xPrintServer: making iPad and iPhone printing easy

Convert a non-AirPrint printer to be compatible with your iOS devices using this innocuous white box.

By Creative Bloq Staff
published

Our Verdict

Expensive and not as comprehensive as it claims to be, but it works well with compatible printers.

For

  • Ease of use
  • Saves hassle of buying a wireless printer

Against

  • If your printer's not on the list, prepare to be frustrated
  • Pricey - a new printer may be cheaper!
  • Must be wired to your router

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The Lantronix xPrintServer Home Edition lets you use AirPrint with USB and network-connected printers that don’t enjoy this feature. It’s easy to set up; connect the Ethernet port to your router, and if your printer is USB, plug it into the device’s USB port.

When you switch it on, it automatically looks for the printer and if it’s on Lantronix’s list of compatible devices (currently over 4,000), it configures itself for your specific model. If it’s not on the list, you can ask for it to be added using an online form. You can also add networked printers by typing their IP address into xPrintServer’s browser-based GUI, but this is far from a simple work-around.

Home on the range

The Home Edition can recognise up to eight USB printers (hub not supplied) and two network printers (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). USB printers must be physically connected to xPrintServer, so they have to be in the same room as your router, severely limiting its usefulness with multiple printers.

We tried it out with an Epson Stylus SX200, and it worked straight away. Within two minutes of switching on, this non-AirPrint printer was effortlessly picked up by our iPhone, but we had less success with printers that weren’t listed; if your personal printer isn’t on the list (which is currently very US-biased), get it added before buying an xPrintServer.

Key info

  • Price: £64
  • Manufacturer: Lantronix
  • Weight: 270g
  • Dimensions: 115x60x22mm

This review originally featured in Tap! Magazine issue 22.

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The Verdict
6

out of 10

Lantronix xPrintServer Home Edition

Expensive and not as comprehensive as it claims to be, but it works well with compatible printers.

Creative Bloq Staff

The Creative Bloq team is made up of a group of design fans, and has changed and evolved since Creative Bloq began back in 2012. The current website team consists of seven full-time members of staff: Editor Georgia Coggan, Deputy Editor Rosie Hilder, Deals Editor Beren Neale, Senior News Editor Daniel Piper, Digital Arts and Design Editor Ian Dean, Tech Reviews Editor Erlingur Einarsson and Ecommerce Writer Abi Le Guilcher, as well as a roster of freelancers from around the world. The 3D World and ImagineFX magazine teams also pitch in, ensuring that content from 3D World and ImagineFX is represented on Creative Bloq.