TRENDnet TE100-MFP1 1-Port Multi-Function USB Print Server RJ45 USB 2.0

Pros: Works well with 1 computer, was easy to setup

Cons: Requires USB control center software to work with print server. can only work with 1 computer at a time. (if you connect to another computer, it disconnects the 1st one) there is NO MENTION of this in the product description. Waste of money, buy an ACTUAL print server and save your money.

Other Thoughts: I'd be fine if they told you ahead of time that this can only share to 1 computer at a time, it would also be nice if they told you this required software to work. I've never seen a print server require special software

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Anonymous,

Please accept our deepest apologies for any inconvenience this has caused you, and definitely we appriciate your feedback so we can improve our product description. Please contact us at sales@trendnet.com with "Newegg TE100-MFP1 Product Review" in the subject line and someone will contact you immediately to resolve the issue. We look forward to hearing from you directly and restoring your faith in TRENDnet products.

Thanks,

TRENDnet Sales Team

Pros: It works (as long as you are logged-in and are running the USB Control Center Utility).

Cons: This is not a real print server, it's just a USB extender! To make your USB printer networked you must have the TrendNet USB Control Center Utility running. This utility does NOT run as a service so you must be logged-in for it to work. Also, you must install this utility on EVERY computer where you want to install the printer. What a piece of garbage! I'm in IT and have used lots of print servers: you should be able to set-up a print server using a standard TCP/IP port with no additional software and no special utilities.

Pros: Although this product didn't work for me, and its limitations aren't well documented, I understand the success many people are having and assume it must be a decent product for those people that need to share a multi-function printer/scanner/copier.
The company's support staff is quite good, and although this was a gift, they were very helpful in sorting the problem out with me.

Cons: I just think the documentation is lacking in this product.
It's a USB-over-Ethernet extender/switch more than it's a print server. You can't use LPR or IPP protocols with it, you MUST use the software, and there's a chance that it won't automatically sort itself out if it runs into a problem.
The "Control Center Software" is lamented in many reviews, and I myself don't approve of its necessity or its execution. There are many features that should be there that aren't.

Other Thoughts: This seems to be the best option out of what's still available for MFP network sharing, and the company is fantastic.
The only people that seem to have sorted out how to share a MFP really well are the manufacturers MAKING networked printer/scanner/copiers.

Pros: Cost. Theoretical compatibility with multi-function printers/scanners.

Cons: This device is actually ONLY a usb port sharing device. Client software, which should not be necessary for a true print server, is REQUIRED for this to work. If you want to set up a LPR print queue or add a printer without bloatware, you'll be out of luck.
The industry has developed a series of protocols for network printing, which (if used right) are completely cross platform, and this device completely ignores them. If setting the device to the "server" setting enabled & enacted these protocols? Great device. But as it is, this isn't even a useful paperweight because I have no desire to install proprietary software that is going to run in the background, using up unnecessary system resources.

Other Thoughts: A group PSC sharing device is a great idea, but the execution on this device is particularly terrible.
Other companies offer (agreeably more expensive) products that are meant for PSC's, and do a MUCH better job.

Manufacturer Response:

Valued customer,

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Please e-mail us at sales@trendnet.com, reference "New Egg Product Review" in the subject line and someone will contact you in a timely manner to resolve your issue. We look forward to restoring your faith in TRENDnet products.

Regards,

TRENDnet Sales Support

Pros: It will allow multiple computers to access a printer.

Cons: However, this unit requires client software to run on every machine. This is actually a USB sharing device, not a print server. You can not use Windows Networking or TCPIP porting to make the connection. The client software creates popups every time the printer changes users.

Other Thoughts: Do not advertise this as a print server. It's a USB sharing device.

Pros: Easy and cheap way to add network connectivity to a USB printer.

Cons: Software is mandatory and you can't install a network printer just by using TCP/IP. This device works, but it doesn't function exactly like HP Jet Direct.

If you're hoping to slap this on, and add the printer by IP address, you're out of luck. You HAVE to use the included manager to print to a printer using this device.

Documentation is lacking.

Other Thoughts: Web interface is alright.

Pros: Does what it should

Cons: None so far

Other Thoughts: Hope it saves me some money

Pros: Software easy enough for beginners
Simple install

Cons: None so far

Other Thoughts: Worked with my Windows 7 x64 computers
Worked with my HP Color Laserjet 3550 (which isn't listed as compatible)

Pros: > Easy to install
> Simple to use
> Allows printing and scanning from my desktop and my laptop using the same multi-function printer
> Small, fits almost anywhere

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: Both my desktop and my laptop have Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. It took about 1 minute on each to install the software. My printer is the Canon MF-4350d that I use for printing and scanning. I have a network-connected XP computer that I keep for software that won't run on Windows 7, and I'm going to install this device on that one too.