Wireless Everything

[jr_senator]

Well, seems I can't get an answer from the computer forums, so here goes. I have 2 printers, a scanner, an external HD, 2 monitors and a mouse connected to my computer via USB and 1 Firewire (the scanner). I'm out of room so the mouse is connected to a front USB port and it looks like the dickens. I figure it's time to add a PCI card with USB ports. I would love to get rid of the cables which look awful and get in the way. Is there someway via raido or blue-tooth that would allow me to hook everything up and do away with the cables? I have Vista and am using RAID 0 if that makes any difference.

[Jon]

You can get a wireless USB mouse and keyboard. There are WiFi print servers you can plug the printers into. I don't know of a wireless option that'll support a scanner though. You could also look at Bluetooth which supports printers, mice, keyboards, sound, and many cell phones. You wouldn't want a wireless connection to your external drive, as WiFi is going to be a bit slower (especially with a lot of other traffic from other peripherals) than a wired connection.

[jr_senator]

I looked at Bluetooth. I guess I don't understand it. I have found something one plugs into a USP port on the computer, not expensive, $20-$25, that covers up to 7 devices. But, I don't see anything to plug into the printers, etc.

[Jon]

You'd need to have a Bluetooth printer for that to work there. But it'll handle a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. For print servers on WiFi, see here (http://reviews.cnet.com/1990-3243_7-6273576-1.html) (first Google hit on WiFi print servers). You'd need a WiFi network in place, though.

[net_tech]

Well, 2 monitors and a mouse connected to my computer via USB and 1 Firewire (the scanner).

Don't think your monitors are connected via USB. Most likely DVI or VGA perhaps?
You can get a print server for your printers, which will free up your usb, but will use a network port on your router/switch. I would not go with a WiFi print server unless I have no choice.
I have a D-Link nas (dns-323), which is my backup hard drive (raid-1) and a print server for a laser hp printer. If you are gonna purchase a print server, make sure your printer model is supported by the printserver device. (call the print server manufacturer to get the answer)

If your computer has a Bluetooth built-in you can purchase a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse and free up another usb port.

[jr_senator]

Of course, you are correct about the monitors connection. I don't want to goof anything up so I think I will just add a PCI card. It's something I have done before but not with this computer. I do have WiFi and we run a couple of laptops off it. Thanks Jon, thanks net_tech.

[tonylong]

My experience with wireless mice and keyboards has been less than satisfactory. So, aside from my wireless router, I run everything through powered USB 2.0 hubs and a couple firewire things. Yes, a card with ports is a good thing, but having powered hubs is an important add-on. The powered feature lets you run older USB 1 devices as well as USB 2 devices without slowing the port down.

[neilwood32]

My experience with wireless mice and keyboards has been less than satisfactory. So, aside from my wireless router, I run everything through powered USB 2.0 hubs and a couple firewire things. Yes, a card with ports is a good thing, but having powered hubs is an important add-on. The powered feature lets you run older USB 1 devices as well as USB 2 devices without slowing the port down.

My experiences as well have been bad - they cut out with little or no warning and always at the most inopportune moment (just as your hurrying to prepare a print for someone or looking for that last minute stuff).

Powered USB hubs are the way to go - yes there are lots of wires but that can be dealt with by the judicious use of coloured tape (to identify the wires) and zip ties!

[Living Daylight]

I have been building computers for longer than I have been taking pictures, and have always found wireless things to be far inferior to wired.

Considering that it is not possible to have a wireless scanner, monitor or hard drive I think your better off going wired.

[net_tech]

here is your wireless USB solution. I have yet to see how reliable it is.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/620531-REG/Iogear_GUWH204KIT_Wireless_USB_Hub_and.html