Installing a wireless printer - OS comparison

[ChrisH Kerry]

A neighbour asked if I'd help set up an Epson wireless printer for them with their PC and iPad. Got the ancient PC working fine but getting the iPad printing using Epson iPrint turned into major task. I could get it to recognise the printer and it would print a document sent by email to the printer but it would not print over the network. They have one of those MiFi yokes so maybe it it something to do with that?
We have an Epson WiFi printer at home which isn't set up so I thought I'd have a go with that using various machines here and see how I got on...

Android tablet running ICS - printing away after about 5 minutes setup using Epson iPrint.

MacBook - printing after about 5-10 minutes. Added wireless printer in System Pref. Installed necessary software without intervention, no hassle.

Windows 7 netbook - added new network printer via Control Panel, found printer then needed to add drivers... "Please select your printer from the list, or press Windows Update for a bigger list" Yep... that's as far as we got, just froze up and eventually had to give it the Ctrl, Alt, Delete treatment

Have to go back and have a look at why the iPad wouldn't print over the network - was a bit disappointed with that but hopefully will get to the bottom of it. Good to see at least Android and MacBook made the process painless and easy

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Opposite to me

Two windows laptops print remotely to a wireless printer...MacBook air won't


Depends on your printer make, I reckon...luck of the draw

 

[Walowiz]

Had no problems at all with a Canon MG6350, worked straight away wirelessly with iPad, iPhone, android phone, Windows HTPC and the iMac. Brilliant bit of kit.

From the reviews of wireless printers, it seems they aren't all straightforward to configure and use over wireless.

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Certainly not overly impressed with the Epson setup with the original PC I tackled though it did work. Had a Canon here at home a while back and that did seem straight forward to set up. I'll take another look at the iPad at some point though and get it working... does all seem a bit hit and miss.