NETGEAR PS121 USB 2.0 Mini Print Server Reviews

• Be Patient!

  
  By AB86ER2AGB0M3 on 2005-10-24
  The installation is a little challenging. However, after reading the "troubleshooting" section of the little instruction manual, it worked. Not sure about long-term reliability, as the unit seems to get very hot. Size-wise, perfect! No perceptible delay in spooling the printer. It does not make economic sense to buy a wireless print server, if the router and the printer remain stationary. This print server is great for my use, i.e. wireless Internet in one room, with remote printing in another. Will report back if any problems develop. Remember, be patient and keep trying all of the options during the installation.
  
  
  FOLLOW-UP: Worked fine for two months until my old Canon BJC-2100 printer died (of natural causes that I believe are unrelated to the print server). Upon trying to re-install the print server with a new Canon Pixma IP3000 printer, I once gain ran into installation challenges. This time the print server did not recognize the printer nor the network connection. The written instructions did nothing. However, after visiting Netgear's website, I followed the recommendation to disable my software firewall (PC Cillin 2005 in my case). Low and behold, everything is now working, and I am once again a satisfied Netgear user. Does exactly what it is supposed to do (allow remote prining or printer sharing), with minimal, if any delay in spooling. Bottom line: Good product, lousy instructions!
  
  FURTHER UPDATE (September 15, 2007): Two years after purchase, the original PS121 (which I reviewed) started to act up, i.e. was periodically NOT recognizing my printer. After re-installing from the Netgear disc several times, I got tired and decided to "upgrade" to a PS121 with "version 2" software. Before doing this I had trouble finding another brand that would work. No go on D-Link (not compatible per website) and Air-Link (compatible but did not work for me!) Again, the Netgear install was a bit tricky, foiled initially by "Norton Antibot" program. Be sure to disable any and all antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall programs!!! The newer PS121 version runs a PS121v2 indicator in the system tray, which gives a "positive assurance" that the printer is recognized. The only time I get a red light (not connected) is when the printer is powered off. After two months, everything is working fine. I would still recommend this item, however, make sure you have the Version 2 (v2) model. CAUTION to all: Make sure you visit Netgear's website prior to purchase, to ensure compatibility with your operating system and specific printer. I can't understand why the printer manufacturers can't market their own print servers. This would certainly help with the "compatibility" issue. I don't think this works with VISTA OS. Another reviewer mentioned downloading drivers from Netgear's website. I have XP, so no issue here. If problems do develop, I will report back.
  
  

• Perfect solution to network your USB printer!

  
  By A2JP46OQM9B5X5 on 2004-04-17
  Works great right out of the box. It can be set up in minutes by following the simple instructions. I wanted to get my HP PSC 2200 printer on my wireless network using Netgear's WGR614 router. The printer's USB cable goes in one end of the Netgear PS121 print server, Ethernet cable comes out the other end and into the router. Now I can print wirelessly using my IBM laptop and Netgear's WG511 wireless card. A fraction of the cost of wireless print servers. If you want to network your USB printer, this product's for you!
  
  

• Mac Owners, Look Elsewhere

  
  By A1PT2EQEX84HK4 on 2006-10-17
  I purchased this print server only to end up returning it because it was too much of a hassle to make it work on my all-Macintosh network. Although technically it *is* Mac compatible, it requires the use of a Windows computer for the initial setup, which in my book might as well be Mac incompatible. I replaced this with the similar USB 2.0 print server from Buffalo Technologies and I was up and running (using OS X Tiger, Rendezvous and AppleTalk) within 15 minutes of receiving the Amazon package at my front door. PS: Netgear elects NOT to include an Ethernet cable in the box whereas Buffalo not only includes one, but it's a super-slick, long and ultra flat Ethernet cable, all for about the same price as the Netgear.
  
  

• Check out the compatible printer list before you buy!!!!

