HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw: A Love-Hate Affair with Bold Print and Nostalgic Controls

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Specs

• Type: color laser printer
• Functions: Print only
• Connectivity: Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
• Data storage slots: USB Host
• Print speed: 33ppm
• Max paper size: Letter/A4
• Print quality: 600x600dpi; 38,400x600dpi (enhanced)
• Memory: 512MB
• Apple AirPrint: yes
• Consumables included: 4 x setup cartridges (1,200 black, 1,000 color pages)
• Dimensions/Weight: 421 x 427 x 288 mm (WxDxH)/36lb/16.3kg

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw (known as 4202dw in the UK) is specifically designed for office use, offering swift and efficient high-volume printing. This model boasts substantial improvements over its predecessor, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw, with enhanced print speeds, greater paper and toner capacities, as well as an upgrade-friendly modular setup.

This printer is ideal for workgroups of about ten users, but its sleek and compact design also makes it appealing for home office setups. Enhanced black print quality is one of its highlights, though the relatively high toner prices are a downside worth considering as we delve into its overall performance.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw: Design and Build

The aesthetics of the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw feature crisp angles, strict symmetry, and refreshing blue accents that help it stand apart from traditional off-white office printers. Its compact stature makes it suitable for desktop placement, and the modular design allows for an additional 550-sheet paper tray, accommodating business growth.

The lower blue drawer can hold up to 250 sheets of Letter or A4 paper, bolstering its efficiency, while the auxiliary 50-sheet multi-purpose tray enhances functionality compared to single-sheet alternatives. The output tray on top, with a capacity of 150 sheets, also surpasses many standard models.

Access to the toner cartridges is user-friendly, with a simple button press on the side allowing the blue panel to swing open. Additionally, a hidden USB Host port at the top is a thoughtful inclusion, although the remaining ports are discreetly positioned at the rear of the printer.

Despite the price elevation compared to the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw, it lacks a touchscreen interface, returning instead to a four-line LCD accompanied by a rotary dial. This design aspect may not resonate with all users due to the usability challenge it presents, yet the overall build quality does instill confidence.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw: Features & Specifications

In its mid-range price bracket, HP has equipped this printer with numerous notable features and robust specifications. It includes duplex printing and dual-band Wi-Fi 5, compatible with both AirPrint and Mopria applications. A USB Host port complements the standard USB-B port, and HP provides a USB-A to USB-B data cable with the unit.

The printer accommodates a wide range of media types, offering 33 options in its menu. Capable of handling various paper sizes up to Letter, Legal, or A4, it manages paper weighing up to 200 g/m²—suitable for thinner card stock. HP’s advanced Wolf Pro Security software enhances its operational security, while a healthy 512MB memory ensures smooth functionality.

The printer’s print speed is rated at either 33 or 35 pages per minute, based on whether you’re using Letter or A4 paper, a performance metric generally validated through testing. Although comparable to models like the Xerox C320, it is slower than HP’s monochrome printers.

Designed to accept larger cartridges, the printer can yield up to 7,500 black-and-white pages, with expandable storage for a maximum of 850 sheets when supplemented by an extra paper tray. Such specifications cater well to the demands of small to medium-sized enterprises, as HP recommends a monthly duty cycle of up to 50,000 pages.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw: Setup and Operation

The setup process for the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw is straightforward, with pre-loaded cartridges allowing for immediate printing. A succinct five-page setup guide is included, but in reality, the setup is intuitive. All that’s necessary is to load the paper, power up, and follow simple on-screen instructions.

However, the rotary dial interface does elongate the initiation time, requiring multiple rotations to input your Wi-Fi password. Notably, the absence of built-in Bluetooth, which would facilitate setup via the HP Smart app, could pose a disadvantage compared to some contemporary models.

Yet, HP offers the free HP Smart app for both Android and iOS devices, providing an alternative to the dial interface, although users must still navigate through paper type settings at the printer.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw: Performance

Performance-wise, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw showcases a strong ability to deliver high-quality prints across various categories, particularly excelling in text document printing. The sharpness of black typography on plain paper is remarkable, achieving a visually striking definition.

This impressive quality is attributed to HP’s 6-bit resolution enhancement technology (RET), empowering it to elevate its native 600×600 dpi capability to an impressive claimed resolution of 38,400×600 in optimal black mode. This technology translates to finer details and clearer printing outcomes.

Mixed-color documents also yield excellent results, aided by the vibrancy of HP’s LaserJet toner. Print quality is consistent, significantly reducing the common issue of banding in solid color areas. Photographs achieve commendable quality, particularly when utilizing laser photo paper, which, although not surpassing inkjet prints, still delivers visually appealing results suitable for marketing materials.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw: Consumables

The cost of consumables for the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw is competitive for monochrome outputs, yet exceeds average rates for color prints. It arrives equipped with four setup cartridges with yields of up to 1,200 black pages or 1,000 color pages, which is below the capacity of standard cartridges.

However, opting for high-yield cartridges significantly enhances the cost-effectiveness of prints, offering outputs of up to 7,500 for black and 2,200 for color pages. Using these cartridges can result in a low cost per page (CPP) for black prints, estimated at roughly two and a half cents, whereas color pages may cost over 15 cents each.

HP’s use of proprietary software to restrict functionality with non-genuine cartridges reinforces the importance of using authentic components to maintain printing quality. If monochrome printing represents the majority of your requirements, this printer will serve excellently.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw: Maintenance

Similar to other low-maintenance laser printers, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw integrates the optical drum with the toner cartridge, minimizing the need for drum replacements. The trade-off is a higher expense associated with toner cartridges, a point to be considered by potential users.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw: Final Verdict

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw offers a host of appealing features, including its stylish layout, speedy duplex printing, and enhanced black print quality. Its dual paper input capability adds convenience, and the possibility to expand with additional trays makes it suitable for evolving business needs.

While the rotary dial interface might not meet everyone’s preferences, and the lack of support for heavier paper can be limiting, the cost of HP’s color cartridges is a notable concern. Nevertheless, the exceptional quality of black-and-white prints and the competitively priced black toner make this printer particularly suitable for users requiring high volumes of monochrome documents.