The HP Laser first appeared over 20 years ago, how those who purchased an early offering would have loved what is inside this small box.
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It weights around 11 kilos and is 35x35x26cm. There are no less than three ways to connect to a PC, wireless (built in jet direct server), Ethernet or USB2. Somewhat surprisingly the Ethernet cable is supplied but the USB cable is not.
This unit will print 21ppm (A4) at 600dpi for as long as there is paper available. There are two inputs a 250 sheet tray as well as a 125 second input (manual). The unit can print up to 1200dpi but the speed then drops to close to 10ppm. Printed pages are delivered onto the top of the unit.
The real surprise is that duplex is supplied as standard, often on less well specified cheaper units duplex is optional and I often find there is a drop down on second side printing of several mm. Here the differential is little more than 1mm.
I printed a range of documents and once printing started they all came through at over 21ppm. Graphics were slower but still printed x times a minute rather than the inkjet x minutes per time. I was very pleased with the output as a decent grey scale image can often give a full colour print a run for their money.
The wireless is 802.11g and this could well be useful. Ethernet is 10/100 while USB is version 2 (works fine if you only have 1.1) The unit comes with 16MB and this proved adequate for all the graphics I gave it to print be it full page or multiple items per page. The unit has PCL 5 and 6 support as well as Postscript level 2 emulation.
Software installation is straightforward and should not cause any problems. For anyone new to using lasers their Toolbox utility will help without becoming intrusive.
There are five LEDs on the top front right of the unit along with two buttons, the back right side has the on/off switch and all cables including power plug into the rear of the unit. Unlike some other lower priced lasers the A4 tray fits fully inside the body.
While there are laser printer special offers out there from less than £100 this is a well built and well supported unit from HP. You get the choice of three connection methods and of course duplex. Anyone running a small business is unlikely to go wrong with this laser.
21ppm for as long as you have paper, duplex printing as standard and three methods of connection to the PC, the HP Laserjet 1320nw has all of these. www.dabs.com have it for £367.98.
Update on pricing: HP are now selling this direct for £316 inc. VAT (May 2006)
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