  
  By A3E5N52IRH5UXL on 2004-12-19
  First off, let me say that I am a Netgear fan. I've been using their products for years, and I've always had good things to say about them. However, the PS121 has been a disappointment. When I bought the item, I was under the impression that it worked with most, if not all USB printers. My mistake!!! Be sure to check out the compatible printers list on Netgear's website for the PS121. You'll find that suprisingly few USB printers actually work with this unit. Recommendation: If you have an HP printer that you want to network -- Get an HP JetDirect server -- I've gone with the 175X. Even then, you won't get everything that you want on a multifunction unit such as the OfficeJet G85 (i.e., print, scan, copy, fax) from a network. But, at least the thing will actually function with the print command. Otherwise, unless you have a printer on Netgear's verified compatibility list, pass this one by -- NOTE: I cannot verify that those printers on Netgear's compatibility list will do everything that the printer is capapble of doing while on a network. If I knew of such a device that would network all of these functions, I would recommend it. In most cases, don't expect more than simple printer communication -- forget the scan and fax functions. For me, however, the PS-121 is nothing more than a paperweight. The HP JetDirect 175X, as did my JetDirect 170 for print functions, works fine.
  
  DJR
  
  

• Not Compatible With All Printers

  
  By A2L5MWB4UH7RTL on 2006-06-08
  I purchased a mini print server because I wanted to use my laptop in one room and print from another, and I chose this particular model because I have a Netgear router and the manual for that router suggested the Netgear USB Mini Print Server (PS121). I consider myself moderately computer-savvy. The directions were clear, and I was able to install the software with no trouble. However, the print server did not work--- no test page would print. After much research on the Internet, using Google to find various forums, including a Netgear forum, I discovered that the Netgear USB Mini Print Server (PS121) is not compatible with all-in-one printers. A moderator on the Netgear forum stated that a person could use the Netgear USB Mini Print Server (PS121) with all-in-one printers by downloading printer-only drivers. It boiled down to (I guess) 1) choosing to use all three functions of my printer (printer, copier, scanner), but having to carry my laptop into the room with the printer, 2) only using the print function and being able to print from another room, or 3) buying a new printer that was compatible with the Netgear USB Mini Print Server (PS121). I chose to return the Netgear USB Mini Print Server (PS121). I rated this item only one star because I could not use it and because it was not obvious before purchase that many printers are not compatible (not merely the all-in-ones, as I found out through my research). I am very happy with my Netgear router, but not with the Netgear USB Mini Print Server (PS121). I highly recommend that a potential buyer visit the compatibility list on the Netgear website to make sure that their printer is compatible before purchase of the Netgear USB Mini Print Server (PS121).
  
  
• Inconsistent Performance Despite Calls to Technical Support
  By ACG7JNXCB0D9Y on 2004-08-20
  After using this product for more than two months two major complaints have discontinued my use of this product:
  
  1) INCONSISTENT PERFORMANCE
  The Print Server did not work out-of-box. Two calls into Technical Support helped me get product working (by installing extra "administrative level" software). While annoying I thought this was a just a little hiccup.
  
  But then my Print Server would stop working every two to three weeks, resulting in more calls to Technical Support for assistance. After the third failure I knew the help-script very well and was able to diagnose the problems and restart the Print Server myself.
  
  But why should a use have to tweak a product like this every few weeks?
  
  SLOW PERFORMANCE
  Printing graphics files or PowerPoint presentations that are just 3MB or bigger through this Print Server is very slow. What prints in 1-2 minutes with a direct USB connection takes more than 10 minutes with this Print Server.
  
  CONCLUSION
  Iffy reliability is a deal breaker for me. If you have more luck with the connection be aware of the slow printing speeds, which are unacceptable for printing large files, but may be acceptable for basic documents and spreadsheets.
  
  
• so far so good
  By A1OCMNH605XGHT on 2005-07-12
  I had some slight issues setting this up with my HP officejet 5510(all-in-one) I had to physically plug each pc/laptop to the printer first(to install drivers) but after that it was a cinch setting up the ps121 and it works like a dream so far .....
  
  Update 10/11/2005
  Been using this PS for a few months now and have some major gripes with it;
  1)Files larger than 3MB take forever to spool and print (>4mins) this is unacceptable.
  2) Lose the connection(have to reboot/unplug for my network to see it.
  Final rating is 2 stars **
  So now I'm back in the market for a print server (looking at the d-link DP300u).
  
