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Expert Verdict
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw is an entry-level monochrome all-in-one laser printer designed for home-based or small offices and workgroups. Being a mono printer that accepts black HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw Toner cartridges only, it prints a bit faster than most printers in its class. Though overall output quality is not quite as good as other printers, especially when printing graphics and photos. Also, like most entry-level laser machines, the running costs of this machine are high, which, when combined with its print quality, results in a low-volume text. Measuring 12.3 X 15.9 X 16 inches (HWD) and weighing around 21 pounds, this machine is not designed to take up much space in your room.
This comes with a capability of holding up to 260 sheets, where it splits between a 250-sheet main tray and a 10-sheet multipurpose tray that pulls out from the back. This capacity is higher than most of its competitors. The M148dw's engine prints two-sided pages automatically, which generally is not offered in this price range. Having double-sided printing features means you can print pages on both sides without having to waste more paper. The M148dw's 35-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), on the other hand, supports only manual two-sided multi-page scanning. Moreover, the installation of software and HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw Toner cartridge is easy.
The maximum monthly duty cycle of this printer is only 20,000 pages, but the M148dw's recommended monthly print volume is just 10 percent of that, making it the most light-volume printer. You can also alter the settings, as well as execute tasks, from the control panel. The control panel consists of several buttons such as keys for navigating the two-line monochrome display and a number pad. Moreover, this printer supports both standard and high capacity HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw Toner cartridges, based on its user needs.
The M148dw's standard connectivity includes Ethernet, connecting to a single PC via USB, and Wi-Fi Direct for connecting your mobile devices to the printer without being connected to a network or router. Aside from Wi-Fi Direct, the other mobile options are Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, HP ePrint and HP Smart App. If we compare it with some of its competitors, the M148dw has limited security features. However, you get the password-protected embedded web server mentioned earlier, the capability to disable and enable network ports, and standard SNMP monitoring. The ability to protect documents with PINs and secure access based on user authentication is missing.
Coming to speed, HP rates this printer at 30 pages per minute (ppm). While testing it over Ethernet from Windows 10 Professional, this churned the 12-page Word text document at the rate of 29.9ppm which is faster than many printers in its class. Like most monochrome laser printers, the M148dw delivers great-looking text highly of about 6 points (or even smaller with magnification), Thanks to its good quality HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw Toner cartridge. Unfortunately, the results of photos and graphics are not as expected. These prints will not meet your industry expectations as they are even unsightly. Its graphics and photos are more than adequate enough for in-house reports and handouts, but they are of no use for marketing or other material designed to impress.
Like most beginner laser printers, the M148dw is a bit expensive to use. If you buy the highest-yield HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw Toner cartridge (2,800 pages), between it and the imaging drum (which lasts for 23,000 pages), each print will cost you 3.4 cents. However, if you want to keep the costs down you can go for the compatible HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw Toner cartridge. Overall, this is a reasonably priced, compact monochrome multifunction laser printer and a good choice for low-volume small offices. However, if graphics quality is important to you, you should go for more upgraded versions of HP.