So Far, So Good - Except Installation

Author's Rating:

Pros: Network, Duplex, OS Support, Cost

Cons: Problematic Mac Install

The Bottom Line: 
Recommended. Easy installation, network, color and duplex capable.

Author's Review
This is a good network ready, duplex capable color laserjet at an afffordable price. Easy to install - although I found the Macintosh installation routine to be slightly problematic.

I purchased this printer because my primary printer doesn't support Mac and I didn't want to go through the headache of trying to get CUPS up and running. Ok, so call me lazy.

I had a couple of requirements. First the printer had to be network ready. Simple enough to find these. I really wanted a color printer and I wanted a printer which at least had the option to install a duplexing unit. I don't mind the initial up front cost but after years of manually duplexing paper just to reduce consumption of material and space I wanted something that would duplex for me - again simply laziness. Finally - it had to support both Mac and Windows.

We found this printer and it met all the requirements. Additionally it came with duplexing capability installed and it was under $500. Not bad. We found it at CompUSA and had it shipped to us.

The printer arrived and setup was a snap. Your typicall printer install. Connect the network cable, select whether you want DHCP or a manually set IP configuration, load the paper then install the software. And this is where my only problem to date was experienced.

The installation guide (a large fold-out) stated that I did need to install the software, and the online documentation explained that this was because some files needed to be overwritten in order for the printer to function properly. That surprised me since my Macs have all worked so well with other products without excessive loads. But, ok.

On loading the software for my Mac I was prompted with an error dialog stating that a directory already existed with the name "Resources" and that was the name of a file which needed to be installed to complete the installation properly. I was prompted that I could either cancel the operation or I could overwrite the existing directory with the installation file.

I was a bit concerned here for two reasons. First, a Resource directory is typically not one that you want to delete willy-nilly. Secondly, the dialog box didn't tell me which of the 150+ Resource directories on my drive were the culprit.

So I decided to log into the HP website and seek assistance. Unfortunately, their chat program doesn't support anything other than Microsoft's Internet Explorer 5.5 and beyond - which isn't available for Mac. (Yes I know IE 5.5 for Mac is available, but that is really IE 5.0).

After moving to my Windows machine, the HP website wanted me to transfer all my OS config data (through an IE app) so that they could determine what the problem would be. I gave up on that approach - afterall what good could come from sending them a Windows config file when my problem is with Mac? Ok, so according to the website they are also available 24 x7 for phone support. I called, only to find out that they are really only available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm - the exact hours I happen to be at work and my printer / computer are not directly available to me. Great.

After logging in as root trying (unsuccessfully) to back them all up I proceeded with the installation. Everything seems to work fine - although my wife also connected to the printer without installing the software and she has no problems at all - so apparently the installation wasn't needed at all.

As far as form and fit goes - I had limited space so this printer works very well for me. As you can see from the image the paper tray is at the bottom of the unit. Above the paper tray is a form feed slot for odd sized paper (envelopes and the like). Completed prints are ejected out the top.

The unit comes with (an advertised) 2000 impression capability (250 sheet paper capacity) but - since I have not issued 2000 impressions so I cannot comment on it's accuracy. The printer does come with all the network cabling, power cabling etc. Refill cartridges run from $75 (black) to $83 (per color) from the HP website.

All in all I have been quite pleased with the printer. It has met my expectations from an operational point of view. The first print is a bit slow while the printer wakes up - but after that it's quite nice. However, the first time you print duplex it is a bit weird. The paper actually ejects from the printer (almost completely) then is retracted back in to print the opposite side. A minor, and insigificant operational mode.

Would I recommend the printer to a friend? Definately - I already have. Do I regret the purchase? Definately not - at least not yet. Although I would have preferred the installation to go a bit easier. It wasn't difficult at all, other than the concern about overwriting a Resource directory and being unable to get ahold of tech support.