The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is a monochrome laser all-in-one printer designed for speed and efficiency. But does its “pro” moniker hold up under scrutiny? We put this printer through its paces to uncover any hidden flaws and determine if it lives up to the hype.
Inserting paper into the LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw.HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw: Paper Tray Access. Tracey Truly / MaagX
Design and Build
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw boasts a compact yet robust design. Its white body contrasts nicely with dark gray accents, giving it a modern look. Measuring just over 12 inches high with a footprint of 16.5 by 15.7 inches, it fits comfortably in most office spaces. The printer feels sturdy, weighing in at 23.1 pounds.
A 150-sheet output bin sits conveniently above the 250-sheet input tray. The central control panel features a 2.7-inch color touchscreen and a readily accessible USB-A port. The top houses the flatbed scanner and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF).
The LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdwHP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw: Limited Display Angle. Tracey Truly / MaagX
One minor drawback is the limited adjustability of the display, which only tilts about 25 degrees. This might be inconvenient for users who prefer to sit while operating the printer.
Printing Performance and Quality
The LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw makes short work of long documents.HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw: Efficient Document Printing. Alan Truly / MaagX
The LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw truly shines in its printing performance. The first page out is remarkably fast, clocking in at around 6.6 seconds. Subsequent pages print at a rapid pace of up to 35 pages per minute.
Print quality is excellent, maintaining sharp detail even at high speeds. While a monochrome laser printer isn’t typically associated with photo printing, the 3101fdw handles black-and-white images surprisingly well.
HPHP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw: Monochrome Photo Printing. Tracey Truly / MaagX
While duplex printing is generally reliable, we encountered an issue with the HP Smart app on iOS, where the duplex option was grayed out. Using AirPrint as a workaround resolved this problem. The printer is also a bit slow to recognize paper size changes.
Additional Features: Scanning, Copying, and Faxing
A monochrome printer scans in color, and the LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdwHP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw: Flatbed Scanning. Alan Truly / MaagX
Beyond printing, the 3101fdw offers scanning, copying, and faxing functionalities. While duplex scanning isn’t supported, single-sided scanning with the ADF is quick, reaching speeds of up to 20 ppm for black-and-white and 9 ppm for color. The flatbed scanner produces high-quality scans at resolutions up to 1200 dpi.
A convenient USB-A port allows for walk-up printing and scanning from thumb drives.
Software and Compatibility
The HP Smart app connects an iPhone to a LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw.HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw: HP Smart App Connectivity. Tracey Truly / MaagX
Setup is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive touchscreen interface. The printer comes with a pre-installed toner cartridge, allowing for quick deployment. Wi-Fi setup is also hassle-free, with reliable dual-band support. Wired connections are possible via USB-B or Ethernet.
The LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Mobile printing is available through the HP Smart app for iOS and Android.
Pricing and Running Costs
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is a speedy high-volume printer at an affordable price.HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw: Value Proposition. Tracey Truly / MaagX
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw offers competitive pricing. Using high-yield toner cartridges helps keep running costs low, averaging around 3 cents per page.
Final Verdict
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is a fast and efficient monochrome laser printer ideal for home offices or small businesses. Its speed, print quality, and multifunction capabilities make it a compelling choice. While a few minor limitations exist, its overall performance and affordability make it a strong contender in its class.
