🖨️ Review: HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw All-in-One Laser Printer - The Compact Workhorse for Modern Offices
In the evolving landscape of small office and home office (SOHO) setups, a printer is more than just a peripheral—it's a critical hub for productivity. The HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw All-in-One Laser Wireless Printer steps into this role, promising high-speed performance, comprehensive functionality, and a compact design. This black and white (mono) multi-function printer (MFP) is positioned by HP as "Best for Office," a claim we put to the test in this detailed review.
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| Review: HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw All-in-One Laser Printer - The Compact Workhorse for Modern Offices |
⚡ Core Features at a Glance
The HP M235sdw is a robust A4 laser printer built for efficiency:
| Feature | Specification / Detail | Office Benefit |
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan (All-in-One) | Consolidation of office equipment. |
| Print Speed (Black) | Up to 29-30 ppm (pages per minute) | Handles high-volume tasks quickly. |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic (Two-Sided) | Saves paper and time automatically. |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, HP App, AirPrint, Mopria | Flexible placement and easy mobile access. |
| Document Feeder | 40-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | Facilitates quick batch copying and scanning. |
| Technology | Black & White Laser | Crisp, professional text and low running cost per page (compared to inkjet). |
| Recommended Volume | 200 to 2,000 pages per month | Suitable for small to moderate office demands. |
🚀 Performance and Speed: Built for Business Pace
The standout feature of the M235sdw is its speed. With a print rate of up to 30 pages per minute (ppm), it's significantly faster than many competitors in the SOHO segment. This speed minimizes waiting time, a crucial factor in a busy office environment. Text documents emerge quickly and with the signature crispness expected from a LaserJet, featuring sharp, clear lines and deep black contrast.
Duplexing: A Productivity Powerhouse
HP touts the M235sdw as having the "fastest two-sided printing in class." The automatic duplex printing feature is indeed fast and seamless, allowing users to effortlessly produce professional-looking, double-sided documents without manual flipping. This not only enhances document presentation but is also a notable paper-saving feature.
Scanning and Copying
The integration of a scanner and copier, facilitated by a 40-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), is highly beneficial. The ADF makes it simple to batch-copy or scan multi-page documents, greatly improving workflow. While the print quality is excellent, users should be aware that the ADF on this model often performs simplex (one-sided) scanning, meaning duplex documents require a manual flip if you need both sides scanned via the ADF (though the flatbed is always an option for single pages).
📱 Connectivity and Usability: Modern Office Integration
In today's office, wireless connectivity is mandatory. The M235sdw excels here with dual-band Wi-Fi that is generally reported to be reliable and capable of automatically reconnecting, minimizing frustrating disconnections.
Setup and The HP Smart App
Setup is designed to be straightforward, often guided step-by-step through the HP Smart App. This app is the central control point, allowing users to:
Print and scan directly from a smartphone or tablet.
Access documents stored in cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive.
Create customizable "Shortcuts" to automate repetitive tasks (e.g., scan a document and email it to a specific recipient in a single tap).
However, some users have noted that the reliance on the HP Smart App and constant internet connectivity can sometimes lead to setup complications or issues with using third-party toner cartridges, so it is a point of consideration for network administrators or those who prefer a more traditional, disconnected setup.
Design and Footprint
For small offices, size matters. The M235sdw features a compact, award-winning design that allows it to fit comfortably on a desk or in a tight corner without compromising on performance. The inclusion of "Smart-guided buttons" on the control panel offers an intuitive experience, with buttons appearing only when needed.
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 🔥 Exceptional Speed: Up to 30 ppm and very fast automatic two-sided printing. | 💰 Running Costs: While the initial cost is competitive, some sources suggest the running cost (cost per page using HP original toner) is relatively high for moderate use. |
| ✨ Crisp Laser Quality: Delivers professional, high-quality black-and-white text prints. | 🔄 Simplex ADF Scanning: The 40-sheet ADF typically scans one-sided pages only (simplex), which may slow down the digitization of two-sided documents. |
| 📶 Reliable Connectivity: Features dual-band Wi-Fi for stable, flexible wireless printing. | 📱 HP App Dependency: Some essential functions and setup rely heavily on the HP Smart App and internet connection, which can be an issue in certain business network environments. |
| 💼 All-in-One Functionality: Print, Scan, Copy with a 40-sheet ADF for batch jobs. | ⚫ No Color Printing: Strictly a black-and-white (mono) printer—not suitable for users needing color graphics or photos. |
| 📐 Compact Design: Small footprint, ideal for small and home office environments. |
🎯 Conclusion: Is it Worth the Investment for Your Office?
The HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw lives up to its designation as a printer "Best for Office," particularly for small workgroups or home offices with a high volume of black-and-white text documents (200-2,000 pages per month).
Its remarkable speed and automatic duplexing are genuine productivity boosters, making it an excellent choice for businesses that need fast, reliable text output. The all-in-one capabilities and robust wireless connectivity further solidify its utility as a central office device.
While potential buyers should factor in the mono-only output and the per-page cost of toner, the M235sdw offers an impressive blend of speed, features, and compact design that makes it a highly competitive and recommended option in the small laser MFP market. It is a powerful workhorse that efficiently handles the daily grind of printing, scanning, and copying.