Level 1

8 points

Desperate - Need to print using only 3G/4G or Bluetooth connection from iPad Air2

We have social workers that visit clients, entering data on their iPads during their visits. The vast majority of these clients have no internet connectivity of any kind so the iPads use cellular data. We need to find a way to give these social workers printers to use on these visits that can "connect" to the iPad Air2s via some other methodology than WiFi, etc. They need to be able to print forms from web sites, etc., maybe emails, 8.5x11. Is it possible???

I found the Brother PocketJet 763MFi that says it was made for iPod, iPhone and iPad and gives the following specifications:

Full-speed USB 2.0 and Bluetooth^® technology (Ver.2.1+EDR SPP, BIP,OPP, HCRP and iAP/MFI supported) interfaces
Works with Windows^® Mobile, Android™, and iOS^® devices

I have contacted their sales team but haven't heard back as of yet so if anyone has any sort of feedback on this printer, we'd GREATLY appreciate it.

iPad Air, iOS 9.3.1

Posted on May 12, 2016 10:20 AM

27 replies

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

May 13, 2016 11:19 AM in response to AlexFromBeth

HP is incorrect, it does need a WiFi connection but not an Internet connection. If it can create its own adhoc network that suffices as a WiFi network. You should call HP and ask to talk to someone who knows what they are talking about.

The Canon is a nice printer and would work well for you if you were using a Surface or android tablet. You can get nice cases for them too. A Brother or HP All-in-One is going to be twice that weight and size. I would do a test using personal hotspot prior to going that route.

ckuan

Level 10

120,926 points

May 12, 2016 10:24 AM in response to AlexFromBeth

You'll need an AirPrint printer:

Read here: About AirPrint - Apple Support

AlexFromBeth Author

Level 1

8 points

May 12, 2016 10:39 AM in response to ckuan

Don't AirPrint printers require a wireless connection from the iPad to the printer?

Skydiver119

Level 9

53,489 points

May 12, 2016 10:44 AM in response to AlexFromBeth

they do. And you could use the Mifi device to make the wifi network that you connect both devices to

ckuan

Level 10

120,926 points

May 12, 2016 10:46 AM in response to AlexFromBeth

AlexFromBeth wrote:

Don't AirPrint printers require a wireless connection from the iPad to the printer?

Yes.

See Skydiver tips above for solution.

ShagCA

Level 5

6,365 points

May 12, 2016 10:49 AM in response to AlexFromBeth

If you decide to go with Airprint compatible printer, get the PocketJet 773. It supports airprint and adhoc connection (iPad to printer direct print without needing extra devices/wireless router).

AlexFromBeth Author

Level 1

8 points

May 12, 2016 10:52 AM in response to ShagCA

Can you explain and expand upon adhoc connection (iPad to printer direct print without needing extra devices/wireless router)? I saw that on their web site but didn't find details.

TMHahn

Level 2

460 points

May 12, 2016 10:58 AM in response to ShagCA

Doesn't AirPrint require WIFI?

ShagCA

Level 5

6,365 points

May 12, 2016 11:12 AM in response to TMHahn

TMHahn wrote:

Doesn't AirPrint require WIFI?

Not if the printer supports ad-hoc connection.

May 12, 2016 11:20 AM in response to AlexFromBeth

You could use the iPad personal hotspot and connect the printer to that.

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

May 12, 2016 11:25 AM in response to AaronAppleFan

Have you tested that?

AlexFromBeth Author

Level 1

8 points

May 13, 2016 7:16 AM in response to ShagCA

Thanks for the links!

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Desperate - Need to print using only 3G/4G or Bluetooth connection from iPad Air2