The ability to print documents from an iOS device is a feature that many of us find incredibly useful, but Apple’s implementation has its flaws — such as the need for an AirPrint compatible printer. But thank to xPrintServer from Lantronix, you can wirelessly print to almost any networked printer from any iOS device.
xPrintServer is a small device that connects to your network via an Ethernet cable. Once it’s plugged in, any printer on the network can be found using the built-in print feature in iOS, with no additional software or configuration required.
Lantronix promises it’s as simple as “plug-and-print,” and they’ve put together this humorous video to demonstrate its simplicity:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2myUgt536XA
xPrintServer is available to pre-order now for $150 from the Lantronix website, with shipping scheduled to begin during the first quarter of this year. Lantronix will also be at MacWorld|iWorld to demonstrate the device.
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
10 responses to “Wirelessly Print From Any iOS Device Using xPrintServer”
Brilliant! However, I don’t see this as a consumer play since the cost of the device is as much or more than the cost of a new printer.
I’m sure this is a fine piece of software, but Netputing’s AirPrint Activator (http://netputing.com/airprinta… has been around for a long time and I have been using it with great success. And it’s FREE (with Donation optional).
Yeah… this company doesn’t seem to have asked itself “Is this worth making if it’s almost twice the price of a new AirPrint-capable printer?” I actually just picked up an HP Deskjet 3052A from Walmart for $69 just the other week so I had something that was AirPrint-enabled. Although I could see this device being useful if you have a really nice networked printer that is worth more than $150 that you don’t want to replace but I have a feeling it may be a very niche market.
If you know how to shop on deal sites, you can definitely get a brand new wireless printer for 1/5 the cost, which is what I did. I can print from my phone and I can print from outside my home.
I agree with the comments. Why buy this device as opposed to a new printer?
How about PrintBureau or PrintnShare, both of which are in the App Store for $10 or so?
Got PrintShare for Android free on Amazon.
Just sayin
Just install AirPrint Activator on your Mac and all your iOS devices can print to any printer connected to it. Total cost: $0
Why do you come to ios blog just to brag about your piece of crap android? No one cares about it. Go back to cult of android.
The author failed to specify, but as the “humorous video” shows, this product is really for offices, where you have multiple, or even hundreds of networked printers. It is a dream for an IT guy, with a bunch of whining employees, and executives, who are complaining that they can’t print. And for that purpose, $150 is cheap!