Review on 🖨️ HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Monochrome Printer: Ethernet, 2-sided Printing, Alexa Compatible (W1A53A) by Robb Fillmore

I've been in IT for over 17 years (and even longer than "computers in the family") and have known many printers: Canon, Lexmark, Epson, Brother Konica. , HP, Ricoh and all have their pros and cons. However, there is one thing in common: HP is the most widely used in the business world, and with good reason! So how does this monochrome (black and white print only) HP LJ Pro M404dw fare? Not bad! IN BRIEF NEWS The latest addition to the LaserJet Pro printer line delivers crisp, fast two-sided printing with business-class features and security. Replacement toners are expensive, but they can print a large number of pages. It's a well-made, compact, professional-looking printer that I would have no hesitation in recommending for the home or small office. BENEFITS - Crisp text and graphics print quality - Fast print speeds (up to 40 pages per minute) - Compact, durable and professional looking Print options: WiFi, WiFi Direct (device connected directly to printer), wired Ethernet, USB printing cable or E- Mail --- The M404dn does not have WiFi/WiFi Direct options --- The email address is provided via the HP Smart app, which can be used to forward email messages for printing. You can print directly from mobile devices (both Android and Apple iOS) using either the HP Smart app or other apps that support mobile printing. Easy WiFi setup via download. HP Smart app (Apple iOS/Android/Windows 10) --- The HP Smart app found the printer, set it up, used it and provided statistics with no problems --- The Windows 10 app via the Microsoft App Store works very well - 2-Sided printing (printing on both sides) for supported sizes (Letter, Legal, Executive, etc.) - Advanced network and security configuration available (via HP Smart app and web browser) --- See "Security" section for more information Bottom Tray 1 opens at front for receipts, envelopes and manual feed Tray 2 holds 250 sheets of paper and Tray 3 is available for purchase Sheet input tray D9P29A- Comes with USB cable- AirPrint: Compatible with Apple Mac- Compatible with Google Cloud Print--- The printer uses 2 sheets for setup: one with instructions and one to confirm setup is complete- Extended toner capacity available for VERY high volume prints ng --- The included starter toner can print about 2,000 pages - Quiet mode (prints quieter at the expense of speed), although I don't find normal mode loud - Customizable auto on/off/sleep modes --- By default : Sleep mode 1 minute, shutdown 4 hours Ours - Fairly light at 19 pounds - Additional advanced business class features include --- SNMP, WINS, SLP, LPD, LLMNR, Syslog, NTP time sync --- Reports on usage and Operation--- Setup backup/restore and firmware updates MINUS - Replacement toners are EXPENSIVE (HP 58A 3,000 pages and HP 58X 10,000 pages) - Kit does not include a network/ethernet cable. available from the HP website. The software for use on mobile devices (Apple iOS/Android) is called "HP Smart" - You can access the full printer configuration by locating the IP address on the printer (or via the HP apps) and entering it into a web browser. The HP Smart app includes a free mobile fax trial. Allows fax print jobs to be sent from an application. A valid fax number is required (Accordingly, a landline phone is required--- I have not checked the cost of the service since the 1-month trial period. SECURITY In today's environment, security information is more important than ever. I appreciate HP incorporating features and settings to protect your network Some of these are: Removing Web Services --- Although the printer allows you to conveniently print from the Internet or to e-mail, any route a hacker might take is a vulnerability.-- - With the HP Smart App allows you to disable these web services to minimize the impact of an attack --- The default administrator password should be changed for added security --- Network connection settings --- The printer allows you to enable/disable any unused printing options including: wired Ethernet , Wi-Fi -Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, AirPrint, Google Cloud Pri nt and Internet Printing Protocol (IPP, IPPS) ------ IPP/IPPS methods allow you to assign users access Printing from mobile devices- Certificates --- This topic itself is BIG and very confusing for many ----- - In short, certificates are like passports issued by an authority that is trusted by both parties. They help ensure secure communication between printer and sender - HP M404dw uses a self-signed, pre-installed certificate and supports CA-signed certificates encoded in PEM/Base64 - Email alerts - You can be notified when a certain threshold is reached is (Default: 1 minute)------ Cassette is missing, empty or almost empty------ Door open, wrong media, paper jam, no paper------ Problems with job storage, e.g. B. USB device disconnection and insufficient memory - Firewall Rules --- Built-in firewall with configurable rule priority, address patterns and services, service list --- Failover option where HTTPS remains available even if blocked by firewall policies (so the admin wasn't accidentally blocked) - Secure communication --- Cipher suites, SSL/TLS protocols and HTTPS redirection can be enabled/disabled - P SNMP options include v1/v2 and v3 - ACL : A pure IPv4 ACL is available to control access to the printer. 802.1x authentication: PEAP, EAP-TLS protocols. supported - cartridge lock to lock toner to a specific printer to prevent theft --- Using a secure cartridge on another printer will not work --- This cartridge cannot be unlocked. All in all, like most HP printers, this is a quality, business-class product with the speed and clarity the LaserJet Pro series is known for. Security features are welcome! I prefer the HP M404dw (WiFi) model ($50-100 more) than the HP M404dn (USB/wired network) because it's versatile enough that it doesn't need to be connected to a network, but the HP M404dn (USB/ wired network) it's still a good buy, especially at its current price of $219. If you found this review helpful, please click the helpful button below to encourage me to write more. Thank you!