Apple’s iOS 4.2 update comes with AirPrint—free and useful software that allows you to print from your iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone without needing any drivers, wires or cables.

What it is

AirPrint is a multitasking application. It allows you to print your documents in the background. This means that you can browse the web, go through your photos or even continue playing your latest game while printing is going on. This technology, like the multitasking feature, works on the iPad, the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, and the iPod Touch that is third-generation or later.

This technology is completely wireless. One needs absolutely no wires, drivers or cables to print with AirPrint. One can print anything from photos and e-mails to notes and web content. Your gadget will automatically search your wireless network for printers that are AirPrint-enabled.

AirPrint is accommodating in the sense that it can be used with various applications. Whether you are surfing the Internet on Safari, experimenting with iWork or using a third-party application, the chances are high that you’ll be able to print with no difficulty. Print out your movie ticket or make copies of your presentation using your favorite Apple gadget.

This technology is both useful and user-friendly. The toolbar or navigation bar presents you with options such as how many copies should be printed and what printer the document should be sent to. You’ll also be able to choose from more advanced options such as whether to print single-sided or double-sided, or whether there is a specific range of pages that need to be printed. You simply need to tap the button of your choice, and your printing job will begin.

Apple AirPrint is advanced. You can print more than one item at a time from more than one open application at a time. All your printing jobs will simply make its way to the Print Center queue. You’ll be able to cancel a printing job before it is sent to the printer.

What it is not

AirPrint is not software that will work with printers connected to a computer’s USB port. If you want to use this technology, you will need a wireless connection to a HP printer that supports the software.

AirPrint is not software that the general public can utilize. At the moment, it is only compatible with approximately a dozen wireless printers from HP. However, if you use the software with any of the handful of compatible e-print machines, then it should work flawlessly. These printers are all part of the HP Officejet, Officejet Pro, Photosmart and LaserJet Pro series.

Not all printers compatible with Apple iOS 4.2 are instantly ready to use. Although more than half of these e-print machines need no firmware upgrade, the other printers may require it in order for them to work properly.

This Article is written by John C Arkin, contributor of PrintCountry News Articles.

Tags: airprint, Apples iOS 4.2, HP LaserJet Pro series, HP officejet, HP officejet pro, HP photosmart, iPad, iPhone AirPrint, iPod Touch

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 9th, 2010 at 7:31 pm and is filed under iPhone & SmartPhone. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.