🖨️ Review: HP LaserJet Pro M130fw All-in-One Wireless Laser Monochrome Printer (G3Q60A)
The HP LaserJet Pro M130fw All-in-One Wireless Laser Monochrome Printer (G3Q60A) is a compact, multifaceted device designed to meet the demanding needs of a micro or home office environment. Positioned as the successor to the popular HP M127fw, the M130fw retains the core functionality while introducing subtle but meaningful enhancements, notably faster printing speeds and an improved mobile experience.
This in-depth review will explore the key features, performance, connectivity, and overall value proposition of this versatile monochrome laser printer.
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| Review: HP LaserJet Pro M130fw All-in-One Wireless Laser Monochrome Printer (G3Q60A) |
Key Features and Specifications
The M130fw is a true All-in-One (AIO) solution, offering Print, Scan, Copy, and Fax capabilities in a single, space-saving unit. Its monochrome laser technology is ideal for users whose primary need is high-volume, sharp text document output.
| Feature | Specification/Detail |
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan, Fax |
| Print Technology | Monochrome Laser |
| Print Speed (Black) | Up to 23 ppm (pages per minute) |
| First Page Out | As fast as 7.3 seconds |
| Print Quality (Best) | Up to 600 x 600 dpi |
| Input Capacity | 150-sheet input tray |
| Output Capacity | 100-sheet output tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | Yes (Capacity not specified, but noted as 'spacious' for its size) |
| Duplex Printing | Manual Duplexing Only |
| Display | 2.7-inch Color Touchscreen LCD |
| Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Built-in Fast Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Mobile Printing | HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint, HP Smart App, HP Voice-activated printing (Works with Amazon Alexa) |
| Toner Cartridge | HP 17A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (Standard yield) |
| Duty Cycle (Monthly Max) | Up to 10,000 pages |
| Recommended Monthly Volume | 150 to 1,500 pages |
Performance and Print Quality
Speed: A Step Up from the Predecessor
One of the most notable improvements over the older M127fw is the speed. The M130fw boasts a maximum print speed of up to 23 pages per minute (ppm), slightly faster than the M127fw's 20-21 ppm. More significantly, the First Page Out Time (FPOT) is impressively quick at 7.3 seconds, minimizing wait times for quick print jobs. This speed boost makes the M130fw a highly efficient machine for low-to-moderate volume printing tasks in a small office.
Text and Graphics Output
The M130fw shines where laser printers are expected to: text quality. Documents produced are exceptionally crisp, sharp, and highly legible, even at small font sizes. For typical business documents, reports, and correspondence, the text is near typesetter quality.
However, like many budget-focused monochrome laser printers, its performance with graphics and images is less stellar. While acceptable for internal business reports and drafts, the grayscale output is generally considered below average compared to high-end lasers or some inkjet rivals. Users looking to print marketing materials or photos should look elsewhere, but for basic business use, the graphics are "passable."
Scanning, Copying, and Faxing
The AIO functionality is robust. The inclusion of a high-capacity Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is a major selling point for this printer's size and price, making it easy to copy or scan multi-page documents without manually placing each sheet on the flatbed. The dedicated 2.7-inch color touchscreen streamlines these operations.
Copy Speed: Up to 22 copies per minute (cpm) with a resolution of 600 x 400 dpi.
Scanning: Features both a Flatbed and the ADF. It supports various formats (JPEG, PDF, PNG) with resolutions up to 1200 dpi (flatbed) or 300 dpi (ADF).
Fax: Built-in faxing capabilities with a transmission speed of 33.6 kbps and substantial memory storage.
The main drawback in this department is the lack of automatic two-sided (duplex) printing or scanning. Duplexing must be done manually, which can be tedious for large, two-sided jobs.
Connectivity and Modern Features
The "Wireless" and "Works with Alexa" features are central to the M130fw's appeal in a modern, connected office.
Comprehensive Wireless Options
HP has ensured maximum flexibility with connectivity, offering:
Wi-Fi: For easy integration into a standard office network.
Ethernet: For a stable, wired network connection.
USB: For a direct connection to a single PC.
Wi-Fi Direct: Allows direct printing from a mobile device without connecting to the main network.
The Mobile Experience
The HP Smart App simplifies setup and allows seamless printing and scanning directly from smartphones and tablets. It also includes support for Apple AirPrint and HP ePrint. The integration with Amazon Alexa for voice-activated printing is a modern convenience, allowing users to initiate simple print jobs with voice commands.
Ease of Use
The 2.7-inch color touchscreen is intuitive and makes navigating the printer's functions straightforward. The use of HP's JetIntelligence Toner cartridges simplifies maintenance, featuring a mess-free design with auto-seal removal and an anti-fraud chip to track toner levels and ensure genuine HP quality.
Running Costs and Value
Toner and Cost per Page
The M130fw uses the HP 17A toner cartridge. While the printer's initial purchase price is highly competitive, reviewers often note that the running costs are somewhat high compared to some competing laser multifunction printers. The more pages an office prints, the more this difference becomes apparent. Users committed to keeping costs low might consider a higher-capacity machine if their monthly volume regularly exceeds the 1,500-page recommendation.
The M127fw Replacement
As the successor to the M127fw, the M130fw improves upon the core design by offering 10% faster print speeds and an improved mobile printing experience, making it a clear upgrade for users of the older model. Both printers are compact and focused on low-volume professional output.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Text-Focused Home and Micro Offices
The HP LaserJet Pro M130fw All-in-One Wireless Laser Monochrome Printer (G3Q60A) is a compelling option for budget-conscious home and micro offices that prioritize sharp text quality, compact size, and versatile functionality (Print, Scan, Copy, Fax).
Its quick print speed, extensive wireless and mobile connectivity (including Alexa support), and high-capacity ADF make it a productive and modern workhorse. While its graphics output is mediocre and the lack of automatic duplexing is a notable omission, its strengths overwhelmingly suit its intended audience—those who need fast, reliable, monochrome document printing and AIO capabilities without taking up too much desk space.
For its low upfront price and its high-quality text output, the HP M130fw is a solid, viable solution for low-volume professional environments.