HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf MFP Printer Review

 

The HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf is an entry-level monochrome multifunction electrostatic printer that cuts only a few of corners on its thanks to supplying print, copy, scan, and fax functionality for less than $200. Built-in autoduplexing for double-sided printing and Wi-Fi networking are two features that did not make the cut, but there are many useful features that did, including a 35-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), and HP's Smart Install application, which makes setup a breeze. We also found the LaserJet Pro M1212nf's print speed and quality quite acceptable,albeit text isn't quite as deep and rich because the output from the HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn. With its low price, compact size, and straightforward setup, the M1212nf may be a great choice as a primary multifunction electrostatic printer for home offices and little businesses.

Design and features

The HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf is matte black, lending it a touch more of a consumer inkjet look than your typical gray or beige corporate electrostatic printer . it is also compact and lightweight for a electrostatic printer , measuring 12 inches high, 17 inches wide, and 10.5 inches deep, and weighing 18 pounds. Two cutouts on rock bottom of every side are useful handles, adding to the printer's portability. As is frustratingly common, HP doesn't include a USB or coaxial cable within the box.

HP's Smart Install app makes it simple to line up the LaserJet Pro M1212nf. Plug it into a wall, connect it to your PC (via USB), and switch on the printer, and a couple of mouse clicks later, you're done.Smart Install loads drivers and software stored within the printer's memory. After running our tests on a Windows 7 machine, we tried connecting it to a MacBook and located Smart Install didn't work, which is why HP also throws a CD within the box.

fixing the printer with an coaxial cable is almost as easy as fixing an immediate connection. like USB installation, you'll use either the included CD or Smart Install. We opted for the latter. First, you want to print out a configuration report using the printer's instrument panel by pressing the setup button (the one with the wrench icon), using either of the arrow keys to select "Reports" from the most menu, then selecting "Config report." The printer will spit out two pages of configuration details, one among which is that the printer's IP address. Type the address into the browser of a PC on your network, and on the resulting website , click the HP Smart Install tab. From there, click the green Download button to put in the software. After a fast download, the printer will print out a test page confirming it's connected to your network.

After you get the HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf found out , you will find it is a considerate officemate. Energy Star-qualified, it doesn't waste electricity, and it's fairly quiet during operation.

During operation, a two-line LCD status display keeps you informed, along side three status lights. A numeric pad sits below the LCD display, and there also are two buttons for starting a copy or fax job. there's not a scan button, making scanning a two-trip process: place the materials to be scanned on the flatbed scanner, return to your desk to start the scan, then head back to the scanner to retrieve the scanned documents. Thankfully, the LaserJet Pro M1212nf is compact, making it likely that you're going to find a spot for it next to your desk.

The LaserJet Pro M1212nf can print in either 600-dots-per-inch or 1,200dpi modes. A 150-sheet paper tray protrudes from the front of the printer, and a 35-sheet ADF sits above the flatbed scanner/copier on the highest of the machine. If your office prints large volumes every day , you will find yourself refilling the paper tray often; 150 sheets isn't tons of paper. The HP LaserJet Pro 1606dn, a budget single-function mono laser, holds 250 sheets by comparison. The ADF may be a hugely convenient feature for busy offices. we might have liked to possess seen a built-in duplexer, but we understand that an entry-level model can't have it all.

HP rates the printer's monthly duty cycle as 8,000 pages, though the recommended monthly volume is 250 to 2,000. A replacement toner cartridge for the LaserJet Pro M1212nf costs $68 for a rated 1,600 pages, which works bent a reasonable 4.2 cents per sheet. Do note that the introductory cartridge, as HP calls it, included with the printer isn't completely filled. Large offices trying to find a shared workhorse will got to spend more for a more robust machine, with a better duty cycle, higher-capacity toner, and lower cost-per-page figures.

Performance

The HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf displayed consistent results across CNET Labs' three monochrome speed tests--text, graphics, and presentation. Surprisingly, the 15- to 16-page-per-minute (ppm) range comes impressively on the brink of the 19-ppm figure HP claims.

we've not reviewed a mono multifunction laser during a while, making comparisons a touch tricky here.Against recently reviewed single-function mono lasers like the Brother MFC-2270, the HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn, and therefore the Samsung ML-2525W, the M1212nf trailed the pack by 3 ppm to five ppm. Given its low price which much of it goes toward additional functionality rather than , say, a faster print engine, the HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf placed on an honest show in labs testing.

The LaserJet Pro M1212nf's copy speed, however, was a pokey 6 ppm. Slowing the copy process further were the 2 paper jams we experienced during testing.

We ran an anecdotal text-speed test with the printer found out on our Ethernet network and located it printed even as fast as when connected to our workplace via USB.

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