Bluetooth technology offers a convenient way for mobile professionals and telecommuters to send documents to print without having to connect laptops, cell phones, or other devices physically to the printer. With a Bluetooth adapter, you can convert an older printer to wireless, saving the expense of buying a new wireless printer, move your printer to a remote location (Bluetooth wireless range is about 30 feet), and also enable guests (e.g., clients or friends) to your printer when they visit. All that's needed is a Bluetooth-enabled device (most mobile phones, many laptops, and some cameras and other devices as well), which you pair with the Bluetooth adapter plugged into your printer. The five Bluetooth printer adapters featured here all cost under $100 (many under $40), but you might have to find the right one for your printer model (see descriptions). ~ September 30, 2011
1. HP BT500 Bluetooth USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter
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The BT500 Bluetooth wireless adapter from Hewlett-Packard works with any HP Bluetooth-enabled printer, such as many LaserJets, DeskJets, PhotoSmart printers, and All-in-One models. To wirelessly transfer documents, photos, music, emails, etc. from your Blue-tooth enabled device, plug the adapter into the HP printer's USB port. You can connect up to seven Bluetooth-enabled devices at a time with this adapter. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac laptops and desktop computers.
2. Canon BU-30 Bluetooth Wireless Print Server
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Canon's BU-30 Bluetooth printer adapter is compatible with a wide range of Canon PIXMA and SELPHY printers, as well as the Canon SD1100 camera/printer bundle. PIXMA MG, MP, and MX models are included in the list of compatible models, as are some SELPHY CP and ES models.
3. Sony Bluetooth USB Adapter
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If you own a compatible Sony Digital Photo Frame or digital photo printer, the Sony DPPA-BT1 Bluetooth USB Adapter might be for you. It plugs into your USB port to eliminate the need for cables. Reviews around the web suggest the adapter works with the Sony SnapLab as well.
4. Epson Bluetooth Photo Print Adapter
Epson
Compatigble with select Epson photo printers, this Bluetooth adapter lets you sent photos to your printer wirelessly from your computer or other Bluetooth-enabled device. Epson lists some Artisan and Workforce All-in-One printers, PictureMate compact photo printers, and Stylus ink jet printers as compatible.
5. Premiertek BT-0260 Wireless Print Server
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If you have an older printer with a parallel port and want to turn it into a wireless printer, this plug-n-play adapter may be your solution. The Premiertek BT-0260 only features Bluetooth 1.1, but it also has a USB port, which means it might work with USB printers or devices as well, and it's not specific to one printer manufacturer.
