subject: Printing from Your iPhone Useful Tools [print this page] Printing from Your iPhone Useful Tools Printing from Your iPhone Useful Tools
Much has been written and debated about the ability (or inability) to print from iPhone. There was a lot of controversy in the beginning because the iPhone didn't let users do what they wanted to do with any measure of ease, like connecting to USB printers. Printing was as tedious as uploading photos taken on the iPhone to a PC or laptop just so the users can print them.
Print Apps
There are some solutions for printing from iPhone. These solutions will have their own strengths and limitations, so you need to research each and pick which one fits your printing preferences and habits.
AirPrint
AirPrint comes FREE with iOS 4.2. Those with the recommended compatible printers and the correct Wi-Fi connectivity you are all set for true wireless printing. There are no additional software to download, no drivers to install and no cables to connect. For now, only HP has come up with ePrint-enabled printers that will work with AirPrint.
HP ePrint Enabled Printers:
Photosmart eStation (C510)
HP ENVY100 e-AiO (D410)
Photosmart Premium Fax e-AiO (C410)
Photosmart Premium e-AiO (B310)
Photosmart Plus e-AiO (B210)
Photosmart Wireless e-AiO (B110) (EU, AP)
Photosmart e-AiO (D110) (Americas)
HP Printers That Require Firmware Upgrade:
LaserJet Pro CP1525nw Color Printer (www.hp.com/go/airprint/CP1525)
LaserJet Pro CP1525n Color Printer (www.hp.com/go/airprint/CP1525)
LaserJet Pro M1536dnf Multifunction Printer (www.hp.com/go/airprint/M1536)
LaserJet Pro CM1415fnw Color Multifunction Printer (www.hp.com/go/airprint/CM1415)
LaserJet Pro CM1415fn Color Multifunction Printer (www.hp.com/go/airprint/CM1415)
HP Printers with Firmware Upgrade Available December 27, 2010:
Officejet Pro 8500A e-AiO
Officejet Pro 8500A Premium e-AiO
Officejet Pro 8500A Plus e-AiO
Officejet 7500A Wide Format e-AiO
Officejet 6500A Plus e-AiO
Officejet 6500A e-AiO
Printopia
From your Mac, running Printopia will share all available printers to your iOS 4.2 iPhone. It could be an inkjet connected to your Mac, a laser printer connected to your Mac via router or a network printer. As long as your Mac can print to it, Printopia can share it to your iPhone.
Download first a demo version of Printopia before purchasing. If it is a better tool for your printing setup, then go ahead and install it.
Print Magic
This printing application is simple. It connects via Wi-Fi to most printers in your network, or any shared printer on your Mac. There is no guarantee however as they cannot predict all possible printer combinations the world can have in their homes, so it is best to do a trial run first before purchasing your Print Magic.
One thing to consider, this application does not support documents or email attachments.
Not-So-Positive Feedback
Some who tested printing from their iPhones mentioned that printing was on the slow side, but were quick to offer that it might be a problem with their own printer settings. Test it for yourself.
There are also some observations that the printouts tend to be wet when the paper comes out, and that print quality isn't very good. Again, they suggest checking your color settings and not to be too quick to blame it on the print application, the printer or your iPhone itself.
Considering how diverse setups can be to be able to print from iPhone, we cannot say with any degree of certainty which particular printing application is perfect for your needs. They either work only with a certain brand of printers, or they can only print photos or can print anything except photos, or they need additional software to work. Whichever is the case, you will surely find one which is most suitable.
