HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a Printer

Features

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a is a compact, multifunctional printer that caters to the needs of small offices and home users. This monochrome laser printer combines printing, scanning, and copying capabilities into one efficient device, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile and space-saving solution. Despite its small footprint, the M28a offers robust performance and a range of features that make it a standout in its category. This review delves into the details of the M28a’s design, performance, features, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a is designed with a focus on compactness and efficiency. Measuring just 14.2 x 10.4 x 7.8 inches and weighing around 11.6 pounds, this printer is one of the smallest in its class. Its sleek, white exterior blends seamlessly into any office or home setup. The build quality is sturdy, and HP has managed to pack multiple functionalities into this small device without compromising on durability or performance.

Print Performance

One of the most critical aspects of any printer is its print performance, and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a does not disappoint. It offers a print speed of up to 18 pages per minute (ppm), which is quite impressive for a printer of its size. The first page out time is as fast as 8.2 seconds, ensuring that users do not have to wait long for their documents. The printer uses HP’s LaserJet technology to produce high-quality monochrome prints with a resolution of 600 x 600 dpi. The text is sharp and clear, making it ideal for printing professional documents, reports, and letters.

Scanning and Copying

In addition to printing, the M28a offers reliable scanning and copying functionalities. The flatbed scanner provides an optical resolution of up to 600 dpi, ensuring detailed and accurate scans. The scanning process is straightforward, and the device supports various file formats, making it easy to digitize documents and photos. The copier function is equally efficient, allowing users to produce copies at a speed of up to 18 copies per minute. The M28a supports reduction and enlargement from 25% to 400%, providing flexibility for different copying needs.

Paper Handling

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a is equipped with a 150-sheet input tray, which is sufficient for small to medium-sized print jobs. The output bin can hold up to 100 sheets. The printer supports various paper sizes, including A4, A5, A6, envelopes, and custom sizes, making it versatile for different types of documents. The media weight supported ranges from 65 to 120 g/m², allowing for flexibility in paper choice. However, the printer is designed primarily for plain paper, so it may not handle heavier media or specialized paper types as efficiently as dedicated printers.

Ease of Use

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The control panel is simple and intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons for different functions. The setup process is straightforward, and the printer comes with an installation guide that makes it easy even for non-tech-savvy users to get started. The HP Smart app further enhances usability by allowing users to manage printing tasks, check ink levels, and perform maintenance tasks from their mobile devices.

Cost Efficiency

One of the standout features of the M28a is its cost efficiency. The initial purchase price is relatively low, making it an affordable option for small businesses and home offices. The printer uses HP 44A black toner cartridges, which are reasonably priced and offer a decent yield. HP’s laser printing technology is known for its efficiency, ensuring that users get a good number of pages per cartridge. Additionally, the printer’s energy-efficient design helps reduce power consumption, contributing to lower operating costs over time.

Environmental Considerations

HP has made efforts to ensure that the LaserJet Pro MFP M28a is environmentally friendly. The printer is ENERGY STAR® certified, indicating that it meets stringent energy efficiency guidelines. It also features HP Auto-On/Auto-Off technology, which helps save energy by turning the printer on when needed and off when not in use. HP’s recycling program allows users to return used cartridges for recycling, reducing the environmental impact of their printing activities.

Connectivity

Connectivity is a vital feature for modern printers, and the M28a offers basic but reliable options. It includes a high-speed USB 2.0 port for direct connection to a computer. While it lacks wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi or mobile printing, which are available in some other models, the simplicity of the USB connection ensures a stable and secure link. For users who require mobile printing, HP’s Smart app can be used to facilitate printing from smartphones or tablets, albeit indirectly.