[matt.ledger]

I have a printer which I wish to connect to two computers, is it possible to buy a USB splitter cable to do this ... searching for this on the web gives lots of results with splitters which allow you to connect more than one USB device to a single computer but I am looking for the reverse ... a cable which allows you to connect one device to more than one computer.
Does a cable like this exist!?
If so links to sites with them on would be much appreciated!
Or any tips on what to search for to find them!
Thanks,
Matt

 

[bigbear]

Just network the printer, then both pc's will be able to print to it

 

[johnpost]

a usb hub allows for communication both ways so that would work.

be aware that depending on your printer that doing that may not
work as well as you want.

the hub and added cables may cause some degradation of the signal.
if your printer is ok with that then you are fine.

 

[JohnWill]

Actually, a plain USB hub will NOT WORK, probably for several reasons. A hub is designed to connect to a single USB controller, and then to multiple peripheral devices. It's a REAL BAD IDEA to plug two computers into a USB hub.

The print server idea was the best plan here, or just network them and share the printer on one machine.

 

[bigbear]

Another way
Are both pc's hooked up to a modem router?
Network the two pc's and add the printer to the network

 

[erick295]

Networking the printer is an option, but not necessary. A USB hub will not work. What you need is a USB switch:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817133007

Dozens (probably hundreds) of these exist -- that's just a random example.

 

[JohnWill]

Another way
Are both pc's hooked up to a modem router?
Network the two pc's and add the printer to the network

From post #4.

The print server idea was the best plan here, or just network them and share the printer on one machine.

 

[matt.ledger]

i could network the printer but i was looking for a more straight forward solution really ... i like erick295's idea of a USB switch ... I found one that seems good here - http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=157151 will see how it works!

 

[Compiler]

Yep... USB switch is required... or network.

 

[griffinspc]

I have the exact setup that you want using a switch. It ran me about $15.00 if I remember correctly and works great. I use it for machines I'm working on for folks so I don't have to set it up in the network to print diagnostic info from BelArc, etc.

I'll see if I can find it on the web and post it for you.

 

[griffinspc]

I found one that seems good here - http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=157151 will see how it works!

That one's only 1.1 complient.

 

[griffinspc]

This looks like an updated version of mine. I'm not at home now to look at the brand but it sure looks like it. http://www.usbgear.com/US-24.html

 

[Compiler]

The difference is that the Belkin has a software switch vs a hardware switch...


ahh.... I love network printers.

 

[BaRgE]

Yes, there is, you can connect your two pcs in one printer, 4 ports are also available.

 

[JohnWill]

Personally, I'd much rather have them networked. You can also share files, Internet access, etc.

 

[Compiler]

But the only thing you cannot due with many USB printers with added ethernet-sharing devices (and on some network ones) is have full control of the printer/scanner functions on the multifunctions.

 

[JohnWill]

That is correct, only the host computer would have the scanning functions. Of course, how many computers do you "really" need a scanner on.