USB Switch suggestions

[ranchhand]

I just got a new Canon Pixma iP4300 printer - really happy with the peformance - but I would like to share it between 2 computers in my home via USB.

I found a switch box that is supposed to work, I called the company.
Link here: http://www.cablemax.com/show-item.cfm?id=154529&ca=167&catlink=Switch-Boxes.cfm

Has anyone used this device, or is currently using one that they can recommend, for 2-computers sharing one USB printer?? I don't mind manually switching (doesn't have to be auto) but I don't want to be constantly plugging & unplugging the cables in & out of the USB ports, they eventually will break. Thanks.....

[Heywould3]

if you have a network (router/switch) to share your internet then all you have to do is hook it up to one computer and share it then have the other computer look for it under networked printers.

[redwudz]

Probably any USB switch will work for what you want to do. You will need to keep the length of the cables between full speed devices to 5 meters (a little under 16 feet 5 inches). For a low speed device the limit is 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches).

Heywould3's method would work if you have a LAN connection between the computers, but the computer hooked directly to the printer would have to be on to use the printer from the other computer. Or with a LAN, you could add a LAN print server with USB output and either computer could access the printer.

[ranchhand]

Thanks all, the advice was helpful. Dummie me, I went on Newegg and they have loads listed there and got one for $17 including shipping. I've only been buying from Newegg for years.

Heywood: Thanks for the suggestion! Yes, I know about working thru a networked computer, but we shut ours down so it will only work if I have one running 24/7.