Fast, Crisp, Reliable, Loaded
Written: Jun 28 '02 (Updated Jun 28 '02)
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Pros: Fast, Reliable, Option-Packed, Crisp Output, Serves PCs and Macs on same network
Cons: Windows network uses dedicated server
The Bottom Line: This is a feature-rich, reliable, high-resolution, high-speed printer that I would recommend for any office.
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| gsearle's Full Review: Hewlett Packard LaserJet 4000 Laser Printer |
I've used this printer for many years in different settings, and it has always been a top performer. It's easy to use, yet has the power and configurability to meet the most demanding IT professional's requirements.
One impressive feature is the warm up time. There is none. When you send a print job, this printer warms up instantly and prints it. You do not have to wait, even if the printer is in power-saving mode. This also means that you can set the power-save timeout to something really short, like a few minutes.
The print speed is just as impressive. This printer will print 20 pages per minute unless you give it something really complicated. Typical text documents and spreadsheets will print at full speed. It's so fast, that by the time you walk over to the printer after hitting the print button, your document is usually finished printing. However, if you set the printer to output at 1200 DPI, this speed will be cut in half.
This printer's resolution is outstanding. The print engine is true 1200 DPI (dots per inch). Note that you will typically have it set to 600 DPI for most jobs. This is OK, because HP's Resolution Enhancement Technology takes advantage of the 1200 DPI hardware resolution to smooth out edges, even when you print at 600 DPI. As a result, a 600-DPI print will look like a 1200-DPI print. The only exceptions are complex, high-resolution bitmap images and the dither patterns used to print greyscales. 600 DPI produces nice greyscales, while 1200 DPI produces really smooth grayscales. These are usually not good enough reasons to slow down the print speed for true 1200 DPI prints.
The output quality is just as good. There are no stray bits of toner to cause the paper to look "dirty". The black areas are very black, and the edges are tight and sharp. Best of all, the print quality does not degrade as the printer ages. You will only notice a problem if you let a toner cartridge get too low, but the printer gives you plenty of warning before this happens.
There are many paper-handling options available for this printer. By default, you get a manual-feed tray and two 250-sheet letter-size trays. You can add on extra trays, double-sided printing, an envelope feeder, and high-capacity trays to suit your needs. I set up one of these printers to print out special information cards that were affixed to defective parts. These cards sat in the manual feed tray. The printer also had label sheets in another tray, and regular paper in yet another tray. After setting the printer's options, it automatically selected the proper tray, depending on the job sent to it.
Paper jams? What paper jams? You'd expect a high-speed printer such as this to have problems with misfed sheets. The paper trays are well-balanced, so that the paper is held just right for the feed mechanism. Even the 500-sheet (full ream) paper tray does this. One hint: Make sure you place the paper in the tray right-side-up. See the label on the end of the ream? Make sure that it is right-side-up and readable, and hold the ream that way when you load the paper. Do not flip the paper over. Most paper is optimized to feed through laser printers better when it is placed a certain way. If you put it in upside-down, then most printers will jam on it eventually.
This printer has an extensive and powerful set of options that you can tweak to your heart's delight, or just leave alone at their defaults. You can control everything from paper-handling to default resolution to security to printing preferences. These are just too numerous to list out here. (Usually I do this, but there are just too many!)
Most of these options are set through the display panel. There are three buttons, so you must scroll through a main menu, select a submenu, select an option, then scroll through the available settings for that option. This can get tedious, but you get the hang of it quickly, as the interface remains consistent between all options.
If you are to configure the printer for a network, you will have to set an IP address, subnet, and other settings. This can all be done from the printer's display panel. Your IT department can give you these, or they may wish to set up the printer's network settings for you. If you are on a Mac-only network, then you probably won't have to bother with this at all. Just plug it in and use it.
This printer is just as capable for both the Windows and the Macintosh computer systems. It can serve both on the same network flawlessly. Windows networks typically require a separate, dedicated print server system, while the Macs can access the printer directly. This printer handles both concurrently, without any conflicts. Windows systems can be set up to access the printer directly, but this is somewhat obscure and not generally accepted by IT folks.
The printer comes with software that you can install on either a Windows system or a Mac to configure the printer on the network. It gives you access to all of the options available through the printer's display panel, as well as some that are not. This program is where you typically set up user access and security.
The printer's memory is very flexible. You can add memory to handle more complicated documents, hold specialty fonts, and store forms. If you want these to survive a power cycle, you will want to purchase a programmable Flash ROM. This data is uploaded through the software that comes with the printer. The printer's firmware can be upgraded remotely using this software as well. Note: Some of these functions are only available through Windows, and cannot be performed through a Mac.
HP's printers use an interface card to connect to the network. You can purchase different cards for different needs. By default, it comes with a 10/100 Ethernet inferface. This can be swapped out for other interfaces, depending on your needs.
I don't hesitate to recommend this printer for any office. Its speed, reliability, and configuration options are top notch. You get a lot of printer for the purchase price.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1500
Operating System: Windows and Macintosh
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Epinions.com ID:
gsearle
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Member: Greg Searle
Location: Nashua, NH
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 11 members
About Me:
Computer graphics designer and software developer with interests in technology, home improvement, and family life.
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