🖨️ A Reliable Workhorse: Reviewing the Renewed HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn (CE749A)
The HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn (CE749A) is a monochrome laser printer that carved out a reputation as a dependable and efficient choice for small offices and home users when it was first released. Today, the renewed version, often packaged with a 90-day warranty, continues to offer a compelling mix of speed, features, and compact design at a budget-friendly price point. This article examines the key aspects of this renewed model, its core features, and what users can expect from this printing workhorse.
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| A Reliable Workhorse: Reviewing the Renewed HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn (CE749A) |
Core Specifications and Features
The P1606dn is a monochrome laser printer, meaning it prints exclusively in black and white—a common choice for businesses prioritizing high-volume, cost-effective document production over color output.
Speed and Performance: One of its main selling points is its speed. It boasts a print speed of up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for letter-sized paper (25 ppm for A4). This swift output is complemented by HP's Instant-on Technology, allowing the first page to print in as fast as 7 seconds from a ready state, significantly reducing waiting time.
Automatic Duplexing: The "dn" in the model name signifies Duplex (two-sided printing) and Network capabilities. The built-in automatic duplexer is a major benefit, enabling users to effortlessly print on both sides of a page. This feature not only saves time but also drastically reduces paper consumption, aligning with eco-friendly and cost-saving objectives.
Connectivity and Networking: Standard connectivity options include a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port for direct connection to a PC, and a crucial 10/100 Ethernet networking port. The Ethernet connection allows the printer to be easily shared among a small workgroup, making it an excellent fit for small or home offices (SOHOs). It also supports HP ePrint and Apple AirPrint™ capabilities, often requiring a network setup.
Paper Handling: The printer comes equipped with a 250-sheet main input tray and a 10-sheet priority input slot. The priority slot is particularly useful for printing specialized media like envelopes, labels, or letterheads without needing to empty the main tray. The output tray capacity is around 150 sheets.
Print Quality and Engine: It delivers a print resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi (with an effective output of 1200 dpi using HP FastRes 1200 technology), which is more than adequate for crisp, high-quality text documents. The printer's monthly duty cycle is up to 8,000 pages, with a recommended monthly volume between 250 and 2,000 pages, indicating its robustness for regular office use.
The Appeal of the Renewed Model
Opting for a renewed (or refurbished) version of the HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn, especially with a 90-day warranty, presents several advantages:
Cost Savings: Renewed printers are significantly more affordable than their brand-new counterparts, making quality laser printing accessible to budget-conscious small businesses or individuals.
Sustainability: Buying renewed is an environmentally responsible choice, extending the lifecycle of electronic equipment and reducing e-waste.
Reliability with Assurance: Although the P1606dn is an older model, its construction is generally regarded as solid. The inclusion of a 90-day warranty provides a layer of security, ensuring that the critical functions of the printer have been tested and are guaranteed to work upon purchase. The specific condition (e.g., cosmetic wear, included accessories like cables) should always be verified with the seller.
Considerations for Potential Buyers
While the P1606dn is a strong performer, potential buyers of a renewed unit should keep a few points in mind:
Graphics and Photo Quality: Like most monochrome laser printers, its strength lies in text printing. Grayscale graphics and photo output are often considered to be at the lower end of the range for mono lasers, making it less ideal for image-heavy documents.
Toner Cost: While the initial cost of the printer is low, the price of replacement HP 78A (CE278A) toner cartridges should be factored into the total cost of ownership. Some users note that the toner cartridges can be relatively expensive, especially compared to the price of the printer itself.
No Built-in Display: The printer lacks an LCD screen, relying instead on a simple set of LEDs (Go, Ready, Attention, Toner Low) for status updates. Management and configuration are typically handled via a computer or web interface.
Compact Design: Its small footprint (387mm W x 284mm D x 246mm H) is a major plus for cramped offices, though some reviewers have noted that certain parts, such as the output tray extensions, can feel a bit flimsy.
In conclusion, the renewed HP LaserJet Pro P1606dn (CE749A) remains a highly recommended choice for those needing a fast, reliable, network-ready, and duplex-capable monochrome laser printer for a small office or home use. Its excellent text quality and efficiency make it a robust and value-driven option, particularly when secured with a warranty.