HP LaserJet Pro M102w: the discrete laser printer

Ergonomics

Quite compact (36.5 x 24.7 x 19.1 cm for 4.7 kg) but still slightly larger than the HL-1212W from Brother, the HP LaserJet Pro M102w perfectly assumes to get to the point. With a Wi-Fi module, it only has a simple USB 2.0 Type-B connector in addition to the power supply. Wi-Fi is an interesting argument compared to certain entry-level models which are often lacking (Ricoh SP112, for example).

Its construction inspires confidence, whether by the quality of the plastics used or their assembly. Our only reservation concerns the paper tray surmounted by a somewhat fragile transparent cover, which requires to be handled with some care. This bin can hold up to 150 regular sheets (80 g / m²), which is fairly standard. It is supplemented by a second power source that can contain up to 10 envelopes.

Difficult to make simpler than the control panel of this reference which, in addition to the power button, has only a few buttons to activate the Wi-Fi and restart or cancel a print job.

In Windows 10, the installation is done automatically and the system suggests downloading the HP Smart app to manage and configure the printer. A simple and practical application that contrasts with the sometimes austere menus of printer managers. Note, speaking of advanced applications, that the M102w supports Wi-Fi Direct for easy printing from a smartphone or tablet. Again, this is a little more than the Ricoh HL-1212W.

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Consumption

Laser technology requires, the HP LaserJet Pro M102w is quite energy-hungry during the printing phases during which our wattmeter exceeds 230 watts. It is a consumption despite everything measured against certain lasers which reach 500 watts in peak. On the other hand, it enters and wakes up very quickly, a mode in which its electrical consumption does not exceed 1.4 watts.

If this model earns a fourth star in this area, it is mainly thanks to its noise pollution which is very well controlled. While it is not uncommon to reach 55 to 60 dB on this type of product when printing a large document of several pages, it sees our sound level meter peak at 49.7 dB which would allow him to go almost unnoticed in a "living" work environment like bear.

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Cost per page

Upon unpacking, this printer comes with a 700-page starter toner. Otherwise it works with HP 17A toners sold from 60 to 65 € which offer a range of 1600 pages, which turns its cost per page around 3.9 euro cents (0.039 €). It's better than a Ricoh SP112 whose cost per page is 4.2 euro cents, but less than a Brother HL-1212W which is better at it with a cost per page of 2, 6 euro cents.

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Office

The LaserJet Pro M102w datasheet promises speeds of up to 23 pages per minute (ppm). In practice, on our test files, we measured a maximum throughput of 15.4 ppm, which places it in the average of entry-level single-function lasers, knowing that the Ricoh SP112 (16 ppm) and the Brother HL -1212W (15 ppm ) rotate in the same waters. It is not on this criterion that the M102w stands out, but it remains a fast printer cut to ensure good volumes.

When it comes to print quality, the M102w slightly disappoints. Admittedly, the texts on a white background are perfectly printed, sharp, precise, but as soon as one touches more charged areas, like clear texts on funds in gradations of colors, this model shows its limits. The rendering in this area is lower than that obtained on its main rivals.

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Conclusion

The devil sometimes hides in the details and it is many small things that mean that even if this LaserJet Pro M102w does not deserve for an entry-level model, we still prefer the Brother HL-1212W in this category.

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