  
• only 1 problem with the PS121...
  By A2MCDU25AIUY9B on 2006-03-12
  It doesn't work. I spent 3 days trying but it just doesn't work. I have a an Epson R200 printer and I run Windows XP. Probably my fault it doesn't work? Nope... I purchased a Linksys WPS54G and 10 minutes after I had it out of the box it worked. All 3 of my computers print just fine now. Netgear support is worthless. Yes, I tried turning off my firewall... turning off Epson print monitoring, disabled bidirectional support, different spooling options bla bla bla... the thing does not work. Do yourself a favor... spend the extra $40 or so and buy the WPS54G. The wireless ability of the WPS54G is cool since I can put my printer anyway in the house now...
  
  
• Setup Finicky at first
  By A37CHMCKY7AEFO on 2006-03-23
  You must setup the print server first via the setup wizard. Download the latest Firmware update and Set wizard first before starting.
  
  
  1. IMPORTANT: Disable any firewalls you may have before using the setup wizard, i noticed my blackice was blocking the ports to scan for the device.
  2. Update latest firmware before starting
  3. IMPORTANT: Use the setup wizard to assign a static IP to the device.
  4. Now have your device drivers unzipped somewhere and ready.
  5. Use the addport.exe utility. It will ask which printer to use, if windows does not have built in printer, use the "Have Disk" option and point to the driver location on cdrom or local computer. Your printer drivers should now install normally. Make sure you choose that the printer is installed "LOCALLY" if asked by the drivers. The printer port added by netgear looks local to the computer.
  6. That's it.
  
  Works flawlessly.
  
  
• Not a bad piece of equipment if you know what you are doing..
  By ACVGH6J8GWEH6 on 2007-03-05
  I read all of the reviews and decided to give this a try anyway and had some of the same problems as others who reviewed this product (install issues, firewall issues etc). At first I kept getting install failures and couldnt figure out why until I remembered something that I read on the internet about the firewalls interfering with installation and as soon as I disabled my firewall the install went through without a problem. The only thing I had to figure out after that was how to reactivate my firewall and still be able to use the server. I have Zone Alarm and had to add an expert rule to the firewall to allow it to work. I would assume that it would be the same with other firewalls. To be fair, the Netgear website did say that you may have to disable the firewall but their instructions were very vague and their suggestion to use Windows firewall was pretty lame. Otherwise the server works exactly as advertised and I have had no problems with it. Overall it took me about 2 hours to get everything up and running.
  
  
• Setup Is Complex
  By A2I1ZDVWX76Y8Q on 2005-08-22
  It took me ages to get this product set up, the set up modules are cumbersome and didn't work out of the box.
  
  If you are not savvy around configuring TCP/IP services on your home or small office router choose something else!
  
  
• Disappointing Offering from Netgear
  By A26IPWHDLPR4L9 on 2005-11-13
  I've always been fairly happy with Netgear products. Unfortunately, there's only one word to describe the PS121: junk. The DHCP used for configuration is flaky at best. The unit gets extremely hot, and the quality of the plastic case is very low. The reset button and ACT light on my unit did not function as documented.
  
  But what really surprised me (but probably shouldn't have) was the abhorrent quality of the documentation - both printed and online. The installation docs have brilliant troubleshooting tips like "make sure you can access other places from your computer", and the support website even recommends uninstalling firewalls. In certain cases, the website furiously demands that you "DO NOT call" for support. Unbelievable!
  
  Spend your money elsewhere.
  
  
  
• Does NOT work with HP Laserjet
  By AELH7ZEB7BP4V on 2005-12-04
  
  First documentation leaves a LOT to the imagination. As in, there is almost no documentation. The box comes with a "quick start" guide and nothing else. It took a long time to figure out that, I in fact was doing everything right.
  
  Maybe the PS121 isn't compatible with my printer an HP Laserjet 3030, it is not listed under supported or un-suported printers. Don't know, but the PS121 would hang part way into the first page of every print job.
  
