HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw review fast and secure wireless black-and-white office printer

Description

Effortless Office Printing with the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw

Testing the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw Wireless Black & White Printer felt like diving into a world of streamlined productivity. This compact and professional-looking machine quickly found a spot on my desk, and it’s been pulling its weight since the first print. Whether it’s churning out reports or handling multi-page documents, this printer is designed for small teams and office setups. Its performance, however, comes with a couple of quirks I’ll get into later.

Design and Build Quality
The sleek design of the LaserJet Pro 3001dw caught my attention right away. It’s compact enough to fit on a standard desk, measuring 15.7 x 14.4 x 8.5 inches, and it doesn’t overwhelm the space. At 16.1 pounds, it’s not too heavy to move around when needed, but it feels sturdy and well-built. The control panel is minimalistic, which is great if you’re like me and prefer gadgets that don’t look like they belong in a spaceship. Included components such as the power cord, toner cartridges, and warranty guide make it ready to use right out of the box.

Superb Printing Performance
What really stood out was the fast print speed—this beast can crank out up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute. I appreciated the automatic duplex printing, which not only saves paper but also adds a professional touch to double-sided documents. It’s incredibly efficient, especially for handling bulk printing tasks. The 1200 x 1200 DPI resolution ensures that text comes out sharp and clear, making it ideal for presentations and client handouts. The first page is out in just ~6.6 seconds, which is perfect for those impatient moments when you’re rushing to a meeting.

Connectivity Options Galore
Setting up the printer was a breeze, thanks to its smart cloud connectivity. The Wi-Fi connection is impressively reliable, intelligently searching for the best signal to stay connected. I also tested the USB and Ethernet interfaces, which worked seamlessly for wired connections. What’s even better is the compatibility with various devices—whether it’s my laptop, smartphone, or tablet, the wireless printing feature made everything so convenient. The printer works flawlessly with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, and Chromebooks, meaning it caters to almost every user out there.

Security Features for Peace of Mind
The built-in HP Wolf Pro Security deserves a special mention. With customizable settings, it creates a secure environment for sensitive data. I particularly liked the PIN/pull option, which ensures that print jobs are only processed when I’m present to authenticate them. For office setups where data security is crucial, this is a standout feature.

Highlights

• Fast print speeds of up to 35 pages per minute.
• Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and time.
• Reliable connectivity with intelligent Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet options.
• Wide compatibility with multiple operating systems and devices.

Downsides
Despite its many strong points, there are a few areas for improvement I noticed while using the printer:

• The 250-sheet input tray might feel limiting for larger offices that handle high-volume printing.
• The 64 MB memory capacity isn’t ideal for handling complex files or big print queues.
• The printer is designed to work only with HP cartridges, which might restrict those who prefer third-party options.

Competing Products
Comparing the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw to some of its direct competitors, it holds up well in terms of speed and security but does have a few limitations. For instance, Brother HL-L2350DW is a strong contender, offering similar print speeds and duplex capabilities at a potentially lower cost. However, the LaserJet Pro 3001dw edges ahead with its HP Wolf Pro Security features and intelligent Wi-Fi, which the Brother model lacks. On the higher end, something like the Canon imageCLASS MF445dw offers additional functions like scanning and copying, but it comes at a bulkier size and higher price point.

If you’re looking for a dedicated black-and-white printer with robust security and fast speeds, the LaserJet Pro 3001dw emerges as a solid choice, though it’s not without its compromises.

Price Performance
When it comes to bang for the buck, this printer balances its features well against its cost. The automatic duplex printing, cloud connectivity, and extensive compatibility make it worth considering for small office teams. However, the limitation to HP-branded toner cartridges could increase the long-term operational cost. That being said, the Instant Ink subscription option simplifies toner management, delivering cartridges right when you need them and saving you the hassle of manual restocking.

While the price point might feel a tad higher compared to budget models, the added security features and performance reliability make it a worthwhile investment for professional environments.

Additional information