Issue 19.14
More and more of us are using tablets daily and some are even using them as their primary computer. They are great for quick and mobile access to the internet, email, facebook and many other great connections with the world. One problem that many have comes when they want to print something out that you find on line or even notes or documents you have created. Tablets and smart phones are not usually thought of as devices you can print from.
This problem is being addressed by a number of solutions, some of which are fairly easy to use and some of which are complicated, multiple step processes, but which may be the only option in certain situations.
The most universal solution is called eprinting or email printing. It is only available on certain printers, but if you have purchased one recently or if you are planning a printer purchase soon, this may be the best solution. Certain models of HP and Epson printers have this feature and other manufacturers are joining the process. You have to make sure your model supports this to use it.
You have to sign up for this with the manufacturer by going to the website, identifying your printer on your network and applying for a unique email address in their system. When you want to print something, you simply email the document to this new email address and within a couple of minutes (depending on the size of the document) your printer will start printing what you sent. This has the added bonus of working with all types of tablets that have email and you can print to your computer from anywhere in the world you have internet access.
Other approaches include “cloud” printing, which means you send the document to your cloud storage and then access that from your regular computer to print it. Some programs and cloud configurations allow you to specify that you are printing and it can go right through to your printer, depending on your software and hardware requirements. I also found that, with my apple products (Iphone, Ipad, etc.) as long as I am connected to the network that also connects to my printer, I can click on the box with an “up arrow” and I can choose airprint as an option. This brings me to a screen that says “choose printer”. I tap that and, if there is an airprint compatible printer on my network, I can choose it and the document or page will print. There is a compatibility list at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4356#How_to_Print but it is not complete. My printers were not listed but when I tried it, my HP printer came up and printed just fine. There are a lot of apps (applications) that don’t have this feature, but many do – you just have to check. I have found it more difficult but usually possible to print from Android devices and the Microsoft tablets and phones are fairly easy to connect to your network and print from.
There are many ways to make tablet printing work. Some are complicated, but there is usually a way to do it with your equipment or with downloadable apps. Many companies and programs are adding similar features. If you need help, call or visit the manufacturer online or check with your computer tech, and be sure to always back up anything on your computer that is important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 32 years, 23 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.