HP PageWide Pro 477dw review best multifunction business printer with wireless and duplex printing

Description

A Game-Changer for Office Productivity

The HP PageWide Pro 477dw Color Multifunction Business Printer (D3Q20A) has been a staple in my workspace recently. As someone who frequently prints, scans, and occasionally faxes, I needed a reliable, fast, and versatile printer to meet my demands. This machine promised a lot, and after testing it thoroughly, I can confidently say it mostly delivers. However, there are a few quirks to consider before making the investment.

Design and Build Quality: A Professional Look with Practical Features

This printer’s sleek and professional design immediately caught my attention. It’s not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing for an office setup. The dimensions (23.39″ D x 23.6″ W x 19.5″ H) make it slightly bulkier than some competitors, but the 500-sheet input capacity and 100-sheet output tray justify the size. The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, making navigation through settings a breeze. While the printer is hefty at 58.2 pounds, the solid build reassures me of its durability over time.

One aspect I appreciated was the multiple connectivity options. With USB, Ethernet, and wireless capabilities, it seamlessly integrated into my existing network. It even supports AirPrint and other mobile printing options, which allowed me to print directly from my phone without any hiccups. The automatic duplex printing and scanning were standout features that saved considerable time during busy days.

Performance: A Speed Demon with Quality Output

The print speed of up to 55 pages per minute (ppm) is no joke. I was initially skeptical, but this printer churned out sharp, professional-quality color documents faster than I thought was possible. The first-page-out time of 6.5 seconds is particularly helpful when printing smaller batches. For scanning and copying, the 600 DPI resolution ensured that text and images remained crisp and clear.

However, I noticed the 1200 DPI resolution for prints didn’t always deliver the vibrancy I expected for photos or heavily graphic documents. It’s great for text-heavy work, but for anything requiring rich color saturation, it fell slightly short. The HP PageWide technology does reduce downtime significantly, but the cooling fan can get a bit noisy during extended use.

Positives

This printer has several standout advantages that make it a worthwhile addition to any office:

• Blazing fast print speeds of 55 ppm, perfect for high-volume tasks.
• Energy-efficient HP PageWide technology that minimizes downtime and power usage.
• User-friendly touchscreen interface for quick navigation.
• Mobile printing compatibility, including AirPrint and remote printer management.
• Security features like PIN-enabled printing, ensuring confidentiality for sensitive documents.

Areas for Improvement

While it excels in many areas, there are some noticeable less favorable aspects:

• Bulky size might not suit smaller office spaces.
• Print quality for photos and graphics is decent but not exceptional.
• Noise levels during operation can be distracting in quieter environments.
• Replacement cartridges are pricey, especially if you frequently print in color.

Product Alternatives

When comparing this device to other options, a few competing products stood out. For instance, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW offers similar functionality but includes a slightly better reputation for vibrant color prints. On the other hand, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw is more compact and provides comparable performance for smaller workgroups. Despite these alternatives, the HP PageWide Pro 477dw shines in areas like speed and overall cost efficiency.

Where this printer truly excels is in low total cost of ownership, claimed to be 20% lower than most competitors. Although the upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings on ink and energy consumption make it a strategic choice for businesses.

Bang for the Buck

As for price performance, this printer offers a strong value proposition for medium to large-sized workgroups. While the initial investment might feel steep, the combination of speed, efficiency, and durability offsets the cost over time. The inclusion of features like dual-sided printing, scanning, and robust security options adds to its overall worth. It’s not the cheapest option, but considering the total cost of ownership, it justifies its price tag.

Who Should Consider This Printer?

This printer is best suited for workgroups of 3-10 users, as recommended by HP. Its 500-sheet input capacity and multifunction capabilities make it ideal for businesses that require frequent, high-volume printing. If you need a machine that can scale with your demands and prioritize speed, this is a great fit. However, it might not be the best choice for home offices or casual users due to its size and focus on professional applications.

While the HP PageWide Pro 477dw isn’t perfect, its speed, energy efficiency, and robust feature set make it a strong contender for any office setup. I’d recommend weighing its good points against the caveats to determine if it aligns with your specific needs.

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