HP’s LaserJet Pro line has always been a great choice for the SMB office, and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw really delivers on that premise. It puts emphasis on speed and reliability over anything else.
This premium printer can print, scan, copy and fax at high precision in mono, but it doesn’t take color cartridges. You should look to the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw if your occasionally need to do full colour printing.
With a 350-sheet paper capacity and a print speed of 40ppm, this multifunction printer (MFP) is designed to deliver maximum productivity and efficiency. Again, it gets convenient features like scanning to email, duplex printing and wireless connectivity for up to five users that all make it easier to use and share.
Specs Sheet
Here are the full specs of the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw:
- Type: Multifunction mono laser printer
- Functions: Print, copy, scan, fax
- Ink: Black toner cartridge
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB
- Data storage slot: USB port
- Print speed: 40 ppm
- Document tray capacity: 350 sheets
- Print quality: 1,200 x 1,200 dpi
- Scan quality: 600 x 600 dpi
- Consumables included: One toner cartridge
- Size/Weight: 12.72 x 16.54 x 15.35 inches; 27.8 pounds
Design and Build
The MFP M428fdw now has a large paper drawer capable of holding 350 sheets of plain A4 paper – that’s 100 sheets more than the Brother HL-L3290CDW, a scanner bed and a top-loading automatic document feeder (ADF), and that makes it stand tall on a desk that most standard printers. However, its footprint isn’t as huge as that of the huge Xerox VersaLink C405.
It also feels well made, meaning it doesn’t have any flaps and trays that are likely to snap off any time soon. After printing, the pages are deposited in a central tray and connections, which include the square USB port and an Ethernet port, are all at the rear.
There’s a useful USB port at the front for printing from a USB thumb drive, or when saving one to scan. At the front, there’s also a fixed touchscreen display, which is much easier to use than the mono LCD panels found on most average printers.
Setup and Use
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw is a typical four-in-one MFP, meaning it can print, scan, fax and copy, although the last feature is basically a combination of scanning and printing. Still, it can do more besides. The M428fdw has both an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi connectivity, but it lacks NFC, and you also get an extra port for inserting USB thumb drives. The upper tray is a 50-sheet ADF for lining up scanning tasks.
Getting the HP M428fdw to work is pretty straightforward, it’ just a case of following the simple instruction manual and then download the HP software to your PC/Mac. From there, you can further configure and complete your product registration from the comfort of your computer, easier than relying on the printer’s own control panel.
If you download the HP software, you can easily configure the device to print directly from email, meaning you can do print jobs while you’re away.
Everyday operations are made better by the HP’s smooth scrolling touchscreen and intuitive interface. Printing and scanning is seamless even if you’re doing these tasks directly from your smartphone, thanks to the excellent companion app called AiO Remote.
Performance
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw delivers remarkably fine copies and prints. Black text on plain paper looks fantastic, even when they are churned out at a rare of 40 papers per minute. The printer’s delicate touch when it comes to applying the toner reflects its efficiency. In fact, HP reckons you’ll get up to 3,000 pages from one HP 58A Black Laser toner cartridge.
You’ll also appreciate the smooth and satisfying quiet way in which this machine prints and paper flies out without the usual commotion.
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As ever, mono-printers are never great with images and diagrams, can be a little disappointing, but expect fine detail and shading in black and white prints. The printing resolution is 1,200 x 1,200 dpi and even at this high quality, the prints emerge in under 6.1 seconds.
Elsewhere, scanning is a little slower and the resolution is limited to 600 x 600 dpi for some reason, but that only applies at least in full color. You can choose if you want the resulting PDF, JPG, tiff, OR PNG file saved onto USB, or mailed directly.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw Review: Verdict
The HP LaserJet Pro M428fdw looks like a reliable workhorse, and it doesn’t disappoint. As a laser prints, it churns out paper at impressive speeds, but without creating a fuss or sounds on your desk. In fact, it manages to pump out 24 duplex and 43 simplex pages per minute, double the rate of an average printer in this lineup.
While this LaserJet Pro manages to produce particularly fine prints at high speeds, just keep in mind this is a mono printer, so you won’t do color prints. Also, remember that the scanner is somewhat limited by its 600 x 600 dpi resolution, and the initial cost is not that cheap, but that’s justified in the long run. Overall, if all you need is a speedy, functional black and white only printer for your small business or office, and don’t mind not having a color printing option but speed is your priority, then the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw is a great buy. It’s our newest Editors Choice for SMB printers.
The Review
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw looks like a reliable workhorse, and it doesn’t disappoint. As a laser prints, it churns out paper at impressive speeds, but without creating a fuss or sounds on your desk.
Recommended Configuration
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw Wireless Monochrome All-in-One Printer
PROS
- Exceptionally sharp print quality
- Very smooth and quiet printing
- User-friendly touchscreen control panel
- Strong support from the companion app
CONS
- Mono printer
- Bulky unit
Review Breakdown
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EDITORS RATING
Last update on 2024-10-30 at 11:58 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
