HP Laserjet Pro M201DW Toner Cartridges

Expert Verdict

Laser printers are still a mainstay of tiny and home workplaces, especially when color printing isn't necessary. The LaserJet Pro M201dw from HP is a reasonably priced printer with a strong feature set and a well-balanced specification. The paper supply is plentiful, and the auto WiFi connect feature saves time. However, the HP LaserJet Pro M201dw is slow and pricey in the long run, and the output tray protrudes too much, perhaps causing space constraints.

The HP LaserJet Pro M201dw weighs about 6.8 kg and dimensions 15.1 x 11.1 x 9.9 inches, making it small enough to fit on most office workstations. The printer's all-black chassis provides an angular appearance. Its top surface is slightly inclined forwards, and its control panel is positioned on the front as if it were a little portable gadget - albeit its location and angle are immovable. It has 128MB of RAM and two paper trays for input: a 250-sheet default tray and a 10-sheet priority tray. The output tray is formed by an inset in the top panel that is expanded with a clip-on balcony and a pull-out extension that overhangs the 250-sheet feed tray and makes it too easy to knock. Individual sheets of special media or envelopes can be loaded along the top of the feed tray's hinged lid. Ethernet and a high-speed USB 2.0 port are included as standard. On the printer, there is a 196 × 34 pixels graphic LCD that can vividly show text and instructions.

The top cover opens up to reveal the integrated drum and HP Laserjet Pro M201DW Toner Cartridges, which can be inserted and removed in a matter of seconds. HP Laserjet Pro M201DW Toner Cartridges are available in two capacities: 1500 and 2200 pages. Instead of a low-yield "starter" cartridge, the machine comes with a 1500-page HP Laserjet Pro M201DW Toner Cartridges. The printer has three connection options: USB, 10/100 Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, which is the most flexible. You may print using AirPrint, HP's own Android App, or remotely via ePrint if you have a wifi connection. The printer driver is very conventional, providing settings for a variety of typical tasks including printing labels, booklets, and transparencies.

HP claims a print speed of 25ppm for the LaserJet Pro M201dw, however, this does not include the time it takes to complete a print job before printing, as with other ISO speed measures. The machine's fastest time was 17.9 pages per minute for a 20-page text document. When we run our 5-page text test on the HP computer, we get 10.7ppm, which is less than half of the advertised performance. This is also true with Economode, an option that minimises the consumption of HP Laserjet Pro M201DW Toner Cartridges while retaining near-normal print quality. Almost all printing should work with Economode as the default.

The HP LaserJet Pro M201dw produces excellent print quality. With HP Laserjet Pro M201DW Toner Cartridges, the default resolution of 600dpi is sufficient to guarantee smooth edges to curves and diagonals, as well as crisp and well-defined text. The graphics are likewise excellent, though the greyscale fills are a touch uneven. Even in the tough, darker places, there is adequate contrast between different grey hues, and photos are nicely defined.

With decent print quality, duplex printing, and the flexibility of a wireless connection, the HP LaserJet Pro M201dw is a perfectly sufficient home-office mono laser printer. There are many security and productivity options available, including the ability to print from Apple devices using AirPrint. When printing from mobile devices, Mopria certification eliminates the need to install an app or set up anything. However, it isn't inexpensive to run, and the print speed is nothing near what HP says when looking at the entire print cycle. The HP LaserJet Pro M201dw's non-expandable memory renders it insufficient for a growing workgroup. There are no paper capacity extensions available, and there is no paper sensor. Economode printing will save you money on HP Laserjet Pro M201DW Toner Cartridges, and most people won't notice.

Review

HP Laserjet Pro M201DW is one of the most modern products at the entry level of laser printers. You can take prints with AirPrint of Apple or with HPs android app too.

It is a lightweight printer with fast turnaround times, it also has HP FastRes software which enhances image printouts. Image prints are thus good, but grayscale printouts can be a little patchy.

This 1200 x 1200 dpi printer has a resolution good enough for most printing needs, and it prints both text and graphics with good quality. The HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges last up to 1500 pages. The 1st print comes out in less than 8 seconds. The print speeds are up to a maximum of 25 ppm, which is also good for everyday usage in homes, small and mid-size offices.