  The only way to figure out that it has hung is to either ping the device's IP address OR connect to the undocumented webserver that it runs.
  
  I also own a netgear rangeMax, which has awesome wi-fi coverage (as advertized) but the most aweful setup/install I've ever experienced. For instance you CANNOT setup the rangemax unless you are connected to the Internet. But I digress...
  
  
• Poor Purchase
  By ATENE8ZTCZDB9 on 2006-02-21
  Echoing some other experiences: poor documentation, either it sets up right and goes or not; if not, you are D-E-A-D. My was going then quit. As a computer type, I am used to poor documentation and working at setting things up but when the unit does not function as advertised, then it's time to rate it accordingly: specifically, the reset button does...nothing. This renders the unit worthless as it cannot be setup since, once it falls off the network, it cannot be "found" and brought back on-line. The reset sw should allow this but, alas, it does not work as stated by others. Would not buy again and don't recommend unless you like Vegas type odds.
  
  
• Netgear USB Mini Print Server
  By A1CNFOPAU7FRMZ on 2007-01-09
  Works great, easy to install and configure.
  However, if you have a printer/scanner combo scanning functions doesn't work trough this server - you will need to connect scanner directly to pc/notebook.
  
  
• Works great with my Samsung printer
  By A2DFL2EYKKWXVT on 2004-10-09
  My setup: IBM laptop running W2K, Proxim wireless card, Microsoft MN-500 wireless router, this Netgear PS121, and a Samsung ML-1710 printer.
  
  Plug the PS121 into the wall, the usb cable from the printer into the PS121, and an ethernet cable runs between the PS121 and a spare port on your router. Now I can print from anywhere in my apartment.
  
  Setup was a snap, took about 5 minutes. I did have to read the troubleshooting part of the instructions to discover that I needed to disable 'bidirectional printing'... whatever that is.
  
  I don't know why the amazon description says that you can share with 'up to 3 computers', because you can share with any number on a wireless network.
  
  One complaint: this thing comes with a usb cable but no ethernet cable. Everyone with a usb-printer already has a usb cable, but some people might not have an ethernet cable laying around. I would prefer that they lower the price a few bucks and include no cables, most people who buy esoteric gadgets like this have extra cables.
  
  Overall, this is a nice little toy, I highly recommend it.
  
  
• Great Little Print Server
  By A3QHSHHEZT2ZYX on 2004-10-12
  Set-up is straight forward and simple. I hooked up five computers via wireless and ethernet in my home. Now if they would only invent longer lasting ink cartridges.
  
  
• Great But..........
  By A2YVFBMRH5J1YJ on 2005-02-24
  This is a great product if: a) you have checked NETGEARS website to be sure your printer is supported b) make sure you have flashed the latest EPROM info from NETGEAR and c) read and follow the instructions contained on the CD. The printed instructions that come with the PS121 are lacking!!!
  
  
• Best print server for a wireless router
  By A3IGUP9Y9YIIEP on 2005-08-15
  This has to be the easiest print server to connect, ever! Just connect the USB from printer to print server, ethernet from print server to router, plug in, follow the installation guide to install the driver for your printer, and you're ready to print in less than ten minutes! I bought mine off of eBAY new for less than $30. Otherwise, it's still a good deal directly from Amazon.
  
  
• Non-compatible
  By A35V15CLVW45LN on 2005-09-16
  From the description, this printer adapter sounded like it would work. However, I was wrong. Probably my fault but be careful to make sure your system is compatible before purchasing. Good news is, Amazon made it easy to return.
  
  
• Setup was a breeze for Samsung ML-2010
  By A8BIN5L9E3KSN on 2006-02-28
  Had no problems setting it up for a Samsung ML-2010. This printer was already installed on our laptops (a toshiba satellite and a compaq presario). Did not need to use the printer cd during the process. The only hitch was that the installation wizard chose to change the settings of the printer to "Use the printer offline" which was weird but that can be reset by the click of a mouse (right click on your printer icon and click on "Use the printer offline" to disable it). Entire process from opening the box to setting it up on both laptops took around 20 minutes.
  The netgear website maintains a useful list of compatible printers. Check it out before you buy this.
  
