Product Spotlight: HP Laserjet 1018

If you're in search of a printer for heavy home use, or even an office workhorse, the HP LaserJet 1018 is a truly superior product. This powerful printer should fill the need for most potential buyers by creating a unique blend of reasonable cost, speed, and reliability that makes this printer a definite purchase.

Currently this printer retails at $129.99 at HP's website and rebates are often available for this printer to make it more affordable. I was able to purchase my printer for $70 after a mail-in rebate which placed the printer on par price wise with many far inferior makes and models of printer.

The LaserJet 1018 boasts impressive hardware that is responsible for its high performance. The two megabytes of ram combined with a 234mhz processor allows for the printer to effectively process large print queues. Upon selecting print document the first page of the document will emerge from the printer within seconds. This rapid response is one of the major selling points of this printer. Coupled with a respectable printing rate of twelve pages per minute, the effectiveness of this printer becomes apparent. Most computers now support USB 2.0 and as a result the printing process can be further sped up through the use of a USB 2.0 cable.

This printer contains ample input bays for paper storage with capabilities of holding well over one hundred pieces of paper. Additionally, there is an input bay for special types of papers that comes in handy when dealing with specialty projects. Through personal experience it is evident that this printer rarely suffers from the dreaded paper jam that so many printers fall victim to. On the rare instances where paper jams do occur the situation is easily rectifiable. It simply involves opening a hatch easily accessible on the front of the printer, sliding out the toner cartridge, and removing the offending paper. On a similar note the toner cartridges on this printer are exceptional easy to replace. The task involves opening the easy to access hatch, slinging out the old cartridge, and finally sliding in the fresh cartridge. The 1018 gets an impressive amount of mileage out of its toner cartridges and easily holds up to the rigors of heavy printing. There is always an even distribution of ink across the page creating visibly appealing documents. For XP users HP provides a utility that will track toner usage and alert you when tone is running low. This useful application prevents users from being unaware of a depleted toner level.

The one downfall of this printer is that it is only able to print black ink. However for offices and most standard home use this printer can perform seamlessly. This printer should not be purchased by anyone looking to print documents in color. However, for all other potential buyers this printer is an excellent choice.

Sources:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/
printer/LaserJet/1/storefronts/CB419A%2523ABA