There are standalone apps for your iPad that simplify printing. Look at 'Print N Share.' It can print directly from your iPad to a WiFi printer without any PC being involved. Not sure if printing through your LAN to connected WiFi printers is an issue or not. The iTunes description says it will handle networks, Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, etc.
That said, many things that are supposed to work, don't. They just make us mad. So you need to try different apps and see what works for you.
All I know is right now, my PC is off, Good old Wi-Fi connects my iPad to my HP Deskjet 3050, and I just printed some work documents from my kitchen table.
iTunes says, In part, "Print to ALL printers (Network/WiFi/USB/Bluetooth) via your Mac or PC or direct to most WiFi printers without additional software. Also print to Apple AirPrint printers."
I have an HP printer but it is not on Apple's list of AirPrint Printers. So you need something that makes your printer(s) look like they are AP capable.
Download the app through iTunes and give it a go:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/print-n-share-for-advanced/id301656026?mt=8
In part, they say, "Print to ALL printers. Print direct to most WiFi/Wireless printers without extra software. Print to ALL printers and any document type via your Mac/PC. Print remotely over 3G and in corporate/other networks where WiFi is not available. View, store & print email, documents, files, attachments, photos, contacts and web pages on your iPad/iPhone/iPod touch - As featured in the Apple "Office" TV commercial."
Print N Share works by 'pretending' to be an AirPrint printer. It translates the AirPrint printing protocol to a form that your printer understands.
I have tried quite a few printing applications because I must absolutely be able to print to my printer. I prefer WiFi because that is the bill of goods Apple sold me and it is why I bought a new WiFi capable printer in the first place.
Too bad the AirPrint features only work with 11 or 12 or so WiFi printers; it pays to read the fine print.
Some applications work well for printing and some do not work as advertised. Some require that your computer be on and some do not. Several require that you email the document to your printer's email address.
I hate to say it, but try several applications and see what works for you. One of the most recommended print apps sucks for me because it does not work as it is supposed to work. Supposedly, my 3050 was supported but it was not included in the list of supported printers on the app dev's web site. It did not work, but another driver (for a Cannon Printer) worked well.
Good luck; wireless printing and the iPad drives lots of folks batty.
--- In iPad@yahoogroups.com, "PAULS" <faatcpss@...> wrote:
>
> I am looking for an iPad app that does the following:
>
> * Allows me to print to either of my two printers that are wired to my LAN. They can be reached through the WiFi router.
>
> * Allows me to print email, web pages, or documents from Pages or Numbers on the iPad
>
> * Does not require me to have my Windows or MAC computer running in order to get to the printer.
>
> My printers are a Canon MP620 and an HP Laserjet 1018.
>
> All suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.
>
> ---Paul in Southern NJ
>
