Lantronix xPrintServer XPS1002HM-01-S Print Server - Home Edition For iOS Printing At Home RJ45 USB 2.0

Pros: None

Cons: Could not get this junk to work on my network

Other Thoughts: Unfortunately, I waited until after 30 days to try to set up the two units that I bought to find out that both are no good. Now I can't return them.

Pros: 1) Easy setup. Really easy.
2) It works. Exactly like they say.

Unplug your USB printer from your computer and plug it into the device. Connect the device to internet, plug in the power cord, and you are done. Almost.

Since your computer now has no printer, you need to install Apple's Bonjour Printer Wizard from the Apple site. Install and run the wizard to make your USB printer visible to you computer via the xPrintServer.

Start to finish, 5 mins tops.

In case you are unclear how this works: you have just turned your single-user USB printer into one that can print from any iDevice with printing ability, as well as from any Windows or Mac computer on your network. Oh, my!

Cons: None (yet - I'm usually not this lucky)

Other Thoughts: Will save the lives of millions of pre-AirPrint printers. Do the world a favor - buy this instead of a new printer.

Pros: Works with PC using Bonjour service per included instruction (single piece of paper). You can connect up to 8 USB printers.

Cons: 1) Works ONLY with iOS4 (e.g. v4.3.3) - both iOS3 & iOS6 (v6.0 & v6.1) not finding any printers. Even using PrintCentral app is useless since you have to know the port (80 connects but gives an error when printing with IPP protocol).

Even on iOS4 I can only see the USB printer(s) - and not the wireless ink printer, which is listed on the 'admin' part of this server's embedded website (http://xprintserver.local)

The real manual is online - to login to that box as an 'admin' check for updates you have to first register this device on company website.

Other Thoughts: Description and marketing materials (currently WRONG) should be updated to reflect limited compatibility with iOS devices - it is safe only for 1st gen of iDevices (since you cannot go beyond iOS4 on them).

Updates are directly from the device's web server. When checking online - there is FW v.1 only from 04/2012 - probably for the business model (NetworkEdition). Nothing for this unit (HomeEdition).

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Noski,

Thank you for your recent purchase of the Lantronix xPrintServer. We are sorry to hear you are having difficulty with our xPrintServer Home Edition. We have conducted extensive internal and external tests with iOS versions from 4.2 up through and including 5, 6.0 and 6.1 with successful results. There are a few instances where users might experience issues and there are several options to quickly reach resolution.

1. Lantronix has a Technical Support team (U.S.-based) and many FAQs on our support site that can help to determine and resolve issues you are experiencing:

2. You can go to the link below and enter “xPrintServer” in the search field to find answers.
http://ltxfaq.custhelp.com/app/answers/list

3. If the problem persists, we encourage you to contact us directly to speak to a live support person at our toll free number: 1-800-422-7044 -- one of our tech support personnel will be happy to assist you with any issues you are experiencing.

4. Finally, if you prefer email versus phone, we also offer email support at the following link.
http://ltxfaq.custhelp.com/app/utils/login_form/redirect/ask

All of us at Lantronix are committed to providing an easy and outstanding customer experience. Thank you again for your interest and support in Lantronix and our xPrintServer!
Best Regards,

Lantronix Technical Support Staff

Pros: Easy. Plug it into your network, find you iToy and you are printing. Same with the USB, plugged in an old printer and was able to print immediately.
Great product for anyone with an iPad that has been fighting with balky printing apps.

Cons: None yet.

Other Thoughts: Did notice that I once had to cycle wireless to get the printers noticed. But it has only happened once, so I could easily been my system.

Pros: It will upgrade nearly any printer to be Airprint capable so you can print to it from your iPad, iPhone, or iTouch. This is how simple it is: Unboxed it, connected it to my Linksys wireless router, plugged it into an outlet, plugged it into my printer, and I was able to print to it from my iPad wirelessly within 1 minute. Also, it has an iApp so you can access it or the network edition through your i-device. It uses about 1 watt of power which is much cheaper than leaving a computer on all the time to print through it. It is also less of a headache than emailing yourself what you want to print. It's not compatible with all printers so you have to check on the company's website for the list, but it worked with all printers I tested. One other note, you can also connect up to two network printers besides USB printers. More than one USB printer needs a USB hub however.

Cons: The device needs to be next to your printer (USB) which is not a problem, but then you also have to connect the device to your wireless router via an ethernet cable which may not always be near your printer. One could debate if getting an Airprint printer makes more sense than buying a converter, but if you have an expensive laser or you don't want to replace all your ink, this is a good option. Also, if you do get an Airprint printer to replace your printer someday, you can just sell or give this to someone who is an owner of one of the millions of printers that are out there that are not Airprint compatible.

Other Thoughts: I am not listed as a verified owner because a competitor to Newegg was selling it for $12 less before they raised the price to get closer to Newegg's price. I'm typically a loyal Newegg customer, but in this case, that was the cost of a pizza so I took advantage of the deal. On another note, the xPrintServer iApp is a cool utility to access the Home Edition and/or the Network Edition. In closing, the xPrintServer Home Edition follows it's sibbling the Network Edition by working and working well.