Lantronix has extended the xPrintServer line with the launch of the home edition of its AirPrint technology extender. Roughly the size of an iPhone, the new xPrintServer Home Edition allows nearly any USB printer to be used with the iOS, instead of just AirPrint-specific devices.
Configuration is as simple as hooking the device up to a 10/100/1000 wired or 802.11a/b/g/n wireless network, plugging in a USB printer, and selecting the printer in the iOS print dialog box. No special drivers need to be installed. In addition to the single USB printer directly connected to the device, up to two network printers can be provisioned through the xPrintServer. A printer connected to the xPrintServer is also available to all networked PC or Macintosh computers on the network.
Software-based options exist for adapting non-AirPrint printers for the iOS, but the xPrintServer is an always-on solution that consumes just one watt of power. Thousands of printers are supported by the CUPS drivers integrated into the device. The xPrintServer Home Edition retails for $100, and is available for pre-order now.
