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Keyspan US-4A 4-Port USB Server (12 Mbps) | List Price: $139.99
Discount Price: $97.76
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Brand: Keyspan
Binding: Electronics
Features: - Connectivity to USB Devices - 4 USB Full-Speed ports (12 Mbps); Full 500mA power provided to each port
- Connectivity to Network - RJ45 LAN connector with 10/100 autosensing
- IP addressing - Static/DHCP/Rendezvous
- Works with Macintosh - Mac OS X v10.2.8 or greater; Windows - Windows 2000/XP or greater
Not Working with Canon Multifunction (MF Series), Causes BSOD [Posted on 2007-08-09]
You have to disable ALL firewalls (both Windows or any 3rd party firewalls) to be able to install the server correctly. It shouldn't be necessary (I remember several other software/hardware would just trigger firewall dialog automatically when they are installed, and you just click "Yes" or "Authorize"). You have to open some ports on your firewalls (both TCP and UDP). Not too convenient in my opinion.
Once it's installed, it will see the attached device.
For my case, I wanted to use Canon MF5550 (multifunction Printer/Copier/Scanner/Fax). It detects as soon as I plugged it in, but when I install the drivers, it gives me a BSOD. Not sure whether it is my Windows, or my printer. But it sure is not pleasant. Eventually, I'm unable to install the printer on my PC.
I then tried to install the server and printer on my laptop. It installs fine now (both the server and the printer). But the printer keeps saying "Offline". Usually, I just need to unplug the printer and plug it back so it will be "Ready". It doesn't work this time (I have even also set the server to "Auto-connect" to the printer, still to no avail. Power off the printer and power it back on doesn't do anything as well. I guess it's my printer..
So, my suggestion, if you have the same Canon Multifunction (MF series), I'm afraid it won't work with this server. Not sure with other multifunctions..
Keyspan US-4A USB Server [Posted on 2007-11-09]
Keyspan US-4A 4-Port USB Server (12 Mbps)
Since new software/firmware update, this product works almost flawlessly. When it doesn't, unplug it for a few seconds, plug it in again and it's good for another few months.
Bi-directional - works for scanners as well as printers
Awesom gadget for a small office. [Posted on 2008-02-09]
We have a small office with 4 computers lan-network connected, but we have had a few USB printers each one connected to one different computer and shared through it as a terminal. Complicated. All of that ended when we purchased this device. We organized all the printers in the same place and they are shared through the network, without spending a lot of money purchasing network enabled printers. I certainly recomend it.
Might be good? [Posted on 2008-05-19]
This product may be good, but it was not compatible with our large format scanner (Colortrac SmartLF Cx40), so I can't accurately review the product itself. I can review the setup issues and customer service - I have a pretty fair knowledge of computers (thought I'm not a trained IT person). It took me a little too long to set it up, the manual should tell you to first make sure ALL of your firewalls are down. This means your Windows firewall, server firewall and disable any antivirus software while installing. I use ESET Smart Security for protection, and the firewall needs to be disabled every time you want to use the product. At any rate, Keyspan was recently bought by Tripp Lite, so to make things more confusing, the customer service reps are still learning how to troubleshoot the product. 2 out of 3 reps I spoke with were quite helpful though. I think if you have a popular printer or server, you'll have better luck with this product than I did.
Great for USB Hard Disk, MFP and old printers! [Posted on 2008-08-22]
I had used the 4port print server for a couple of years until it finally died after a power outage from a storm. I used to like it, but it didn't really let me use the scanner on my MFP through it.
I wanted a replacement that allowed for the scanner to be used across computers. I was a bit concerned with all the comments of the MFPs because I have the Canon MP530. I took the risk because Amazon is so good with returns. I got it and my Canon MP530 and Xerox P12 work great with my XP Tablet SP2 and my Vista SP1. I am having a bit of trouble installing the printer driver for my Kodak Easyshare Printer Dock Series 3, but it is the Kodak software installer hanging, so I can't blame Keyspan.
I even plugged a USB hub into one of the ports and plugged an external USB hard disk into it, which is working like a charm!
The version I am using is the latest that I found -- Version: 2.0.2.2, which according to their site:
Requirements: XP or Vista (32bit)
Date Posted: January 23, 2008
Change Log:
Version 2.0.2.2:
+ fixes issue with Canon scanners
+ bug fixes
Key things to remember:
1. Ensure that network has DHCP enabled and if MAC address filtering is on, it must be temporarily disabled or add the MAC address of the hub to the router (I disabled temporarily and got the MAC address that way).
2. Add port 3842 to TCP and UDP exceptions on the firewall
3. Download the printer drivers for when installing
I understand that some people may have a hard time with the connecting and disconnecting concept. It would be nicer if the connection would be muti-threaded and all clients would be connected to the router, but around $100, this is great!
Definitely worth it to be able to use my printers, scanner and external HD from any of my computers independently!!
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