Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Print Server

Problem

In a 2 story home, I have a computer setup on the 1st floor and a Canon imageCLASS D480 multifunction printer on the 2nd floor.  The Canon D480 is generally used for fax and copy.  However, on occasion, I do need to print from it.  Usually, I have to grab a laptop and the file I need to print, run upstairs and print the file.  I'd like to use a wireless print server, but the out-of-box solutions usually have printer limitation.  I've considered using a spare laptop, but the problem with that is the power consumption.  Most laptops have 90W power supplies and this generally equates to about $10/month (as of 2013-01-08).

So here are the parameters:
  • Low power consumption
  • Support for a wide range of printers
  • Wifi enabled

mini PCI to mini PCIe adapter

I was looking around for mini PCIe adapters and I was suprised to find that you can buy a mini PCI to mini PCIe adapter.

http://www.amfeltec.com/products/flexible-minipci-to-minipcie-adapter.php

There are more mini PCIe devices available and this looks like it'll be a fanastic way to get a mini PCIe device into the Alienware Aurora m7700.