In-Depth Review of the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Printer
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is a versatile all-in-one printer tailored for both small teams and home office users. With its ability to print, scan, and copy high-quality color documents, this printer positions itself as an excellent choice for professionals seeking reliability and efficiency. Below, we delve into its features, performance, and user experiences to provide a well-rounded review.
Product Overview
Specifications
- Dimensions: 16.46″D x 13.44″W x 16.5″H
- Print Media Size Maximum: 8.5 x 14 inches
- Included Components: Printer, power cord, toner cartridge, user guide, flyers
- Print Media Types: Envelopes, plain paper, transparencies, cardstock, labels
- Scanner Type: Flatbed
- Max Input Sheet Capacity: 250 sheets
- Max Copy Speed (Black/White): 25 ppm
- Compatible Devices: Smartphones
- Sheet Size: 8.5 x 11 inches
- Color Depth: > 1 bpp
- Duplex Printing: Automatic
- Wattage: 416 watts
- Processor Count: 1
- Total USB Ports: 2
- Specific Uses For Product: Office use
- Item Weight: 37.7 pounds
Notable Features
- Professional Quality Output: Equipped with next-generation TerraJet toner, the printer produces vivid colors, making it ideal for business presentations and reports.
- User-Friendly Mobile Printing: With the HP app, printing and scanning can be done seamlessly through smartphones, enhancing convenience.
- Robust Security: Built-in HP Wolf Pro Security offers customizable tools to protect against cyber threats.
- Sustainable Design: The printer is Energy Star and EPEAT certified, contributing to reducing carbon footprints.
Performance
Print Quality and Speed
Users report that the print quality is outstanding across various media types, including plain paper and cardstock. The printer boasts impressive speed, capable of producing prints at up to 26 pages per minute in both black and color. This makes it an efficient choice for busy office environments.
Scanning and Copying
The flatbed scanner provides flexibility, allowing users to scan books and delicate documents without any risk of damage. Many users have praised the copying capabilities, noting that even faded documents are reproduced with remarkable clarity.
Ease of Setup and Connectivity
Setting up the HP MFP 3301sdw is straightforward, requiring minimal time investment. The dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity feature ensures stable connections and self-reset capabilities help in resolving any connection issues automatically. Users have highlighted the ease of connecting various devices, including smartphones and tablets, via wireless printing.
User Experiences
Positive Feedback
Several users have expressed satisfaction with the printer, particularly appreciating its performance in busy household or office settings. The ability to print from multiple devices without hassle has been a significant benefit, especially for families with diverse technology.
One user mentioned, “It prints effortlessly from any number of devices wirelessly! Makes great and fast copies and labels.” This sentiment aligns with the printer’s design philosophy of supporting multiple users seamlessly.
Constructive Criticism
While many reviews lean towards the positive, there are some critiques related to its size and noise level. A user noted that finding a compatible stand for the printer’s width of 16.5 inches posed a challenge. Additionally, a few users found the printer to be slightly louder than expected during operation, although many felt it was not bothersome.
Another common concern was the occasional glitch experienced during printing, leading to inconsistencies. One user stated, “Will print one second and then not print at all,” which highlights the need for potential software updates or firmware improvements.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-quality printing and color output
- Fast printing speeds (up to 26 ppm)
- Easy setup and user-friendly mobile app
- Excellent scanning and copying capabilities
- Robust security features
- Energy-efficient and eco-friendly design
Cons
- Slightly larger footprint than some models
- Occasional connectivity issues reported
- Some users found the printer to be noisier than expected
- Limited guidance on tray usage in the manual
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Ratings Breakdown
- Print Quality: 5/5
- Speed: 4.5/5
- Ease of Use: 4.3/5
- Connectivity: 4/5
- Support & Documentation: 3.8/5
- Value for Money: 4.5/5
Conclusion
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is a competent all-in-one printer that meets the demands of modern office needs. With excellent print quality, fast speeds, and the ability to handle a variety of tasks, it stands out as a reliable choice for both small businesses and home offices. Despite some minor drawbacks, its overall performance and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a dependable printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw suitable for home use?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for home use, especially for families or individuals who require reliable printing, scanning, and copying capabilities.
2. How does the printer handle thicker media such as cardstock?
The MFP 3301sdw can handle various print media types, including cardstock, without any issues, making it versatile for different printing needs.
3. Can I print wirelessly from my smartphone?
Absolutely! The HP app allows for easy wireless printing from smartphones and tablets, providing a seamless user experience.
