Examining the HP LaserJet 3050 printer using HP LaserJet 3050 toner will reveal to one considering purchasing this fine multifunction (copy/scan/print/fax) Hewlett-Packard machine a model fully capable in all aspects. Given the range of capabilities this device demonstrates across the board, it is a little surprising that it’s only selling for between $180 and $350 retail and new in the box.

For those entrepreneurs working out of the home, it’s hard to quibble with the idea of purchasing a multifunction machine that can copy, scan, print and fax. Certainly if one were to spend the money to buy each business machine separately, one could expect to spend several hundred dollars more. Always keep in mind that a multifunction unit is a balance between choices though, and all should be fine.

The LaserJet 3050 is a true monochrome laser printer and it also is fairly durable, rated as it is at about 7,000 impressions per month when it comes to its duty cycle. For those who don’t know, an “impression” means that the machine has printed out or copied a single piece of paper one time. Once it hit’s the 7,000 sheet duty limit, it’ll require a small amount of regular maintenance.

This device is actually a fairly lightweight machine, weighing in at around 20 pounds. Also, HP looks to have designed the 3050 so that it can sit either on a desktop or near a desk, because it only measures 17 inches wide by 18 inches high. This means it’ll be able to sit out of the way, carrying out all of its assigned functions with little notice from those working around it.

This HP printer is also able to print at up to 19 ppm, making it an excellent number for a multifunction printer, which usually can only print out around 15 pages per minute. Print quality is fairly standard for Hewlett-Packard when it designs one of these multi-functions, being 1,200 dots per inch. This should be more than enough for almost every kind of print need.

Paper storage is accomplished via an onboard tray that can hold up to 250 sheets. Output is held within a 100-sheet storage tray. This output comes from the printer, copier or the fax machine. Speaking of faxes, the 3050 includes a 33.6 kb per second fax modem and it can also store up to 110 pages of data within its memory bank. This is an excellent number for a machine of this price.

It connects via a high-speed USB port, and the 3050 can run off of several different operating systems, including Linux, Windows (XP, 2000, Server 2003 etc.) and Mac OS 10.3 and later. This makes the HP 3050 a fairly versatile machine when it comes to operating system compatibility. It also has a standard 64 MB of memory, which should be more than enough for most any application.

After spending a few minutes with the HP LaserJet 3050 printer, and giving its various functions a fair shake, one is only left surprised by the fact that it’s possible to purchase this multifunction printer new for around $180 from certain retail outlets. Even at its list price, one will be getting a machine that can handle most of its functions quite capably, which is certainly the most powerful attraction for anyone needing an affordable multifunction unit.

There’s sure to be no criticism about the LaserJet 3050 bulk toner as HP, with their devices and HP toner cartridge, set the standards instead of chasing them.  Home business owners will appreciate the savings to be had when purchasing online cartridge and toner.