The per print cost using HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges can be high, but good quality compatible cartridges are easily available. It also has various print modes and the Economode setting uses a lot less toner than usual.

One of the most remarkable features is its connectivity option which ranges from the traditional USB and ethernet to the more modern smartphone app. It also has a duplex printing option making double sided printing a breeze.

• Good cartridge life
• Good connectivity options including WiFi
• Above average print speed
• Supports iOS and Android mobile printing

• High print cost
• The first page print takes longer time
• Mobile printing is slower than the PC printing

HP Laserjet Pro M201DW is a typical laser printer from HP with a sturdy and elegant build, the prints are of good quality and the pricing is economical too. It is a good option for any home or small office that does not need colour printouts.

The compatible HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges is:

• HP CF283A toner cartridge

When a toner cartridge reaches the end of its life, the printer displays a prompt message to order for its replacement. Printing function can be continued with the current cartridge until redistributing the toner no longer yields to acceptable print quality. A second message displays on the control panel when the HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridge reaches very low state and immediately need replacement of the cartridges. Follow the steps below to carry out the replacement procedure:

• Gradually open the top cover of the printer to carry out the replacement process
• Remove the defective or dried out HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges from your printer
• Then, gently remove the new toner cartridge from the bag in order to replace the old cartridges with the new one. Pull the orange tape gently in the direction of the arrow to peel it off and then remove the film. Place the used toner cartridges in the bag for recycling. Once the cartridge has been used, do not remove it from the machine and leave it out in the open. This may cause the cartridges to dry out and the machine may not operate properly
• Grasp both the sides of the toner cartridge and distribute the toner by gently rocking the cartridge
  CAUTION: Do not touch the shutter or the surface of the roller
• Bend the tab on the left side of the cartridge until the tab breaks loose. Pull the tab until tape is removed from the cartridge. Place the tab and tape in the HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges box to return for recycling
• Align the toner cartridge with the tracks inside the product, and then again insert the toner cartridge until it is firmly seated
• Close the top cover after the successful replacement of the cartridges and check the results by printing a document

Q. Are your compatible HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges good at producing high quality graphics in monochrome?
A. Yes, these cartridges are ideal for creating sharp and vivid graphics besides text documents of high clarity.

Q. Is the page yield of compatible HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges more than 1K? I also want to know if you give a recycling guide also along with the cartridges.
A. You can print up to 1,500 pages with these toner cartridges. We provide the recycling guide with the toner cartridges for your reference.

Q. Do you provide warranty on purchase of HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges? Thanks.
A. Yes, we provide warranty that assures you of the toner cartridges being free of defects in ingredients and make.

Q. Hi. I wanted to ask how hazardous exposure to toner powder can be to us. There’s some amount of the powder that comes out most of the time I replace toner cartridges. Thanks.
A. Toner powder does contain chemicals and some harmful substances which are not safe for us. At the same time, exposure to some of it while replacing cartridges or attending to them for any purpose is natural, which does not cause harm unless the amount is higher. If you ever happen to come in contact with more amount of the powder by way of some falling on the skin, spreading in the air or entering the eyes or lungs, you should seek immediate medical attention after washing the powder off with room temperature water and soap.

Q. I’m not well-versed in handling cartridges replacement, inspection, etc. If I use the manual guide, should I go ahead with it?
A. Yes, by all means. These HP toner cartridges have been designed to be easy and simple for managing. If you follow the user manual correctly, you should find no hitch while replacing and handling them.

