Ever since I got a Mac, I have been going through the hassle of putting the required files into my hard disk, transferring it to my Windows XP PC before finally printing. I could very easily connect my HP Deskjet F2120 to my iMac if I actually bought it.

It gets really frustrating if I missed out on a file.
It is no joy having to go through the same troublesome process one more time.

I did attempt making it a shared printer which both my Mac and PC can have access. Just recently, my Mac is not able to detect its presence on my home network. If you have managed to do it in Mac OS X 10.5.4, please drop me an email. Of course as an alternative, I could always connect to the shared printer’s Samba url.

My internet connection is not only shared between my Mac and PC, but also by my tenant. Due to this, my PC’s local IP address is not fixed. One day it could be using 192.168.1.101, and 192.168.1.102 on another. Depending on the local IP address being assigned to my PC, my printer configuration may or may not work.

As a one-stop solution, I am contemplating purchasing an All in One printer in the upcoming Comex exhibition next week. I have my eyes set on the Canon MP198. However, I am not excluding any other options. If there is one which represents value for money, why not?

On 1 hand, in addition to having dedicated functions (inexistent with shared printers), this printer would be used solely by my Mac. On the other, I am forced to dig deep into my pockets. For the time being, I do not need to do any extensive printing. Well that could all change in October when I eventually begin my Bachelor in Computer Science degree program and purchasing a printer would no longer be a want, but a need.