StarTech PM1115P2 Print Server Review: Worth It?
The StarTech.com Ethernet to Parallel Network Print Server earns a conditional 7.4/10 — praised for breathing new life into legacy printers, but marred by persistent connectivity dropouts for some users.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for fixed-location legacy printer setups with static IPs, risky for mission-critical networks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports HP, Epson, Canon, and other parallel models | Reports of frequent LAN disconnects |
| Simple Windows or web-based setup | No default gateway option, limits cross-network use |
| Compact, lightweight, mounts directly to printer | Firmware updates needed for stability |
| Broad OS compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux) | Some functions break with newer OS updates |
| Enables remote printing via multiple protocols | Troubleshooting can be complex for non-IT users |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing touts “hassle-free setup” with either a Windows wizard or web UI. The manufacturer claims you can be "up and running in minutes." Digging deeper, this holds for a portion of buyers: Reddit user feedback notes “detailed instructions available online, ensuring a smooth installation.” But multiple Best Buy Canada reviewers found the initial process far from plug-and-play. One user wrote: “I had to tinker… the drivers on the CD were for earlier versions of Windows,” requiring a manual software download.
Another claim is “broad compatibility with most parallel printers.” This aligns with reality when users stick to mainstream models — HP LaserJet, Epson, Canon all work fine. However, compatibility doesn’t imply stability. A reviewer named Kristy reported: “Stays online for anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, then all network connections stop… has to be rebooted.”
Lastly, StarTech promotes “remote printing & sharing without a dedicated PC,” which theoretically eliminates performance bottlenecks. In practice, Amazon buyers noted success here, but only if the unit remained connected. Tim9 pointed out a networking flaw: “You can only specify the IP and subnet… it will not work over a VPN.” This limits the advertised remote use for more complex environments.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit and retail sites, the biggest win is the ability to revitalize legacy parallel printers. This means schools, offices, and even home workshops can integrate long-serving hardware into modern networks. One Reddit summary applauded, “Perfect for revitalizing older devices… print from anywhere within your network.” For technical users with controlled environments, the compact design is another benefit. “No more copying files between machines to print," shared Tanner from Best Buy Canada, who networked old USB label printers with ease.
The OS support is also lauded — Windows, macOS, and Linux users confirm successful installations. Even government and educational institutions that rely on specific protocols like IPX/SPX or AppleTalk found the PM1115P2 fit seamlessly, matching StarTech’s multi-protocol claim.
Common Complaints
Connectivity instability dominates the negative feedback. Dropping off the LAN forces manual reboots multiple times a day for some. Jacky’s frustration was palpable: “After 5-10 minutes, it lost connection again… has to power cycle the box.” Stevens MBC had the same: “Only solution is to disconnect the power and reconnect it… had to remove them from the network.”
Another repeated concern is the lack of default gateway support, crippling cross-network setups or VPN-based printing. “This product should not be purchased by anyone since it does not have proper network configuration,” Tim9 warned.
Platform updates have also broken functionality. Eddd noted, “Device is no longer functional since the release of Windows 24h2… print jobs get lost in the queue.”
Divisive Features
Setup simplicity divides users sharply. Those with IT experience praise the web UI and Windows wizard as efficient, often completing installs within minutes. Non-technical buyers, however, encounter hurdles with older firmware, confusing network configurations, and incomplete printed guides.
Support responsiveness gets mixed reviews — Mike48 recounted “very professional and immediately helpful” assistance for a Windows driver error. But others felt troubleshooting advice lacked real-world applicability, as Kristy described a support suggestion that “wouldn’t allow me to print unless I used a crossover cable.”
Trust & Reliability
The Trustpilot data for StarTech.com shows a troubling pattern: an average score of 1.8 stars across 49 reviews, with numerous product-level complaints about reliability. While ScamAdviser flags the website as high trust and safe to use, it acknowledges “negative reviews detected.”
Long-term reliability of the PM1115P2 itself depends heavily on the network environment. Stevens described needing “about a year of on and off tinkering” to reach stability — by updating firmware, assigning a static IP, and following setup instructions precisely. In stable environments, some users report years of uninterrupted service, but those dealing with DHCP conflicts or firmware mismatches see chronic failures.
Alternatives
Among ranked competitors, the X-Media XM-PS110P stands out for “supporting up to 230 printer models” and adding features like email alerts for print issues. Reviews suggest it may handle more varied environments without the PM1115P2’s gateway limitations.
The IBM 28P1846 offers USB and parallel support in a compact footprint, but lacks the PM1115P2’s deep network protocol stack. Meanwhile, the Hawking HWPS12UG brings wireless G connectivity for up to three printers, a potential leap for offices seeking cable-free setups — something StarTech’s wired-only units cannot match.
Price & Value
The PM1115P2 retails around $75-$94 new, as per Amazon and connection.com listings. On eBay, used units appear for $44.95, often “open box” with original accessories. Resale values drop sharply if units have known connectivity flaws — a reflection of the stability concerns that plague some buyers.
Community advice leans toward buying new if possible, to ensure access to the latest firmware and StarTech’s 2-year warranty. For budget-conscious setups with known legacy printers, sourcing a tested used unit can make sense — but only in controlled, static-IP networks.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the StarTech PM1115P2 over a VPN?
A: Not effectively — multiple users confirm its lack of default gateway support blocks cross-network printing, limiting it to local network environments.
Q: Does it work with macOS Ventura or later?
A: Yes, spec sheets list compatibility up to macOS Sonoma 14.x. However, check StarTech’s site for firmware updates to ensure smooth operation.
Q: How do I fix frequent LAN disconnects?
A: Community fixes include updating firmware, assigning a static IP, and avoiding DHCP conflicts. Some users report stability after these changes.
Q: Will it work with industrial label printers?
A: Yes — supported printer types include vinyl cutters, label printers, and most parallel models from HP, Epson, and Canon.
Q: What protocols are supported for remote printing?
A: Supported protocols include IPX/SPX, TCP/IP (LPR, IPP, RAW 9100), NetBEUI, AppleTalk, SMB, and SNMP v1/v2 for monitoring.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re an IT-savvy user looking to network a beloved parallel printer within a single, stable LAN, especially for offices or institutions locked into legacy hardware. Avoid if your printing needs span multiple networks, require VPN access, or have unreliable DHCP — you’ll be fighting connectivity battles.
Pro tip from community: Secure a static IP, update firmware immediately after purchase, and test for stability before deploying in a production environment.
