HP LaserJet Pro M175 Toner Cartridges

HP M175 Printer Review

The HP LaserJet Pro M175 series of color laser printers are some of the most affordable multifunction units in their class. The base model goes by the alternate names of M175a and M175 MFP, while the upgraded M175nw model provides wired and wireless networking. The models are fairly slow, printing monochrome documents at a speed of 16 pages per minute and color projects at a maximum of only 4 pages per minute. Although it has an attractive low retail cost, the base model uses expensive LaserJet Pro M175 toner and sacrifices a number of features that put it at the bottom of the list of comparable devices.

Output quality is sub-par, printing blurry graphics and only adequate text with a maximum resolution of 600x600 dpi using color and black HP M175 printer toner. Small offices will also be disappointed by its basic range of features, like the small monochrome display and minimal connection options for the base model..

The small maximum input paper capacity of 150 pages will support small or home offices with low volumes. However, the laser device does come with a decent 35-sheet automatic document feeder to quickly feed scans and faxes. The input tray can handle media like labels, cards, photo paper and bond paper, as well as sizes from A5 to 3x5-inch image paper.

The device uses four individual black, cyan, magenta and yellow HP M175 toner cartridges that will be almost as expensive to replace as it would be to buy a new printer. Color toners can each yield 1,000 pages, while the black HP M175 toner cartridge has a capacity of approximately 1,200 pages. Users can shop at third-party vendor sites for compatible LaserJet Pro M175 toner that can help lower running costs.

In light of the M175's minimal connectivity, the M175nw is a worthwhile step up for greater flexibility. However, the series in general suffers from slow speeds, small capacities, and simplistic features that may hold back small office users.