Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2013 February 10

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February 10

Printing from an iPad

My wife needs to have techs go out into the field and print forms. She already has a Canon ip100 printer. She would idealy like to have the techs carry an iPad to enter data into a form and then print that form. The only hurdle left in this is the printing. She does not have the iPads yet but since they're cheaper than laptops, that's what she'd like to go with. Another reason for the iPads is that they can use FileMaker's app to enter data into a database which can be uploaded once they're back at the office.

I've tried to get an app called PrintCentral Pro to do it but that requires software on a laptop to be installed. If the techs need a laptop, there's no point in them having iPads. I've also seen where AirPrint doesn't cover the ip100 but that's the printer that she already has, so my hands are tied as far as getting another printer. I've seen old posts that say it can't be done but I'm hoping that there's been some advance since then.

I have a wireless router that I thought we might be able to use as an access point to create an ad hoc network but even if I were to get that to work, I still have the problem of needing software on a laptop to print.

Thanks for any help you can provide, Dismas|^(talk) 11:15, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

Can't help but think that ipad is a very poor solution for this sort of problem - if all the user is doing is entering data and printing forms - a netbook type laptop would be much cheaper and faster for data entry, as well as being compatible instantly with any printer you cared to throw at it. The ipad strong points are purely stylistic imho - if a tablet is required (and I'm not sure that I see why this would be so), surely an android tablet would be just as good for a lot cheaper? ---- _nonsense ferret 15:15, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

I also fail to see why choose iPads instead of other tablets or even an Android phone. Those solutions will allow you to print with a wireless connection to the printer or send the data over the internet to be printed from a PC. OsmanRF34 (talk) 15:37, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

I don't understand the desire either. And the forms have to be printed there. There is no guarantee that there will be a wireless connection at the site and there will not be a desktop PC to work with. Dismas|^(talk) 16:36, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

I suspect you hit the nail on the head though. All sorts of devices are wanted for their utility value. Items like ipads are 'desired' - they seem to be valued in emotional terms. Who said advertising doesn't work!? ---- _nonsense ferret 19:09, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

If she wants to commit the funds buying an iPad, she could also buy some sort of portable A6 printer. These printers are much cheaper and portable than the Canon Ip 100. Maybe they don't have any connectivity problems with the iPad. Anyway, it's difficult to help without knowing exactly what she need sand wants. OsmanRF34 (talk) 20:06, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

As far as buying a printer, she already has a printer. And I was reminded of why she wants to use an iPad. If she gets a netbook or something of that sort, she'd have to buy more licenses of FileMaker. If she uses an iPad, she can download multiple free copies of FileMaker Go. FM is what she has the database built in and it's what the techs will be putting data into. Dismas|^(talk) 00:15, 11 February 2013 (UTC)

Unreliable DVD drive

The DVD drive in my Toshibal laptop has become unreliable. I am trying to play commercial movies. The drive light is continually flashing when the drive is not working, and Win. Media Player says to "Insert a disc" when there is already one in the drive. I have already checked the RD/C archives without finding useful answers. The laptop is only about 18 months old and the drive has not seen extensive use. Lense etc. in drive seem clean.

1. Short of replacing the drive, any suggestions on getting it to work reliably?
2. If replacement is needed, then will I need to buy an 'original' (expensive?) Toshiba drive, or,
3. Are laptop DVD drives available in a 'generic' form such as desktop/tower PCs use? - 220 of ^Borg 12:01, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

depending on how you use it, and if no cheap direct replacement for the laptop drive is available, a USB dvd drive might be a cheap alternative. ---- _nonsense ferret 15:46, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

Possibility of course, though rather not have to pay for another drive if I can get my internal one working! I'd probably go for a USB Blu-ray drive if I did though. - 220 of ^Borg 08:56, 11 February 2013 (UTC)

First thing I’d do is boot a Unix system from USB and see if the drive works from there. This could rule out a simple Windows bungle (which are common). ¦ Reisio (talk) 18:03, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

Alvays somevone vith the Unix! . I am pretty certain that the problem is not 'Windows related' i.e. drivers or similar.(Could be wrong of course!)
• As soon as I posted the original question it started working again! (Watched some of The Longest Day. Hibernated overnight, (the laptop that is) now DVD again not working!)
• I have a strong feeling that it's hardware related. I've tried 'tapping' the drive whiles it's running for example. Perhaps the flat 'ribbon cable' between the drive assembly and the output connector is loose? Is this a known problem with 'tray-loading' type cd drives?
The really annoying thing is it seems to be totally random whether the DVD drive works or not. - 220 of ^Borg 08:56, 11 February 2013 (UTC)

I might agree, except for having personally witnessed on multiple Windows installs the simple deletion of a registry entry making CD/DVD drives work again. ¦ Reisio (talk) 18:40, 12 February 2013 (UTC)

Usually laptop cd drives are consistent across PCs. Macs can be a different story though and require their superdrive I think. You may need to check the precise model to make sure before you buy it, but replacement drives, especially used, shouldn't be very expensive. I doubt you'd need to buy a toshiba specific one, but again, you may want to double check your precise model before ordering. If its a standard sata interface though, it probably will work if it fits (of course laptop size and interface). Dell used to make modular slot drives that had a unique format, but I don't see those much anymore. Now... opening up the laptop to get to it may have varying degrees of difficulty... opening up a Macbook is an extensive undertaking, while some other machines have nice slide in slots. Shadowjams (talk) 07:49, 11 February 2013 (UTC)

Ok, good to know. I have a lot of experience with desktop PC hardware & building Wintel PCs, but not laptops!- 220 of ^Borg 08:56, 11 February 2013 (UTC)

is it possible to sell an iPad with built-in apps?

I would like to bundle an iPad with built-in Free apps already downloaded, so that the selection + download process is part of what the user gets from me. I imagine doing this by creating a free account and downloading apps (or downloading without an account if this is possible).

the question is, if the user then adds their own account, can they still see and use all the free apps that I downloaded to create the "bundle-able" iPad? Or would they have to start over with 0 apps the moment they add their own account? \\

Secondly, could I do the same thing by creating special one-off accounts meant to purchase apps that will then be stored on each iPad sold. Meaning, if I sell 10 upgraded iPad's, I do so by creating 10 accounts, each one makes the legitimate app purchases then has payment deauthorized so the user can't make any more. The accounts do not further use the apps in any way - the only copy ever used is on the one iPad that is to be bundled. In this way can I resell apps as well as the iPad? Or, is only free app resale possible in this way? Or, is no app resale possible for some technical reason (apps disappear when user adds own account).

Thank you for your answers. 86.101.32.82 (talk) 22:58, 10 February 2013 (UTC)

This question was asked a few years back at StackExchange (so it's only the opinions of Some-Random-Guys-On-The-Internet, and may be out of date). A few ideas were suggested, from the DIY (including jailbreaking) to hooking up directly with Apple. The best idea seems to be to contact an Apple store and speak to a 'Business Consultant'. You might also find this useful. - Cucumber Mike (talk) 13:55, 11 February 2013 (UTC)