Review for the HP LaserJet P2055dn Printer

14/11/2017

Review for a HP LaserJet P2055dn Printer

Installation

Having the latest version of Windows installed on my laptop meant that I simply had to plug in the printer and I was ready to go; amazed at how easy it was. For users on a system older than Windows 7, it does take slightly longer as installing the printer has to be done using a disc.

Print Speed and Paper Types

The HP LaserJet P2055dn has a print speed of up to 35 pages per minute, using a standard A4 paper and whilst testing, the printer appeared to feed the paper smoothly into the machine without any jamming issues. Loading the paper into the tray was very simple and passed without event. There is a helpful little gauge on the left of the paper tray; this indicates the paper level which I thought was worthy of a mention. It is worth making a mental note to fan the paper before putting it into the paper tray, this just eliminates any sheets that may have fused together in the packaging which may then cause an obstruction when printing.

After printing a series of mono prints which came out crisp & clear, I thought I would put the printer through its paces by trying envelopes and labels. To me, these are a real test for any printer, due to their material complexities of flaps & adhesive. Surprisingly, the printer handled them both well, although I did fail to change the Settings to accommodate label printing and after a little tweaking, the print quality was perfect. Changing the Settings to accommodate specific media types is something that many people don’t realise is important, however, it can be the difference between the printer producing good or bad quality prints.

The instruction manual states that overhead transparencies can be printed on this LaserJet P2055dn, but this wasn’t something that I tried. I would note, as with the labels, it is necessary to change the Settings to accommodate this type of media.

Duplex printing is not automatic on this LaserJet P2055dn printer and is in fact a manual process which requires the operator to feed the paper into the printer via the multipurpose tray (Tray 1).

Cartridges

A HP 505X high yield laser toner cartridge is required for this printer, and whilst the original version has a hefty price tag of approximately £144, a recycled original alternative from Red Bus Cartridges is just £41.94; this saves you a staggering amount of money. All Red Bus branded products are guaranteed to perform to the same standard as an original HP product, are supplied with a full money back guarantee and come on a free next day delivery service.

Pros

Produces speedy mono prints
Space saving; can be placed against the wall due to paper tray being at the front
Prints well on several forms of media

Cons

Duplex printing is a manual process

Verdict

I really like this HP LaserJet P2055dn printer. It’s compact enough to sit neatly on a desk for a single user but also sufficiently robust to serve an entire office of people. It does lend itself quite nicely to a business user, having the capability to perform on several types of media but equally to a home environment for those with lots of homework to print. The appeal for me though, is the affordability of the replacement CE 505X toner cartridges.