  
• WHO-EE: Canon 780 Wireless!!!!!
  By A3NTBHLF79JZ5C on 2006-04-28
  I have a simple set-up at home: My wife has a desktop wired into our router, and I have a laptop that I operate wirelessly. We wanted to get an AIO and I really labored over the decision.
  
  I've had HP before - top of the inkjet line - and after less than 2 years I had to throw it away. Because of the horizontal feed, the rollers wore and I was advised that it was cheaper to buy a new printer than fix the worn rollers. I've also had Canon and they are like the Excel bunny - they just keep running and running. They use a gravity feed, so there is less wear on the rollers. I also considered that for an HP 7310/7410, a black cartridge costs $30 for 21 ml, and a Canon 3E black cartridge is 27 ml and costs $14. You do the math.
  
  So I bought the MP780 even though I needed wireless, because while half the buyers of the HP wireless AIO's raved, the other half said it was terrible. I don't like that kind of reaction to something I'm about to buy.
  
  Several reviewers here at Amazon said you can set up the MP780 to print wirelessly if you use the Netgear 121 Print Server. Guys, thank you!, thank you!, thank you! for that information!!! It was invaluable. I bought the 121 and in less than 40 minutes I was all set and printing wirelessly. I expect I will need to use the desktop or else plug my laptop directly to the AIO to send faxes ad scan, but I can print wirelessly, which is the main thing.
  
  Thank you Canon!! Thank you Netgear!!! Thank you to the other reviewers who said this combo would work!!!
  
  
• Never got past installation setup-customer service bad
  By A1H2KQF6MKA1DJ on 2006-11-02
  I am somewhat computer savvy - I understand the the IP address assigned in installation needs to match what my own router assigned for an ip address. They don't match and I can't figure out how to change it. I called Netgear 4 days ago for help and they said their "senior tech" would have to call me back. Still waiting for that call. Back to Staples it goes. The installation appeared successful, but whenever I try to print, it says "error - printer is busy" The so-called instruction manual for this is laughable. IF you're not an advance level IT person, don't try it.
  
  
• Check Compatibility Beforehand
  By ALK2V2VFHRFNP on 2007-02-25
  I installed a new HP all-in-one inkjet and then attempted to install the Netgear PS121. What a mess! Seemed like I almost made it through installation... then hit a brick wall. Waited for 40 minutes to talk to a nice gentleman in India who tried helping for 30 minutes before announcing that it wasn't compatible with the HP printer. In the process it sabotaged the printer drivers, so I had to uninstall the Netgear software and re-install the printer - in that order to make it work. Side note: Windows Vista made installing the printer an ordeal. I wish I'd waited a while before getting Vista.
  
  
• Super simple till you run into a problem
  By A1DCN7O0VPTJZ9 on 2005-01-16
  I bought the print server and followed the super simple directions and no luck. I was trying to attach to an Epson printer that was neither on the supported nor the will not work with lists. After many hours of trying different settings I got the thing to work. In depth manuals and self support tech support are non-existent. The unit worked with out problems for the last couple of months till I unplugged it to move it to another outlet. Now all I can do is get it to print the first couple of lines and then it hangs and has to be unplugged to get it to respond again. I've tried emailing support with no respond and I have tried calling support and after wading through a very long automated menu, the system told me that I had twenty minute plus wait and then after a few minutes hung up. So my review is buyer beware! It may work right out of the box, but if it doesn't don't expect any help from the documentation or live support.
  
  
• Couldn't make it work
  By A3EZT2R077YWLN on 2005-01-30
  I spent hours trying to get this thing to work on 2 PCs. I spoke to several nice folks in India, did everything they said, but only one computer could ever see my printer. Aargh. Too much time wasted. I sent it back for a refund.
  
