What can I do with perfectly good Graphite Base Station?

Question

I have a Graphite Base Station that works perfectly fine, never a problem. Except, In order to print from upstairs via my iBook or the upstairs desktop, I have to yell downstairs "Wake up the office Computer!"
I'll enjoy the idea of 'better' security that the Extreme offers but I'm wondering..... what I can do with a perfectly good Graphite BS? My understanding is that I cannot use it as a bridge, so are there any creative uses for a Graphite BS or should I just pack it back in the box and list it on eBay?
iBook G4, iMac G5, iPod Mini 6Gb   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  
iBook G4, iMac G5, iPod Mini 6Gb   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

Answer 1

Stephanie,
A true dilemna. And a simple technical issue, to which there are 4 simple answers. Can't say I can help choosing one.
1. Reconfigure the iMac G5 energy saver (assuming iMacG5 is office computer, rather than upstairs desktop) to put the display to sleep, and the disks too, but keep the computer awake. Not sure of the energy consumption required for that, or if it's noisy. My PMG4 MDD "Windtunnel" sounds like a 737 at 100 paces, so this isn't an option I use.
2. AirPort Express, just for the printer. Slightly cheaper than the AEBS, but you get printing without the iMacG5 in the loop. It doesn't even have to be in the same room as the iMacG5.
3. A new printer for upstairs. Maybe the cheapest option of all.
4. The AEBS. You should also see a 5x increase in the intra-Mac file transfers - depends on the AirPort card in the iBook and the wireless card in the desktop computer. Could be sentimental about the Graphite Base Station (Apple users tend to be like that) and keep such a thing of beauty, or sell it for sweetie money.
Now I only have one question, which I'm sure someone else can handle. Can the AEBS (or AirPort Express) turn on the printer from it's sleep mode, just like the Mac can ? We can sort of assume that it can, but I'd prefer if some said "it does for me".