Introduction
In today’s fast-paced digital world, seamless and efficient printing solutions are crucial for both home-based businesses and micro offices. The HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw embodies this need by offering a compact, entry-level laser printer that promises to deliver a blend of multifunctional capabilities in one unit. In this guide, we delve into the detailed features, performance, and maintenance of the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw, while also touching upon its availability and the considerations one should weigh while looking for similar models in the market.
Features and Specifications
The HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw packs a range of features that suit it for everyday office tasks:
- Multifunctionality: This printer isn’t just a printer; it’s a robust unit that can also copy, scan, and fax documents. Supporting both black and white and colour functionalities, it caters to varied office needs.
- Print Speed: Designed for efficiency, this device can print up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white and 4 ppm for colour, making it suitable for low-volume environments.
- Paper Handling: It comes with a 150-sheet standard paper tray, a 50-sheet output tray, and a 40-page automatic document feeder (ADF), facilitating effortless printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
- Connectivity Options: Users will appreciate the wide range of connectivity options available, including dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connections. The printer also supports mobile-friendly options like the HP Smart app, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Wi-Fi Direct.
- Print Quality: With a resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi, the printer offers decent quality for both text and graphic outputs, making it ideal for standard business applications.
- Compact Design: Marketed as the “world’s smallest in its class,” its design makes it a perfect fit for space-constricted office environments.
Performance
While the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw offers a plethora of features, its performance needs to be evaluated with the user’s specific needs in mind:
- Colour Printing: It delivers relatively slower colour printing speeds which suffice for low-volume usage. However, it may not be ideal for tasks requiring swift, high-volume outputs.
- Text and Graphic Quality: Text quality is above par, characterised by precise, legible fonts. When it comes to producing vibrant photos, it performs adequately, although complex business graphics might result in visual discrepancies like banding.
- Usability and Efficiency: Despite being suitable for small-scale operations, its efficiencies in terms of usability can be undercut by some limitations inherent in its design and operational speed.
Availability and Pricing
Since the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw has been discontinued by HP, obtaining a new unit may be challenging. Despite this, it could still be found through various resellers or online marketplaces, with an original price tag of approximately $299.99. Prospective buyers could explore platforms like Amazon or eBay for refurbished or overstocked versions. Additionally, similar models on the market may offer incremental improvements over this model’s capabilities.
Hire Options
Due to the discontinuation of this specific model, hiring or leasing options are less straightforward. WA Hutton recommends reaching out to local office equipment rental companies to inquire whether they still have the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw in inventory or if they offer comparable models. It presents an opportunity to test the printer’s capabilities in situ before investing in a purchase.
Repairs and Maintenance
When it comes to repairs and maintenance, users need to be informed and prepared:
- Warranty Considerations: The printer comes with a one-year limited hardware warranty. The warranty policy covers factory defects but requires using original HP components and approved repair services.
- Cartridge Management: The device necessitates using four separate toner cartridges—black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. It is crucial to use genuine HP original cartridges to avoid compatibility issues that may arise with non-HP cartridges.
- Routine Maintenance: Regular upkeep includes tasks such as cleaning the printer, updating its firmware, and ensuring that both the paper tray and ADF are free from dust and debris. Users can consult the device’s manual or HP’s comprehensive support website for detailed guidance.
- Repair Services: For any malfunctions, it is advisable to reach out to HP’s customer support services or authorised repair centres. While local repair shops can be an option, ensuring usage of genuine HP parts is crucial to maintaining optimal performance and warranty validity.
Related Products and Alternatives
The market provides a wide array of alternatives to the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw, each coming with its unique set of advantages:
- HP Color LaserJet Pro Models: These successors offer enhanced functionalities with faster printing speeds and improved connectivity options.
- Brother Colour Laser Printers: Known for robust performance and innovative features, Brother’s range of colour laser printers might cater well to similar market needs.
- Canon ImageClass Colour Printers: Perfect for both home and office use, Canon’s offerings often boast high print speeds and advanced wireless connectivity features.
HP Colour LaserJet M179fnw – FAQs
Q: Can I use third-party toner cartridges with the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw?
A: While it is possible to use third-party toner cartridges with the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw, it is not recommended. Non-HP cartridges can lead to compatibility issues and potentially impact the warranty of the printer. To ensure optimal performance and maintain the warranty protection, it’s best to use genuine HP cartridges with an HP chip.
Q: Is the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw suitable for high-volume printing tasks?
A: The HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw is designed primarily for low-volume printing environments such as home-based businesses or small offices. It performs efficiently for regular tasks, but users requiring high-volume or rapid-print capabilities may find its colour print speed limiting for extensive operations. Exploring more advanced options might be beneficial if these are your primary concerns.
Q: What should I do if my printer exhibits banding in colour prints?
A: Banding in colour prints can occur due to several factors, including low toner levels, clogged print heads, or software issues. To troubleshoot, check and refill or replace toner cartridges if needed, perform a print head cleaning from the HP Smart app or printer settings, and ensure your printer’s software and firmware are up-to-date. If issues persist, contacting professional support services might be necessary.
HP Colour LaserJet M179fnw Summary
Overall, the HP Color Laser MFP 179fnw stands out as a versatile and compact solution, ideally suited for small office environments that demand multifunctionality within space constraints. Despite its discontinuation, the printer retains relevance through its robust feature set and design efficiency for homes and small office settings. For any specific hiring or purchasing needs, WA Hutton advises keeping updated with the latest market offerings or consulting established office equipment suppliers. The world of printing continually evolves, offering new solutions to meet the ever-changing dynamics of home and office environments.