Home > Consumer Reviews > AmbiCom WPKIT Wireless Printer Adapter

As usual, when it comes to electronic gizmos, Amazon doesn't provide a lot of info on this, but I took the leap and bought it and now I'll give you the low down so you can decide if this baby is what you are looking for. Basically, this is a USB cable minus the cable. You plug one gizmo (the printer adaptor) into your printer and the other gizmo (the slave adaptor) into your USB port on your computer and you can print just as if you had the cable pluged in. If you have more than one computer, you can buy more slave adaptors separately to plug into each of them (Amazon sells these also). Now, my printer was already installed on both of my computers before I used this. I plugged this in and was able to print from both computers without problem. Ambicom has a website that gives better detail concerning printer compatability. Some printers will print more slowly using this gizmo but I didn't have that problem with my hp5650. Just check the chart on the web site before you buy this, the one on Amazon isn't detailed enough.

What I like:
1. You don't have to have a wireless network setup for this to work. It works all by itself between the printer and whatever computers you plug the slave adaptors into. If you do have a network setup, this isn't dependent on your setup so you don't have to worry about compatability issues.
2. No need for a "printer server" or any of that other confusing and expensive hardware.
3. No software to install for this gizmo to work. As long as you have your USB printer driver installed on your computer and you are already printing with a regular USB cable, just pull the cable and plug this in instead.
4. Works in a 100 foot radius.

What I don't like so much
1. The adaptors stick out about two inches from your computer and printer. Not generally a big deal, but my toddler and baby find the slave adaptor sticking out of my laptop fascinating and they have a tendency to yank it out. Of course, that's not a problem if you have two inches of space and no kiddos.

Things to keep in mind
1. The adaptor that plugs into your printer does need to be plugged in to a power source, which shouldn't be a problem since the printer has to be plugged into a power source. It does come with it's own power cable.
2. It is not compatable with all printers and the list on Amazon is not completely accurate, so check out the chart on the Ambicom website.
3. This item is actually both adaptors - one for your printer and one for one computer. To hook up additional computers, buy a slave adaptor (also sold on Amazon) for each additional computer you want connected.

Before ordering, you should know from Ambicom's own support website that "The following printers will not compatible with the wireless printer kit:

Laser printer
Inkjet printer with memory card reader
Photo printer with memory card reader
Multi-functional (All-In-One) printer
and printer that is not listed on the chart"

Until wireless USB becomes available, this amazing gadget is a great way to roam and print. It functions as a wireless printer cable featuring bi-directional printing. Toss away your existing USB printer cable, plug in one USB adapter gizmo into your notebook, the other USB adapter gizmo into your USB printer -- voila, instant wireless USB printing. Its that simple (well, not quite, the printer adapter only worked when I used the supplied USB extension cable). The printer adapter requires use of the supplied AC-DC adapter (110v to 240v).

My computer is an HP zt3000 notebook. Printer is a Canon i80. Works great with the i80 although not documented as a compatible printer. Perhaps many non-documented printers will work also, YMMV. My wireless test range was 100 feet through one wall. The range is identical to my wireless router range. Aparently this gadget uses bluetooth, it is only pairs between the two supplied adapters, not possible to pair with any other devices (missed opportunity here).

This gizmo is better than using a print server because it allows bi-directional printing. However, I've got to wonder if there's problems with security or interference from other nearby units. So maybe its best to keep it a secret afterall.

This unit is only for a small group of simple inkjet printers. The manufacturer does not mention this anywhere on the outside packaging. Check the manufacturers website for supported printers. The printer must be USB, and not require bi-directional printing. Range was about a dozen feet, not the 100ft advertised. You'd be far better off getting an 802.11b/g wireless printer server and add it to an existing wireless network than try to use the bluetooth set up. Multi-function printers, laser printers etc. will not work with this unit.

very easy way to have a printer connected to you computer with-
out wires. followed the instructions and installation was a
snap. worked wonderfully. Makes moving the computer and printer
easy. excellent simple solution.