  
• Works Fine with HP LaserJet 1012 Printer
  By A2QAL3PTBGBBGV on 2005-05-20
  I installed this print server into a wireless network supporting two computers - one running Windows 98 SE, and one running Windows XP Home Edition SP2. The only difficulty I had was when installing the printer port on the Windows 98 machine. It was no fault of Netgear. I kept getting an alert message that a specific .dll file could not be found. After a couple of hours trying to do a "work around," I finally figured out I could go to a website and download the .dll file which was missing from my operating system. Since then, everything has worked like a charm.
  
  I should mention that I have disabled the Windows firewall on my XP machine and I'm running Norton firewall in it's place.
  
  The PS121 works just fine with the HP LaserJet 1012 Printer. I was a little apprehensive at first because it is not listed on Netgear's web site in their list of compatible printers. I was delighted to discover it has no difficulties.
  
  You will need an inexpensive RJ45M/RJ45M Patch Cable (Cat5e, or better) to connect the PS121 to a physical port on your router. The print server comes with a USB cable to connect it to your printer.
  
  One last note: The firmware upgrade available on Netgear's web site actually consists of two files - the upgrade utility, and the binary file containing the new programming instructions. You need them both. The upgrade utility will ask for the binary file to send to the PS121.
  
  
• Easy to set up, works with many printers
  By A1KNCHJQYLD334 on 2005-06-01
  I looked long and hard before choosing this print server. It's the smallest and most affordable USB print server, and garnered the highest user ratings of all those I checked. I tried it with the print function of my Brother 8840 Multifunction Laser Printer/Copier/Fax and had excellent results. Sadly, it did not interface (through no fault of its own) with my new Konica Minolta Magicolor 2400 W color laser. However, Konica-Minolta told me that this printer wasn't networkable before I tried...I was just hoping to prove them wrong.
  
  The user interface is SIMPLE...just follow the wizard on the CD. It installs a standard TCP/IP printer port on your computer...plug your printer into the server, the server into your network, then install the drivers, select the new driver in the properties menu of your printer, and you're good to go. Note that it probably won't work with the scanning and faxing functions of multifunction machines.
  
  Truly as close to "idiot proof" as you will find in a network device. Now if only it was wireless!
  
  
• Works OK, but. too much work getting there.
  By A21UU6STOUBBRV on 2005-12-24
  I give this unit 2 stars mostly because it's inexpensive. If you need to network a very basic printer, it might be for you. I purchased it for printing support on an HP OfficeJet multi-function machine. It wouldn't work after several hours of effort and I finally figured that it wasn't compatable with the OfficeJet. I did get it working quite well with a basic HP inkjet printer, however.
  
  Had this unit not been so cheap, it would have earned one star and a trip back to Amazon. The configuration is not straightforward, and the documentation, while pretty thorough, isn't well organized, so you spend too much time trying to figure things out.
  
  Following the 'quick start' instructions, you'd surmise that you just plug in the PS121 and install the software. Only after several hours effort do you discover that a number of extra 'little' steps are required to actually get the thing working.
  
  For example, somewhere in fine print of the documentation is a vague mention of "Server Software" that must be installed on one computer, in addition to the basic print server software. Huh, what server software? I explored the Netgear CD and, lo, I finally found the FSADMIN folder. From there, I installed the software that actually configures the PS121. Would it have been so difficult for Netgear to have, like maybe, put that on the splash screen that appears when you insert the CD???
  
  Overall, the install software feels sort of, well, inelegant. The FSADMIN is downright buggy (it locked up several times), and the regular configuration is not exactly seamless.
  
  Elsewhere in the documentation, you find another mention that the server won't be stable unless you give it a static IP address. It makes sense, however, that's not exactly a plug and play operation on the average home network.
  
  Finally, to echo a couple other reviews, the unit is cheap plastic, it gets excessively warm, and the lights and reset button don't work as described in the documentation.
  
  But if you need a basic print server for a simple printer, this unit is about as cheap as they come. Just be prepared for the install to be a bit of an adventure.
  
  
• worked with my samsung ML-2010
  By A7DGB35U3DLU6 on 2005-12-24
  If you are not sure it worked with your printer, mine is ML-2010 from Samsung and it worked like a charm. Set up took 10 min max!
  
  

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