops, etc. and therefore need someone who isn't going to speak that platform's language in hopefully assisting me with my issue, which is . . .

I bought iPad 2 primarily for educational use so I don't have to bring my laptop to school all the time (God only knows the books and everything else are heavy enough to walk around a college campus with!). I want to be able to print wirelessly when I'm at home and connected to my home network. Please explain to me how to do this as I have become frustrated trying to figure it out only own! I am providing the info on my set up (hardware, software, and configurations) for my iPad as well as my home network below. I apologize for the lengthy content of this post and if the technical information below is more than needed, but i justbwant to make sure the feedback is specific to what I need and not just some general things that "should" work based on "similar" set ups. Thank you for any and all comments, advice, links, instructions, etc. in advance!

My iPad -

Hardware:

16Gb iPad 2

Software:

iOS Version 6.1.2 (10B146)

My Home Network -

Computer: HP Pavilion Laptop

OS: Windows 7 w/ Service Pack 1

Processor: Intel Core i5 CPU M 560 @ 2.67GHz 2.67GHz

Installed RAM: 8.00 GB (7.80 GB usable)

System Type: 64-bit Operating System

Printer: Brother MFC-845CW (All in One - Copier/Printer/Scanner/Fax with wireless capability)

ISP: Cox Communications (I'm in New Orleans, LA)

ISP Service: Advanced High Speed Internet (HSI)

Internet Hardware: ISP provided Cisco Modem/Router (Model # DPC3825) and self purchased/installed NETGEAR Switch 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (Model # GS608)

Notes:

The printer IS wireless

The printer IS connected to my Home Network

I am able to print wirelessly to the printer from my laptop

The iPad IS connected to my Home Network via Wi-Fi

Sincerely,

Rick

iPad 2, iOS 6.1.2

Posted on Sep 18, 2013 7:46 PM

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Answer 1

deggie

Level 10

167,537 points

Sep 18, 2013 7:49 PM in response to Rick Calamia

Look at the applications Print Central and Fingerprint.

Exactly what was the population size of your research determing that Apple's customers want a larger size screen and they aren't listening to their customers? I find the iPhone 5 a good size screen.

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Answer 2

Skydiver119

Level 9

53,501 points

Sep 18, 2013 7:51 PM in response to Rick Calamia

Your printer isn't air print enabled so you have two main options

Look in the app store or on brother's site and see if they offer you anything. Some manufacturers have apps to print.

If they don't, look into third party printing apps. I use print n share, but print central and printopia are also recommended. Brother may also suggest some third party apps, or you can ask the developers if they work with your printer.

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Answer 3

Rick Calamia Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 18, 2013 7:55 PM in response to deggie

Thank you for your seemingly instantaneous reply! I will check those out in the App Store.

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Answer 4

Rick Calamia Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 18, 2013 8:03 PM in response to deggie

And BTW: I did not conduct any formal research on the iPhone screen issue as it appears you may have thought and in any event, did not intend to imply that Apple NEVER listens to their customers! lol

But I know plenty of people who, like me, own an iPhone, but feel that a bigger screen is arguably the biggest of only 2 or 3 negative things to be said of the holy grail of cell phones! Likewise, I know many people who do not own an iPhone (their life must be boring - lol), and again, point to the screen size as one of only a few critical reasons for preferring whatever lame device they have settled less for. :-)

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Answer 5

Rick Calamia Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 18, 2013 8:04 PM in response to Skydiver119

Thank you too and I will be looking into these options and will reply again in the next couple of days in case you know of anyone else who shares my dilemma.

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Answer 6

Rick Calamia Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 18, 2013 8:26 PM in response to Skydiver119

So I just browsed the App Store and read upon Print Central. There are two versions with one being a Pro version. Ironically, the Pro version is the less expensive! lol

I also clicked on "Related" and was blown away by the countless number of printing apps!

I will say this: I have no problem choosing a paid app over a free one. However, in addressing my same exact issue when I bought my iPhone 4 a few years ago, I purchased Print Bureau for a whopping $19.99. I don't think it was unreasonable for me to believe that a $20 app would solve my problem - I was wrong. So that was a waste of time and money.

Accordingly, I am somewhat reluctant to purchase a printing app without knowing if it will in fact work. Any knowledge of a paid app that first offers a free trial for a few days? Or at least a refund if it doesn't work with my set up?

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Answer 7

Skydiver119

Level 9

53,501 points

Sep 18, 2013 8:30 PM in response to Rick Calamia

Some apps have lite or free or trial versions, some don't.

I will say when I installed Print n Share it said it'd work with 'any' wireless printer. But what works for me may not work for you.

I'd sort the App Store by looking just at free apps, then look for 4-5 star ratings and go from there. At least experimenting that way only costs you time. And some of those free ones could be the trials you're looking for.

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Answer 8

Sep 19, 2013 3:29 PM in response to Rick Calamia

Sorry to hear you had problems with PrintBureau earlier. Did you contact our help desk? We provide 24/7 support http://m.eurosmartz.com/contact.html and we'll get back to you in less than an hour and generally solve any potential setup issues very quickly.

-EuroSmartz Support

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