HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401dn

The boxy M401dn sports an all-black matte finish but feels sturdy, measuring 366mm x 368mm x 272mm. It comes with two loading trays and power button in the front with a USB port on the lower left so you can print files from a thumbdrive directly. The printer and Ethernet ports are located at the back.In the tradition of robust, no-frills laser printers, the HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401dn printer ranks as an office-friendly monochrome printer that is all business and fun to use.

The top consists of a 3.5-inch touch panel that can pivot two inches above the main deck of the printer for greater visibility and access. The touch screen panel offers information and controls to set up HP’s web services, navigate a set of features and display diagnostic and error information. While not the brightest display, it gets the job done.

A bonus for printers in this class is the addition of a built-in duplexer for printing on both sides of a page. Coupled with a 250-sheet paper drawer, and a 50-sheet multi-purpose tray for a range of paper sizes, the M401dn is prepped for high volume printing. This should be enough for most small offices, but if you need more, you can add a 500-sheet second tray.

Feature-wise, the M401dn comes with an array of mobile printing solutions including HP’s own mobile print app technology, HP ePrint. ePrint allows you to send print jobs to an email address assigned exclusively to the printer so you can print remotely. In addition, the printer supports Apple AirPrint (for printing from iOS devices), and various web-based printer apps. It doesn't offer Wi-Fi which is available in the HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401dw, essentially the same printer with Wi-Fi included.

Connecting to this printer could be easier with wireless, but it is still possible to link it to your network via an Ethernet cable or plug it in directly to your computer with an USB cable. A nice touch is HP’s innovative Smart Install technology that automatically installs print drivers when the printer is plugged into a PC. You don’t need the installation discs nor do you have to download drivers from the Internet to complete the installation. On a network, you input the IP address and the printer directs you to download links via the panel. Select the relevant driver and the network print drivers are installed immediately.

Printing on the M401dn is fuss-free with your first print out in less than 10 seconds. Even when idle, the printer springs to life quickly thanks to HP’s Instant On technology that lets you print documents with little to no waiting time. Print speed is rated at 33 pages per minute and for the most part, this is easily achieved.

Print quality is also highly commendable though you should note there are two print modes; default and Econo. Default mode produces clear lines and fine text with no splotches or banding visible. Econo mode is a draft print setting that downsamples graphics and prints text in a soft, light grey tone. The impact is visible with small font sizes that sort of fade off, and block ink patches that appear as a checkered pattern instead of a smooth seamless ink block. Still, Econo mode produces readable text and saves ink when you don’t require high quality documents.

If top quality output is most important for your business, and you want to take advantage of built-in mobile printing features, the HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401dn may well be the printer for you. It’s a flexible network printer that lets you tweak your settings and requirements while you operate it. Combined with extra features such as the print apps, the quality and the speed of the prints, the HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401dn makes a good investment.

In short:

The Good:
Its quick, print quality is excellent and it is very simple to use. The duplexer, adjustable feeder trays and large capacities ensure the printer can scale print volume as your business grows.

The Bad:
Wi-Fi should be a standard option

The Bottom Line:
If your office is looking for a machine to churn out plenty of text documents or black and white graphics, then the M401dn is just the thing you need. It’s quick, fuss-free and simple to use. The sleek interface is easy to understand and navigate. The HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401dn is perfect for the business that relies heavily on the concept of the paper office, yet still demands high quality and speed.