Q. Why do I experience frequent paper jams with HP Laserjet Pro M201DW? Could you please suggest some precautions to be followed?
A. Sure. You can definitely follow certain guidelines to reduce the occurrence of paper jams in future. The precautions discussed below will be helpful for any type of printer you use:

1. The quality and standard of the paper should meet the recommended specification for the product. For example, the paper is too thick for the printer it will cause paper jams
2. While printing, one should be careful not to use wrinkled, folded or damaged paper
3. The paper used should be fresh and not previously used for copying or printing
4. Do not overfill the tray. Stack the papers according to the limit specified on the tray. Remove some of the papers from the stack if necessary
5. The paper guides in the tray should be adjusted correctly as per the size of the paper
6. The tray should be perfectly inserted into the machine
7. Always use the manual feed function whenever you need to print on embossed, perforated or heavy paper and feed the sheets one at a time
8. The configuration of the paper tray should exactly match with the paper type and size.
9. The area where printing operations are performed should meet the recommended specifications.

Q. My HP Laserjet printer displays a message saying ‘Install Black Cartridge’ when I have already installed an HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridge? How can I solve this problem?
A. There are two main reasons for the problem. Either the HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridge has not been installed or some kind of obstruction is preventing the toner cartridge from being recognised by the machine. If the latter is the case, check for any paper jams, remove any packing material on the cartridge (orange tab and sealing tape) and inside the machine or clean the electric contacts of the cartridge. If the problem persists, insert a fresh new HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridge or reset the machine. For more details please visit HP support.

Q. I require a little help with my HP Laserjet Pro M201DW printer. I have tried printing using the USB cable but it is not happening. I’m not sure if the problem is with the USB cable or the printer. How can it be solved?
A. The printers come with a security setting. If the security setting of your HP printer have been disabled then you will not be able to print using the USB cable. The settings block printing through the USB cable. You will have to change the settings in order to be able to print. To do so, you have to open the control panel of your printer. Here you will find an Information page. If the Direct Ports (USB/IEEE 1284) option shows Disabled then you have to go to Security tab present in Embedded Web Server and select Configure Security Settings. You can access the EWS by typing the IP address of your printer in a web browser. Here under the Configure Security Settings option, click on Configure. Uncheck the Disable Direct Ports option. Select Apply to apply these changes to your machine.

Q. Every time I print an image using the HP Laserjet Pro M201DW printer, I see shadows of the image printed below it three or four times. These shadows fade with every repetition. Does this point to a depleting HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridge? How should I correct this error?
A. No these problems don’t really occur due to the HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges. The Fuser defects can occur at times. To solve it you can simply re print the image. If the same issue occurs then check the type of paper that you have put in the paper tray. Match the settings in the printer software. You can also try printing on a lighter paper than the one you are using presently.

Q. Why does the paper curl up once it is printed on?
A. There are two types of paper curls, positive curl and negative curl. Positive curl occurs when the printed area is high coverage and the surrounding environment is dry. In this case the paper will curl towards the side which is printed. To correct it, print on a heavier paper than the one you are using. Negative curling occurs when printing coverage area is low and the surrounding is humid. The paper will curl away from the side that is printed. Use a lighter paper type and store it in a dry environment. You should also use the duplex printing mode.

Q. When I take a printout, the toner is flaking and rubbing off from the paper. Is the HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridge of a poor quality? What is causing this problem?
A. A bad quality HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridge might not be the only cause of this problem. To begin with, clean the print path of the printer. Now check if the paper type that you have loaded in the printer is same as that in the print settings on your system. There might be a possibility of insufficient power supply. Plugs it to an AC outlet and print again. You might have to replace the heating element if the heating element check does not come clear. Replace the fuser and the HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridges.

Q. Hey, I have purchased a new PC and installed all the new drivers for my HP Laserjet Pro M201DW printer into it. But, now my new driver is not recognizing my old cartridge. Will a new compatible HP Laserjet Pro M201DW toner cartridge work?
A. The reason behind cartridge not getting recognized by your PC can be either the chip is not being read or the cartridge is not compatible with your printer. There are some simple troubleshooting steps that you can try to make cartridge recognizable if it is compatible with the printer:

1. Remove the cartridge from the printer
2. Turn off and restart your printer for atleast 5 mins
3. Turn off the printer and take out the cartridge. Wipe the chip on the cartridge with a clean, dry cloth
4. Turn the printer back on
5. Reinstall the cartridge and the message should go