Epson Stylus Photo R340

[buzzy]

I have an Epson Stylus Photo R340 printer which despite it's age is superb. However, I do find increasingly that I need to use it on my laptop. It is connected to my main PC and so I need to change leads in this situation.

However on the front of the printer there is another USB port but of the type that is installed on the laptop/PC ('A') and I wonder if I could use this with a double ended USB2 'A' to 'A' lead whilst leaving the rear 'A' to 'B' in situ?

[nike]

Buzzy, are you using a wireless router? If so, why not network the PC and the laptop and share the printer. I have three printers on my network, one is a Canon MP640 which is upstairs on Vickies PC, and downstairs in my computer room I have a Canon MP780 and a Samsung CLP315 colour laser, and any of the four computers, 2 x PC's and 2 x Laptops, can print to any of the three printers at any time.

[buzzy]

Kev - yes I do use a wireless router, my PC is connected to it by cable and the laptop is connected wirelessly. I had not thought it would be possible to utilise the printer this way, would you elaborate for me please.

[ken]

You need to go into the Printer Properties Buzz, Sharing and enable network sharing on the main computer. Then go into the Printer Properties on the Laptop and change the settings. Change the connection to Standard TCP/IP Port and it should find it. It might be easier to uninstall the printer on the laptop and then reinstall as a network printer. Then the software will find it and set it up.

[buzzy]

Thanks Ken, I will give it a go over the weekend.

[exxy]

To answer the original question, no I don't think you can use the front port to control the printer from the laptop.

It is just a reader, for Pictbridge cameras and printing from a USB stick.