4. What is the noise level during operation?
While some users found the printer to be louder than expected, most reported that it was not bothersome during regular use.
5. Are the toner cartridges expensive to replace?
Replacement toner cartridges can vary in price, with standard cartridges typically costing around $73. However, the high yield cartridges can offer better value over time for heavy users.
Hancock Household –
Extremely glitchy. It prints intermittently and often refuses to reset, making it a frustrating experience overall. When printing anything other than standard 8.5×11 paper, you have to feed each sheet individually, which is far from ideal for bulk printing. I do not recommend this printer and regret that we can’t get a refund after encountering these issues.
Topspin –
I really like this unit overall. Having used an HP M402dn LaserJet, I’m familiar with HP products, and I find them to be robust and high-quality. The HP MFP 3301sdw maintains this standard, delivering excellent performance in print, copy, and scanning modes. I would definitely consider purchasing it again and would recommend it to my coworkers, friends, and family.
However, I couldn’t give it five stars due to some confusion in the setup and operation instructions. There’s a lack of clear explanation regarding the difference between Tray 1 and Tray 2 and their typical usage. The single paper tray is labeled as Tray 2, while Tray 1 is essentially a manual paper feed. If you manually select a paper tray instead of using the auto-select feature, it seems logical to choose Tray 1. Unfortunately, if you do that, the MFP 3301sdw will wait for someone to load paper into the manual feed, and this isn’t mentioned anywhere in the documentation.
I like the MFP 3301sdw, believe it’s priced well, and expect to get many years of use from it. Just keep in mind that Tray 2 (the dark gray pull-out tray) is where most users should keep their frequently used paper, while Tray 1 functions as a manual paper feed that must be loaded before it can print.
Topspin –
This is my third HP color laser printer, and I’ve always appreciated the reliability of HP products. This particular model was more affordable than some others, yet it includes all the features I needed: printing, copying, and scanning.
My only concern is its width of 16.5 inches; while the height and depth are fine, finding a fit for this size has been challenging. I intended to place it on a standard file cabinet, which typically spans about 15 to 15.5 inches in width. To make it work, I had to get creative. I bought a sheet of wood from a local hardware store, had it cut to 20 by 20 inches, and rounded the corners. (See attached pictures for my setup.)
The printer arrived quite heavy, but everything was well-packaged. Setting it up was straightforward, following the included instructions, and I didn’t need to install any special software on my HP laptop; I connected it wirelessly. So far, it has been working perfectly.
Tami –
Incredible product with excellent print quality and user-friendly design. After taking the time to explore and set everything up, you’ll find a fantastic printer that helps you save both time and money. Highly recommend!
Gregory Bason –
Setting up the printer was a breeze and only took a few minutes. It has a sleek appearance, though it’s a bit louder than I expected, but not excessively so. The size is perfect for my small office. The printing speed is impressive, and the quality of the copies is exceptional. I tested it by copying a wrinkled yellow receipt with faint writing, as I needed to send it to my insurance agency but didn’t want to risk sending the original. To my surprise, the copy was nearly indistinguishable from the original, capturing every faded detail perfectly. I don’t usually write reviews, but I felt compelled to commend this purchase. I also bought a replacement HP black ink cartridge for $73 just in case, but I haven’t needed it yet. The original cartridge is still going strong after a month, and I print dozens of items daily. I’m curious to see if this printer lasts more than three years, as none of my previous ones have.
Jamiefico –
After years of relying on inkjet printers at home, I finally decided to upgrade to a laser printer, and I couldn’t be happier! The setup was a breeze, and the print quality is excellent, both from the app and directly from the printer. It’s perfect for my work and my kids’ school projects. While it is slightly larger and a bit louder than my previous printer, it doesn’t bother me at all, and it was well-packaged.
R. Keith –
This printer/scanner/copier is outstanding. The print and color quality are exceptional, and the setup process is a breeze. Connecting to Wi-Fi was seamless. The drawer feed design is much better than the gravity feed, and I’ve had zero paper jams so far, which was the main reason I replaced my old inkjet printer.
IRON TRIBE CORPORATE –
We are a busy family, always on the go! I’m a dedicated student, and I also run a business while having a college student at home. This printer connects seamlessly with all our devices wirelessly—whether it’s iPhones, Samsung phones, Pixels, iPads, laptops, MacBooks, or our trusty PC. It makes excellent and quick copies and labels, and I’ve even printed some photos! While it was more than I typically spend, it has proven to be a fantastic investment for our family, and I’m confident it will serve us well for years to come!