HP Laserjet 1320 Laser Printer

I purchased the HP LaserJet 1320 printer to replace an old HP LaserJet 4P printer. Although the 1320 can be connected to a computer by USB 2.0, I simply used the printer parallel port cable that my old 4P used. Despite my antiquated hook-up, the 1320 is a very fast printer. I suspect it would be faster still if I used a USB-2 cable. One of the biggest drawbacks to my old 4P was the long delay waiting for a page to start printing, and printing more than one page could take quite a while. The 1320 greatly improves upon that, though, and pages print very fast using default settings and the standard 16 MB RAM installed in the printer. As one would expect from a laser printer, the print quality is excellent even in the default mode of 600 dpi. There is also an ink-conserving mode, or you can print up to 1200 dpi if high resolution is needed.Additional printer memory can be installed up to a total of 144 MB (the default 16 MB RAM is non-removable, and you can add only one DIMM). The printer accepts a 100-pin SDRAM DIMM up to 128 MB. I added a Kingston 128 MB 100-pin SDRAM DIMM (product number KTH-LJ4100/128) for about $40, and it works flawlessly. Installation is very simple and straightforward, although you will need to download and refer to the HP LaserJet 1320 owner's manual to learn how to do this.Unlike other reviewers, I have had no problems printing pages or envelopes. The printer options include 2-sided printing and even booklet printing. Envelopes are very easy to print, and a rear hatch opens easily to accept a printed envelope flatly so it does not curl during printing.The toner cartridge installs easily from the front of the printer. Replacement cartridges come in two ink sizes: 2500 page and 6000 page. Previous reviewers have claimed there is only a few dollars difference in cost between the two, but that is not my experience. The smaller ink size prices about $60 online while the larger ink size prices around $115 online. So there is some savings buying the larger cartridge but not what others would have you think. Of course prices may be lower if you pay to have your cartridges refilled rather than replaced.The software included with the printer allows automatic driver updates from HP. This seems to be a useful feature, and it updated itself with a newer driver right after installation. The installation CD installs a program called HP Toolbox that monitors the printer's status, tracks how much toner is left (and how many pages have been printed), and helps troubleshoot any problems that may occur.My only complaint with this printer is the very poor documentation that comes with it. A brief, printed quick-start guide is provided that will show you how to unpack and connect the printer (with diagrams, no words) but not how to use, maintain, or troubleshoot problems with the printer. There is no printed manual to provide this information. An online help file manual is provided on the installation CD, or you can download a complete 184-page owner's manual from HP's web site in .pdf format, which is obviously a cost-cutting manuever. HP also saves cost by not providing any connecting cable with the printer. The only cable provided is a power cord. Are printed manuals and USB cables that expensive? I realize the company is trying to keep the price low, but leaving important stuff out is pretty shabby at any price. If you purchase this printer, make sure you own or purchase a printer cable to go with it, and you will surely want to download the full owner's manual from HP's web site so you can use your new printer properly.Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase, especially at Amazon's discounted price (I paid $299). It way out-performs my old HP LaserJet 4P for which I paid $1000 several years ago. If you are tired of spending a fortune on cartridges for an inkjet printer, buying your first laser printer, or wanting to replace an old laser printer, I would certainly recommend checking out the HP LaserJet 1320 printer. It is an excellent printer for home or small office usage, offering great speed in printing and low cost for a laser printer.

I own both of the printers below. I will discuss them individually. All prices are approximate 2014 Amazon.1. Brother HL-2270DW Compact Laser Printer with Wireless Networking and DuplexThis machine sells for $100 and is light. You can carry it easily to your car when you travel by car. The cartridge costs $50 and has a duty cycle of 2,600 pages. The quality of the printout is excellent. Also, you can connect to it wirelessly so you can locate it in a spot remote from your computer. So the pros are:1. Light weight2. Wireless connection3. Brand new with manufacturer warrantee4. Excellent quality5. Low price6. Pretty tough. I have dropped this unit accidently on the floor from a height of about 36”, and it came right back. I don’t recommend it but you never know.The cons are:1. Somewhat lower page count from cartridge than HP 13202. Won’t print labels. Under no circumstances try to do it. It will jam and cause all sorts of other problems.3. Black and white only2. HP LaserJet 1320I have used these machines for years. I have owned 4 and dumped one, worn out and given away a second, printing lines. They are bullet proof. You can usually buy them used for about $100. I have had good success with the LD Remanufactured High Capacity Black Toner Cartridge for HP Q5949X (49X). I have gone through probably 6 or 7 over the years. They are reasonably priced. If you buy the printer used on Amazon, don’t select the lowest price. Watch out for the shipping charge and also don’t buy from vendors who have a low number of reviews. So the pros are:1. Bullet proof – highly reliable over many years2. Is almost jam proof. I can run labels, heavy stock, almost anything will pass though these machines as long as you are NOT printing duplex. If you accidently leave the printer on duplex and run either labels or heavy stock you will have a memorable jam that will require lots of work to dig out the material from the duplex compartment (this is where the paper goes when it is about to print the second side). Removing this sort of jam is doable but well worth avoiding.3. Low price, although about the same as the Brother when you add shipping4. High duty cycle. They used to quote 9,600 pages with the high capacity cartridge but I can’t find that anywhere now. So don’t rely on it.The cons are:1. Old model and getting older. These machines haven’t been new for a long time, several years.2. Heavy. You don’t want to move these things often.3. Short warrantee if any at all. No manufacturer guarantee.4. Must be USB connected. You need the cable and the power cord to connect near your computer.5. Black and white only.So, on balance, you are probably better off with the Brother even with the shorter duty cycle. I print an enormous volume of paper over a year so am not a typical user. I’ll bet you might find the 2,600 pages might carry you for a whole year. Also, the wireless connection is a huge benefit. It is not too difficult to get connected. Once done, it keeps on working for you. The nice thing about the wireless is that other users in the house can also connect.

We had a 1320 go out at work, and I thought that would be it for printing reports. We use a Heidleburg Carousel 2299 newspaper inserter, and I actually found another 1320 printer, and I couldn’t be happier.

Très bien comme neuf!