Posted by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 8/11/07 12:29pm
Msg #205057

Remote printing

If anybody has any sound advice on the following, I'd appreciate it.

I've just acquired a laptop with wireless capability and an HP 1020 LaserJet. The intent is to be able to print from my vehice. Based on some email exchanges with Misty, I'm planning to run cables off the car battery through the firewall to an inverter. At this point, I don't intend to sign up for broadband; reception would be problematic in many of the areas I cover. The intent is to locate a hotspot, download, then print.

Am I missing anything here? Are there any pitfalls of which I need to be wary?

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/11/07 12:52pm
Msg #205059

There are Those...

...who are of the opinion that utilizing a "hot spot" is a less than secure method for downloading doc packages. While I'd agree with their assessment; I've also done it, albeit on a very infrequent basis. I see nothing wrong with using a "hot spot" for emergency purposes when it's the only way to get it done. Here in St Louis my favorite free WiFi access is through Panera Bread Co's restaurants as they have many locations spread across the Metro area. BTW, some of the techies on the board may be able to provide you with some hints to make your laptop less vulnerable to a hacker while in a WiFi public domain.

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 8/11/07 1:45pm
Msg #205065

Re: There are Those...

Thanks, Dennis.

Surely there must be some way we can transform this into a political and/or religious disagreement. Posting with you just doesn't seem the same without that.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 8/11/07 2:18pm
Msg #205067

I Don't Know About You, Hugh...

...but my political/religious stripes haven't changed. Maybe we really can "just get along".

Reply by RickinVA on 8/11/07 1:49pm
Msg #205066

You *may* want to rethink that idea. I don't know how many possibilities you
have where you have to print in the field, but I suspect a printer usable the way
you plan, and the inverter, the storage for paper and toner (humidity), etc. will be
pretty expensive. Since you *seem* to be in a big city, I wonder if you wouldn't be
just as flexable by just D/L the files to a USB drive (50± bucks) and take it to a
Kinkos or similar for printing. I'm in a very rural area, and there is nowhere to pay
for printing here, but I'm seldom more than 40 minutes from home. I just have to
schedule things.
Just a thought!

Rick

Reply by MelissaM_FL on 8/11/07 2:35pm
Msg #205071

After printing nearly 80 miles out last night...

I have to say that EVERY penny I've spent on my remote set-up has been worth it! I did two jobs last night I'd have never been able to squeeze in if I couldn't print on the fly. This is pretty typical and has made my mobile office pay for itself VERY quickly!

Hugh, the only suggestion I have is to always plan on parking to print. I tried printing while driving, but it's too distracting for me! However, I pulled up in my borrowers' driveways last night and printed documents right there. One borrower came out to the car (of his own volition) and we did the identification and copies of ID right there. We moved inside once the second set of docs printed for his copy package.

The other borrower, an older gal, was astounded at how far technology has come since she was a girl. She just couldn't believe it was possible for me to print her loan docs in her driveway!

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 8/11/07 4:28pm
Msg #205082

Suggestion. Get a cell modem for your laptop. $20+/- ...

per month with Sprint depending on useage. Download dox to your laptop
while driving. I can download a 100 page pkg in less than
10 minutes. Nothing to it. As secure as a cell phone call.
When you get to customers house, carry in your laptop
and printer, stiick the plug into the wall and print dem suckers off.
They can sign as they come off the printer.
Whole bunch less hassle and much cheaper/

Reply by LJ on 8/11/07 5:25pm
Msg #205089

Re: Suggestion. Get a cell modem for your laptop. $20+/- ...

Bob, Last summer we had some very strong storms come through Southern IL and St. Louis. I had no power for a couple days. I confirmed with the borrower and he had power. So, instead of cancelling the closing, I carried my printer to his house. I was able to get my e-mail off his computer. Worked fine. But, I will never do that again. I had to make 3 trips up a flight of stairs getting my printer in his house. I carried my briefcase and purse first. Then the top of the printer, then the bottom 2 trays. Then carry it all back to my SUV. I know, never say never. But, I will avoid that again if at all possible. JMO

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 8/11/07 6:43pm
Msg #205097

Agree, except that Hugh has a HP 1020 which weighs less..

than his wallet.
IMO your borrower was not much of a gentleman making you
schlep all of that by yourself. .Guessing that you are a girl
(or a vey wierd guy) since you mentioned a purse.
Have a great rest of weekend

Reply by CopperheadVA on 8/11/07 8:08pm
Msg #205104

Re: Suggestion. Get a cell modem for your laptop. $20+/- ...

I have found that my HP 1320tn will fit into an empty box of legal sized paper quite nicely, which makes it much easier to carry. I have taken it with me a few times, anticipating printing on the road in the B's home, but it has never ended up happening yet.

Reply by LJ on 8/11/07 9:12pm
Msg #205114

Re: Suggestion. Get a cell modem for your laptop. $20+/- ...

I have a HP 4100. It's pretty good size (for a girl) lol. One time my laptop was down and I had to take the printer apart, put it on my office chair and wheel it to my other computer in the other room. My husband put it back for me. I would like to go mobile soon also. I definetely will look for something a little smaller and easier if I have to carry it.

Ahh the borrower - well he held the door open for me. Sure nice of him. Of course it was a house that sits on a hill. The kind that you make sure you set your parking brake in the driveway. There were probably 30 steps going from the driveway to the front door. Murphy's law.

Another Murphy's law for me is the street sign is missing for the street I need. And - the only house on the block who doesn't have numbers is the one I am looking for. No wonder I get so lost sometimes. lol
Stay cool. Its really really hot here. 103 on sunday with heat index around 110. Humidity is high. Takes your breath away when going outside.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 8/12/07 8:02am
Msg #205148

Re: Suggestion. Get a cell modem for your laptop. $20+/- ...

I use an HP 2430tn in my office - like your 4100 it's also good sized and it would not be practical for me to take it in the car. I found the HP 1320tn last December on clearance when the new models were coming out and use it as an extra printer that I can take with me if I need to. The 2430 is way too large and too expensive for me to take along. I agree LJ, it's a good idea to get a smaller printer to take in the car. You can also purchase a collapsible cart at Wal-Mart, sort of like a luggage carrier with wheels, put the printer in a box, put the box on the cart, secure it with a bungie cord, and wheel it into the B's home.

Reply by BobRogers_FL on 8/12/07 5:03pm
Msg #205186

Re: Suggestion. Get a cell modem for your laptop. $20+/- ...

How much you getting paid for all this expense and extra work?

Reply by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 8/12/07 8:51am
Msg #205152

Thanks to all for you suggestions. I actually cover 13 counties, which range from intensely concentrated urban to quite rural, so I probably need to be set up to handle both environments.

Reply by Joan_OH on 8/13/07 7:40am
Msg #205220

Hugh - Rethink your printer selection

The HP 1020 is not PCL. That will limit you. I'd hate to see you 70 miles out, take a job, and then not be able to print it. I'd go for a used HP 1300 or HP 1200 off Ebay. Should be able to do that under $100.

Make sure you get the proper inverter. I worked for 1+ years with a modified sine inverter rated at 500/1000 watts wired to my battery with a fuse and an HP 1200. The wires that came with the inverter did not work and we switched out to a 4 gauge wire. I upgraded my printer in my car and had to purchase a 1000/2000 watt pure sine to accomodate. New inverter cost just under $300.

Joan