The Linksys wireless print server is a nifty little solution to this problem offering the ability for any device on your wireless network to access the function of your printer without the need for CAT5 cables, it uses the wireless standard 802.11b to transfer data at up to 11mbits.

The print server has an inbuilt 256kb buffer for storing print jobs which is adequate for most office type documents but can run out of puff when printing graphic intensive files or photos, in this case the data is sent as needed from your PC which still works well. Administration of the print server is achieved via a remote management utility which runs in a standard web browser, from here you can configure IP address and other network parameters to integrate the printer into your wireless network.

The unit has a USB port for connecting to the printer and does also have a cabled Ethernet 10/100 baseT port should you ever need it, it also sports a type II expansion slot and is capable of a firmware upgrade as released by Linksys.

Downsides were limited to setup, the supplied Linksys manual was simply useless and didn't cover even the basics so you are on your own to get it working, that said XP is easy enough to configure the print server with but we couldn't vouch for fighting windows ME.

Overall the Linksys wireless print server does what it says on the tin and despite the lack of clear instructions its possible to setup the server and be printing within 15 minutes from anywhere on your wireless network.