7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
workhorse workgroup 600 dpi PostScript Level2 black laser
Date of Review: Nov 19, 2004
The Bottom Line: Recommended, especially for AppleTalk (Vintage Mac's) or PC parallel port connection. Ethernet available with HP network to Parallel adapter. Sturdy, unobtrusive, quiet.
I bought this printer as a used/refurbished product in 1998 for $550 delivered. It arrived with a PostScript SIMM, 3 MB of RAM, with power and interface cords. Without much RAM, this printer is not quick. With more than 19 MB of RAM, it prints at full speed most of the time. Little benefit is found by extending RAM to 35 MB with two proprietary 16 MB HP RAM SIMM's.
6 Pages Per Minute is fast enough for me. With uncompressed graphics, it could be 10 minutes per page, so print engine speed is not observed except on text. HP built in power savings, idling at 5W or less per hour.
Duplexing (manual) features are nice for small pamphlets.
I am happy with the long term cost of ownership. I have replaced the toner cartridge once, after printing about 3000 pages. Paper handlng is good. Once you find the right paper, it runs great. 24 pound stock works well.
The printer has outlasted 3 computers. I found an Asante EtherTalk 10B-T to AppleTalk interface to allow sharing the printer among the Mac's on the network.
During my junk store shopping, I have found other HP LaserJets of this era. All work with minor cleaning. My brother got a 5MP with 35 MB of RAM for his birthday, my Mom got a 5P with a pair of 16MB SIMM's installed. Both had low page count and worked great in spite of being a decade old. This week, I have a LaserJet 4MP from 1993 and it works fine.
The secret of LaserJets is to buy the next printer up from your situation. If you are at home, but a small workgroup printer with networking. To keep the price down, buy a 3-year old model.
