ipad printing via airport extreme

Question

ipad printing via airport extreme

Hi,

Apologies if this has been answered before but I can't seem to find an answer that clearly confirms if it is possible or not.

The Apple wording for the Airport Extreme states, and I quote,

"Print without wires.

The USB 2 port in AirPort Extreme is also great for sharing a printer across your wireless network. Just plug it in and everyone on your network can take advantage of one centrally available printer. Wirelessly, of course."

The small print goes on to say:

"Wireless printing over USB requires a compatible printer and OS X v10.2.7 or later, Windows XP (SP3), Windows Vista (SP2), Windows 7 (SP1) or Windows 8."

I mistakenly bought one thinking I could add my Canon MG6150 to the Airport Extreme and then "everyone on your network can take advantage of one centrally available printer. Wirelessly, of course." In fact I have no advantage over my old router - which also shared it wirelessly to computers. The simple fact seems to be that if a printer is not Airprint compatible or you want to use a 3rd party application on the device or share a printer from your Mac, then you can't print from an iPad fullstop.

If I am mistaken would love to know how.

If I am not then I think - Shame on you apple - please clarify your marketing blurb to make it clear to all that it "everyone on your network can take advantage of one centrally available printer. Wirelessly, of course. UNLESS THE DEVICE IS AN IPAD!!!!!!!!!!!"

iPad mini Wi-Fi, iOS 7.0.4, Printing

Posted on Dec 3, 2013 12:03 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 3, 2013 1:18 AM in response to Chris_Tof_Hale

iOS printing conditions are airprint only.

And apple take airprint very literally to mean it cannot be connected by a cable. It is only going to work with a printer that connects by wireless.

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

The document says clearly..

Notes:

AirPrint printers connected to the USB port of the Apple AirPort Base Station or Time Capsules are not supported with AirPrint.

In other words even airprint printers cannot be accessed via the USB. It is air and air alone.

As you have noted.. Apple tend to be very full of themselves whenever they market a product. And you really need to ask questions beforehand.. Apple have 14day return so if the AE doesn't suit just take it back.

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Answer 2

Dec 3, 2013 1:42 AM in response to LaPastenague

Thanks for finally clarifying it - the marketing BS needs to be changed I think to clearly state that "everyone on your network can take advantage of one centrally available printer. Wirelessly, of course." does not include iOS devices!

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Answer 3

Slverfx

Level 1

9 points

Jan 6, 2015 3:23 PM in response to LaPastenague

I have a MacBook pro and an iMac. I have an airport extreme with an HP printer plugged into the USB port. The airport provides my internet access and provides my printer.

I Just got an iPad mini for my wife. The airport is providing Internet to the iPad. but it cannot give the ipad access to the printer?

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Answer 4

Jan 6, 2015 4:00 PM in response to Slverfx

I Just got an iPad mini for my wife. The airport is providing Internet to the iPad. but it cannot give the ipad access to the printer?

Correct.. even if the printer is airprint capable it cannot work unless connected by wireless network.. it will not ever work by USB.

There are ways and means around the problem.. you cannot use airprint.. but check apps in itunes store.. there are heaps of printer apps for iOS to get around Apple's lack of printer drivers.

There is also a print server like printopia that you can load on a computer to pretend it is airprint capable.

http://ecamm.com/mac/printopia/

http://www.macworld.com/article/2368041/use-printopia-to-send-docs-and-photos-to -your-mac.html

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Answer 5

Bob Timmons

Level 10

186,470 points

Jan 6, 2015 4:03 PM in response to Slverfx

There is a free trial for Printopia, so you will know if it will work before you buy.

Another popular choice seems to be HandyPrint....but I have not tested it.

Netputing » handyPrint (AirPrint Activator)

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