HP LaserJet 1012 Review: Affordable & Reliable Printing
Detailed review of the renewed HP LaserJet 1012 laser printer. Learn about its features, benefits, performance, and whether it’s right for you.
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced environment, reliable document printing remains a cornerstone of productivity for both home offices and small businesses. However, the frustration of frequent paper jams, slow print speeds, and exorbitantly high ink costs can significantly hamper efficiency. The HP LaserJet 1012, even in its renewed form, addresses these common challenges, offering a dependable solution for those needing crisp, monochrome output without breaking the bank.
Many users find themselves caught between the need for a functional printer and the expense of a new, feature-rich model. The HP LaserJet 1012 provides a sensible alternative – a professionally refurbished printer that delivers consistent performance, making it an excellent option for individuals or small teams prioritizing affordability and reliability over advanced capabilities.
Overview
The HP LaserJet 1012 is a monochrome laser printer designed for straightforward, efficient printing. It’s a workhorse printer known for its simplicity, speed, and cost-effectiveness, especially when considering the renewed price point. This model focuses on delivering clear, professional-quality text documents, making it ideal for environments where color printing isn’t a priority. Its wired connectivity ensures a stable and reliable connection to your computer.
Leveraging HP’s established laser printing technology, the LaserJet 1012 utilizes a toner-based system to produce sharp and consistent prints. Its compact design makes it suitable for smaller workspaces, while the straightforward operation minimizes the learning curve for new users. With its refurbished status, it represents an accessible entry point for those seeking dependable printing capabilities at an attractive price.
Features
Wired Connectivity for Reliable Performance: The printer’s wired connection provides a stable and dependable link to your computer, eliminating the potential for dropped connections or interference associated with wireless technology. This reliable connection is especially valuable for environments where consistent printing is essential.
Compact & Space-Saving Design: The LaserJet 1012’s compact footprint makes it easy to fit into tight spaces, perfect for smaller offices, home offices, or dorm rooms where desk space is at a premium. Its unobtrusive design allows it to blend seamlessly into any work environment.
Professionally Refurbished & Thoroughly Cleaned: The LaserJet 1012 undergoes a meticulous refurbishment process. This isn’t simply a cosmetic cleanup; it involves a complete internal and external cleaning, replacement of worn parts (including crucial rollers like pickup and separation rollers, transfer roller, fuser film, and pressure roller), and comprehensive testing. This ensures a printer ready for immediate and dependable use.
Robust Mechanical and Electronic Testing: Following component replacement, the printer is rigorously tested, covering both mechanical and electronic functionality. This exhaustive testing regimen ensures that every aspect of the printer operates as intended, reducing the likelihood of future issues and maximizing the user’s printing experience. The replacement of consumables enhances print quality and longevity.
Benefits
Fast Print Speeds for Increased Productivity: With a print speed of up to 15 pages per minute, the LaserJet 1012 delivers quick and efficient printing, minimizing wait times and helping you stay on schedule.
Simple and User-Friendly Operation: The LaserJet 1012’s straightforward design and operation make it incredibly easy to set up and use, regardless of your technical expertise.
Sharp and Clear Text Quality: The laser printing technology ensures crisp, clear text, making documents look professional and easy to read. This is particularly important for reports, letters, and other business-critical documents.
Reduced Printing Costs: Laser printers are known for their lower per-page printing costs compared to inkjet printers, and the HP LaserJet 1012 continues this trend. The toner cartridge provides a substantial page yield, reducing the frequency of replacements and ultimately saving you money.
Reliability and Durability: The LaserJet 1012 is renowned for its reliability and robust construction. The refurbishment process further enhances this, with replaced components contributing to increased longevity and consistent performance.
Usages
Student Printing: Students frequently need to print documents for assignments and projects. The LaserJet 1012’s affordability, reliability, and fast print speeds make it a practical choice for students on a budget.
Small Business Document Needs: For small businesses requiring consistent monochrome printing, the LaserJet 1012 offers a cost-effective and dependable solution. It’s suitable for printing invoices, contracts, and other essential business documents.
Home Office Productivity: The HP LaserJet 1012 is ideal for home offices where reliable document printing is a daily requirement. Its affordability, speed, and compact design make it a perfect fit for individual users.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point, especially considering it’s refurbished
- Fast print speeds (up to 15 ppm)
- Reliable laser printing technology
- Compact and space-saving design
- Professionally refurbished and tested for quality
Cons
- Monochrome printing only – no color capabilities
- Wired connectivity only – no wireless option
- Limited advanced features
- Refurbished status may result in minor cosmetic imperfections (though professionally cleaned)
FAQs
Is the printer compatible with Mac computers?: While primarily designed for Windows environments, the HP LaserJet 1012 is generally compatible with Mac computers through generic printer drivers. However, full functionality may be limited compared to Windows.
What is the page yield of the toner cartridge?: While the exact page yield varies depending on print coverage, a standard toner cartridge for the LaserJet 1012 typically yields around 2,000 pages. Refurbished units often come with a partially used cartridge, but the remaining yield is usually substantial.
What is the printing speed?: The HP LaserJet 1012 prints at a speed of up to 15 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white. This provides reasonably fast output for general document printing.
What is the warranty coverage for a renewed printer?: The renewed HP LaserJet 1012 comes with a 90-day depot warranty, providing peace of mind and protection against potential defects.
How do I connect the printer to my computer?: The LaserJet 1012 connects via a standard USB cable. Simply plug the cable into your computer and the printer will be automatically recognized. Driver installation may be required, which can be easily downloaded from HP’s website.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | Toner |
| DPI Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Print Technology | Laser |
| Warranty | 90-Day Depot Warranty |
| Print Speed | Up to 15 ppm (monochrome) |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Dimensions | 10.9 x 17.2 x 12.5 inches |
| Duty Cycle | Up to 800 pages per month |
| Page Yield | Approximately 2,000 pages |
| Weight | 19.75 pounds |
Ratings
| Features | 3.5 |
| Cost-Effectiveness | 4.7 |
| Performance | 4.2 |
| Reliability | 4.0 |
| Usability | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The HP LaserJet 1012 (Renewed) is a superb choice for small businesses or home users who prioritize affordability and reliability in their printing needs. Its fast print speeds and professional-quality text output make it a worthwhile investment for those handling a high volume of monochrome documents.
If you’re seeking a dependable printer for basic document printing without the premium price tag of a new model, the LaserJet 1012 is an excellent option. Its professionally refurbished status ensures you’re getting a quality product at a fraction of the original cost, making it ideal for budget-conscious individuals and small offices alike.
Conclusion
The HP LaserJet 1012 (Renewed) offers a compelling combination of affordability, speed, and reliability. Its laser printing technology delivers crisp, professional-quality text, while the refurbished status ensures you’re getting a value-packed solution. The thorough refurbishment process further enhances its dependability, providing a printer that’s ready to tackle your everyday printing tasks.
While it lacks advanced features like wireless connectivity or color printing, its core strengths – speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness – make it a worthwhile investment for users who prioritize these aspects. For those seeking a dependable workhorse printer for basic document printing, the HP LaserJet 1012 (Renewed) is a standout choice.
