New MF Printer

New MF Printer: a reader asks…

Hi Chris, my HP 8600 multi-function printer is dying. Do you have a recommendation for a replacement? I took a look at two so far from Staples: the HP Officejet Pro X576dw for $350 and the HP Color Laserjet pro M477fnw for $330. Can you see much difference between the two?

The Officejet Pro is an inkjet printer like the one you have now. So it’s capable of printing photos (with photo paper). The Laserjet doesn’t do photos, but can do good graphics. So the first consideration between the two is whether you need to print photos. If over the course of your 8600’s service life you never printed a photo, then my guess is you’ll not be doing so in the future. Both printers do very well printing graphics like pie charts, clip art, and low-resolution photos, where the Officejet shines is printing high-quality photographs on photo paper – that’s beyond the capabilities of the color laserjet. But before you decide, there’s one other feature difference between the two that might matter to you.

The Officejet model you listed has automatic duplexing – that’s geek-speak for 2-sided printing. The new laserjet model you noted has manual duplexing. HP does make a color laserjet that includes automatic duplexing, that’s the model M477fdw. It sells for $430, so it’s a bit more expensive than the field you’re looking at. But I think the extra cost is well worth it, if double-sided printing ease is important to you.

If you don’t need to print photos, then I’d say go with the Laserjet. Don’t worry about the cost of consumables, even though the laserjet toner cartridges are more expensive than inkjet containers, they last a lot longer, so the cost works out about the same. I happen to own an older model of the color laserjet (M475fdw), and it’s been a rock-solid performer.

If you do want to print photos and don’t want to have more than one printer, then the Officejet pro X576dw is a great option. My only concern about inkjet printers is that the ink cartridges and printheads can get clogged and dry out if they’re not used regularly. For an occasional use printer, you’re better off with laserjets and their dry toner cartridges.