HP WP110 Wireless Print Server Review

The Hewlett Packard WP110 is HP's entry level single parallel port 802.11b wireless print server. Its expensive compared to other wireless print servers on the market, read on and find out if its worth the $200 price tag.

Hewlett Packard's WP110 wireless print server is WiFi compatible and will talk to other WiFi wireless devices from manufacturers like HP, Apple Airport, Cisco, 3COM and Lucent.

wireless networking is now fast safe and secure. Wireless security problems are a thing of the past. The WP110 supports 40 and 128 bit encryption making your data safe from prying eyes.

Connecting your WP110

The print server connects to your printer via a standard parallel port connection so the HP WP110 will attach to most color laser printers. The printserver does NOT ship with a DB-25 parallel cable - you'll need to purchase one separately. You've been warned.

Now attaching a wireless print server to your computer is all very well but will it work? The WP110 supports more printers than the WP100 did but fails to support some popular laserjets. Check with your printers manufacturer and hp to see if your laser printer is supported.

Supported printers (Windows)

• HP Deskjet 895C
• HP Deskjet 900-series printers (those with a parallel port).
• HP Deskjet 1220C, CP1160 series, CP1700 series, HP 2250 series.
• HP LaserJet 1200, 2100, 2200, 4000/4050
  HP LaserJet 4100, 5000, 8000, 8100, and 9000 series.
• HP Color LaserJet 4550, 8500 series
• HP Officejet G series (for printing only).
• HP Photosmart 1115, 1215, 1218, 1315 (for printing only).

The Hp WP110 is an external print server and more prone to failures than internal models so make sure you place it in a sensible central location where it can't be knocked or dropped. If you upgrade your color laserjet to a new model you can keep it wireless with the WP110.

It's good to see that Hewlett Packard have ironed out all of the problems the WP100 wireless print server suffered from. The installation is a breeze and support for the major operating systems is included. You can even view and administer your wireless print server from an intranet administration page - the WP110 includes an embedded web server which can easily be disabled.

Once you've got the wireless printserver attached and running you'll the WP110 is much faster at delivering print data than you'd expect. Large or graphically intensive print jobs wont be held up on the print servers account. The unit functions well up to 100 feet away from the nearest wireless access point and can literally 'print thru walls'.

The two disappointments of the HP WP110 is the short warranty period and the lack of formal support for Windows XP. Come on HP! a one year warranty doesn't reassure me that my $200 was well spent. Other wireless print server manufacturers offer similar products with 2 and 3 year warranties. The print server functions perfectly under windows XP but is not officially supported.

WP110 Wireless Print Server Specifications :

• Cost : $200
• Model number : WP110 (J6062A)
• Size : 5.4 in (137 mm) W x 1.4 in (36 mm) H x 7.1 in (180 mm) L
• Wireless Protocols : 802.11b
• Best Wireless Data Rate : 11Mbps (auto-detect)
• OS : Windows NT 4, 2000, 98 & Me (No XP) / Mac 8.6, 9.0, and X
• Printer interface : Centronics bidirectional parallel port

Hp WP110 Review Conclusion

A solid, small, well performing but expensive wireless print server with a better than average range and excellent data rate. WiFi compatible with good printer support. Easy installation and good online support from Hp are let down by a short warranty period, lack of support for Windows XP then there's the price. At $200 the HP WP110 Wireless print server is too expensive. Other wireless print servers come with 2 or 3 parallel ports or a wireless access point for the same price. The Linksys WPS11 has the single printer port, a longer range and is half the price.

If you have to buy the more recognized brand then the HP WP110 won't let you down but I'd buy the linksys and put the money saved towards toner cartridges.

WP110 Wireless Print Server Links

• Mac printer support for HP WP110 HP.COM
• Wireless Access Point Placement ZDNET.COM
• Signup for wireless print server updates from Hp HP.COM
• HP Jetdirect Print Servers & Windows XP support HP.COM