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Trendnet TEW-P1U Wireless Print Server with 1 USB Printer PortBrand: Trendware
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: 3 years warranty
Features: - One USB printer port, compliant with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 standards
- Supports ad-hoc or infrastructure wireless mode
- Supports bi-directional communication
- Easy configuration with web browser or Windows-based administrative program
- Diagnostic DIP switch and reset button
The bold can save money here. [Posted on 2004-09-11]
First of all it works. And that's that. A wireless print server is a pretty cool thing.
It's true, the manual is in Chinese, roughly translated into English. But you knew that when you decided to save fifty bucks. Right? I did.
The more confusing part is that so many modes are supported. If you are doing a generic windows installation, like me, you don't want to deal with any of that. And, you don't have to. Just follow the windows instructions.
I made some mistakes - so I'm sharing my experience. It's possible to set this puppy up real fast and easy, if you can just get the idea of what your supposed to do.
I was confused because there is no 10-base-T internet connector that you might use to configure another product. What you need
to do is setup a computer in "ad-hock" mode. I started to re-configure my Microsoft base-station from my main workstation and
THAT IS A MISTAKE. What you want to use is a wireless 'client' laptop (I have 3 here) and configure it to 'ad-hock' mode. This
may seem like a pain, but if you use your laptop at any of the public 'access points' (eg. starbucks) then you already did that. In any case, you want to do that someday, if not now.
Then you just set the switch on the TEQ-P1U to setup mode, turn it on, login, and set it up. I had no problems there. I used their setup program but you could easily use a browser (if you have Mac, for instance) and set it up by webpage (there's an ip address to use). What you are setting up is your WEP-encryption number and stuff, which you have probably done a dozen times while setting up your network anyway, so you should be used to it.
Then you flip the tiny switch on the unit back and it will show up on your, encrypted private, network. Your Base station should now show it (with a blank name) on the network.
The next part is following the instructions, for EVERY COMPUTER you have, to install the print driver. The weird part is, since it's remote, you have to pick the printer type from a list using Microsofts 'Install Printer Wizard", because windows doesn't recognize the printer over the network. I did this 3 times with no problems whatsoever. I never called tech support. If it weren't for my first mistake (trying to change the base station) the whole thing would have been smooth as silk.
Run Away! [Posted on 2004-12-18]
I am a professional computer tech. I own my own business and have over 20 years experience. This is one of the worst designed products I have seen in years. A friend bought this item from another vendor, ran into trouble and asked if I could help. I spent 10 - 12 hours on it with no luck. It would print as a standard print server OK (though very slowly) but it simply would not work in wireless mode. And yes, I have done many wireless installations.
I am not sure what product the guy who wrote the positive review was using, but it wasn't this wireless print server. For starters, there are no switches on it.
I recommend the Linksys WPS54GU2 instead.
Stay away from this device! [Posted on 2004-12-30]
First I have fairly extensive experience with wireless networking and print servers, am a EE, and am the IT guy at my office, managing a 12 station business network. So I thought I would save some bucks with this at home, figuring I could get it to work even if the instructions were in Chinese.
WRONG!
After countless hours setting it up using the procedure outlined in the manual and in a previous msg (yes there is a little switch for setup mode) I was able to print exactly one document through it. None of my Windows XP pro computers are now able to communicate with my printer through it. It is now in my junk box.
What's more, Trendware stiffed me for my rebate money! They admit they mailed it to the wrong address, but could not send another check. All they could do was say, "sorry."
Buy Linksys or Netware. Pay a little more, waste a lot less time and money...
This thing SUCKS! [Posted on 2005-02-19]
My brother bought this and I wish he would have researched it a little before buying it because it is the poorest made wireless networking product I have ever used in my 15 years of IT work!
It will show up on the network, then disappear, then reappear, etc. We've wasted countless hours trying to get it to work. Please do not buy it! The person who actually wrote a "positive" review of the device was using a different one. (This is regarding the TEW-P1U.)
BEWARE does not work with virtually any USB printer [Posted on 2006-05-09]
I would have given zero stars but it made me give them one. The ad said, "TRENDnet TEW-P1U is a print server that transforms virtually all stand-alone USB printer into a shared network printer." After 3 days wasted trying to install, I called the manufacturer for support. They began bad mouthing my HP printer (5100 series) saying that HP knowingly made bad printers and my printer was on a list that was incompatible. I asked if I could get a copy of the list so that I would be sure not to buy another printer on their list and they said the only way that I could get the list was if the company president released it. BEWARE AND STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY!
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