Product: Neu-Fusion NPS-300WU wireless print server Price: $1,100 Pros: Multiple support for different operating system environments; distributor Maxfair Technology provides remote installation via the Internet Cons: Some knowledge of networking such as setting up an IP address, is required.
There is nothing fascinating about a print server, the device tasked to queue up print jobs all day long. But a low-cost, wireless print server such as the Taiwan-made Neu-Fusion NPS-300WU now enables small offices to be efficient while cutting their network printing costs.
The NPS-300WU has already carved a niche in the local market, which is dominated by expensive wireless print servers meant for the high-end colour laser printer range.
The NPS-300WU is equipped with one parallel port used for dot-matrix printers, and 2 USB ports for inkjet, laser and multifunction printers. That way, users can simultaneously share three printers on a fixed-line local-area network (LAN). It handles data rates up to 54 megabits per second for 802.11g wireless LAN sites and 11Mbps for the typical 802.11b wireless network, with wide coverage. It is also compliant with USB 2.0 high-speed printing.
The device also supports different computer operating environments, including Windows 95/98/Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000/XP, Macintosh operating system with Apple Talk, Unix, Linux and NetWare.
A web-based configuration utility is included so the user can set up the print server through any Java-enabled browser, such as Internet Explorer 5.0 and Netscape Navigator 6.0 or higher. This windows-based program is useful for system administrators to set up the entire printing system in minutes.
