Difference Between AirPrint and Wireless Printer

The main difference between AirPrint and wireless printer is that the AirPrint is a feature in Apple based MacOS and iOS operating systems for printing via a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) and AirPrint compatible printer while a wireless printer is an electronic device that allows taking printouts without using a series of cables like in wired printers.

AirPrint is an Apple technology. It allows the users to create full-quality printed output. With this feature, it is simple and easy to print documents and photos from Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch without installing additional software drivers. On the other hand, the wireless printer does not need to be connected to the device via cables. Devices such as computers, PC, and mobile phones can connect to the local wireless network to access the printer. It allows the user to print from anywhere within the range of the wireless network.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is AirPrint
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Wireless Printer
     – Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between AirPrint and Wireless Printer
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

AirPrint, Computers, Wireless Printer

What is AirPrint

AirPrint is a feature in Apple based MacOS and iOS operating systems for printing via a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi). The user requires an AirPrint compatible printer and a wireless network to print. It is easier to get printouts as long as the device, and the printer are on the same network. This feature does not require printer-specific drivers.

Initially, the AirPrint was intended for iOS devices and was connected via Wi-Fi only. Then it was also introduced to macOS desktop platforms. Not just Macs were connected via Wi-Fi, Macs connected to the network via Ethernet were also able to print using the AirPrint protocol.

Nowadays, AirPrint is built into most of the printer models. Most printer manufacturers make printers that are AirPrint compatible while supporting other wireless printing standards. Furthermore, it includes easy discovery, automatic media selection, and enterprise class finishing options.

What is a Wireless Printer

A wireless printer is a printer that is capable of communicating with wireless clients. The devices can access the wireless printer using radio frequency technology such as Wi-Fi or by Personal Area Network (PAN) based technologies such as Bluetooth. In a traditional printer, the devices should connect to the printer using cables. But a wireless printer allows the users to share the printer among multiple devices without using many cables. It avoids the unnecessary space required to place a series of cables.

Figure 1: Wireless Printer

Devices within the Wi-Fi range can easily access the wireless printer to get the necessary printouts. Not only devices such as printers and laptops, devices such as smartphones and tablets that do not have built-in-cables or interface ports can also access wireless printers.

Difference Between AirPrint and Wireless Printer

Definition

AirPrint is a feature of Apple Mac OS and iOS operating systems for printing via a wireless LAN and an AirPrint compatible printer. Wireless Printer is an electronic device that uses technologies such as radio frequency technology, Personal Area Network etc. to take printouts.

Basis

The AirPrint is a mobile printing feature of Apple while the Wireless Printer is an electronic device.

Installing Drivers

Also, the AirPrint does not require installing drivers but the Wireless Printer requires installing drivers.

Conclusion

The difference between AirPrint and Wireless Printer is that the AirPrint is a feature in Apple based MacOS and iOS operating systems for printing via a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) and an AirPrint compatible printer while a wireless printer is an electronic device that allows taking printouts without using series of cable like in wired printers. In brief, AirPrint is a feature, and Wireless Printer is an electronic device.

Reference:

1. “AirPrint.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 July 2018, Available here.
2. “About AirPrint.” Apple Support, Available here.
3. Walton, Andy. “What Is the Difference Between a Wireless & Network Printer?” Your Business, 29 Sept. 2016, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “new hp printer” by SupportPDX (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

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