Single User Printer Network or USB?

I know this question does not really belong here, but I didn't know where else to post it. Just looking for opinions really.

I will be installing a HP Laserjet Printer for use on an XP PC. The printer has built in USB and Ethernet. Printer was used previously in small office and was networked, but will now only be used on a single PC. I have the option to install direct via USB or connect to PC with ethernet via router. What is the advantages and disadvantages? What would your preference be?

 

Personally I'd network it (perhaps you could predict that answer from me). Two reasons:

• You may only have one PC at the moment, but you may add another in the future, or get a wireless device you want to print from (e.g. PDA). Of course you could just move over to the network connection when you need to, but I think its better to use a connection method that will scale, so as to avoid finding that the time it doesn't work, is the first time you need to use it.
• Laser printers with built in network cards are designed to work via the network interface. I think hardware works best if you use it the way it likes to be used.

The only reason I'd use USB, is if it gave me a feature or facility I couldn't get over network.

 

I was put off network by a previous install that had an issue. Printer was only turned on when it use, but some item would not print. Has to restart router and printer to get the thing to print. But I do see you point I was thinking about going with Network. Once the job is done, I won't be around so need to have a bullet proof setup.

 

Well - then there is another advantage. If it's a fairly decent printer, it will have an in-built web server and you'll be able to manage it via a browser interface. Then you're only a little way from being able to remotely manage the printer!!!

 

since it is only a single computer why not make your life easy and set up as a standard usb attached printer connected directly to your computer

 

It had to be USB as I forgot to reset the IP address the printer back to default (auto), as it was manually configured on a different subnet. Since I was short of time I just set it up with USB, as otherwise would of need to changed setting on router and to be honest I couldn't be bothered as it would messed up the wireless, but next time I will set it with ethernet.

 

There's something lovely about opting for the pragmatic solution. Something very human about just going for the solution that works. Good man!!!

 

Next I go, I will set up the printer so it could work on network. I feel a bit guilty that the job has not been done properly, even though the user is happy, I know that it would be better to get ethernet working. I will get it done eventually, just don't like doing like making shortcuts unless i really need to, so in this I will tell myself it was necessary.

 

If it ain't broke - don't fix it. USB isn't a bad solution.