HP LaserJet Pro CP1525nw Color Printer (CE875A)

Like many others writing reviews here, I was tired of dried out inkjet cartridges after weeks or months of no use, so went looking for a LaserJet printer for intermittent home use. InkJet still seems very popular, at least by my physical searches at CompUSA, Costco, BJs and Staples. There are less expensive laser printers out there (Okidata & Brother to name two), but a quick look at the supplies shelves at CompUSA made me shy away from all but HP due to expensive toner cartridges. Not saying HP has good prices, just better pricing than lesser known brands.Searching for wireless capabilities, so that I can place this printer anywhere, without having a dedicated computer operating as a print server, combined with a four-star rating led me to this printer on Amazon. Two weeks before Christmas they were sold out at the $178 price point.Second week in January, I searched for this printer again. They were available around $205 shipping included. When spouse informed me she would like a printer "tomorrow," I searched in Google, clicked the "Shopping" link on the left of the page, then clicked the "nearby stores" and found this printer at several box stores for $224.95. Staples was closest to me, so I went there and picked one up. Heavy-handed sales pitch for the extended warranty was not appreciated, but after 27 years in sales, I can say no to things I don't want or need.Picked up a sales leaflet on the way out the door and the next day noticed that there was a $50 recycling credit if you turned in an old printer, so went back to the store and got another $50 off the purchase by turning in my parallel port HP DeskJet 820. I had already thrown away the workhorse HP DeskJet 970Cse which had the ink spitoon overflow on my desk and white carpeting - ruining both.Unpacking the printer was easy. Zip through the tape on top of box, and diagrams on an inside flap tell you how to dump out the printer; but I was able to do so easily when I overlooked the diagrams.There was another quickstart diagram taped to the paper output tray, which highlighted almost all tape and toner sealer removal. Suffice to say, all blue and orange tape must be removed and the toner cartridges must be unsealed (pull the ring tab) to use the printer.Load up paper in drawer #2, plug in, turn on and load CD into computer. DO NOT HOOK-UP THE USB CABLE. HP PRINTERS LIKE TO HAVE SOFTWARE INSTALLED BEFORE CONNECTING TO THE COMPUTER/NETWORK.Software was about half installed when I got a fatal error: Error 0x80070570 The file or directory is corrupt and unreadable. File name: dpinst.exe . Tried again, same error. Pulled the CD - there was a tiny drop of glue or something on the CD face, but after removal, still error. Tried copying the CD to the harddrive and the copy program said the same thing: corrupt or unreadable file or directory structure. I.E., the CD was hosed. Incidentally, the corrupt CD was the updated 3.03.5253 version of the full install drivers and firmware update. IF you want to utilize the ePrint functionality, you will need the latest firmware update, at least version 20111215 or better. HPdotCom is the place to secure the latest drivers.Once the driver was downloaded (140MB), installation was easy. Mine was accomplished over the wireless network (Netgear WNDR3700 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WNDR3700 11N 2.4GHZ GBE ROUTER SPI WPA 5PORT 1 x 10/100/1000Base-TX WAN 4 x 10/100/1000Base-TX LAN - IEEE 802.11n (draft) - 300Mbps). Was also able to connect to the Netgear Universal WN3000RP Wi-Fi Range Extender, though am having some issues locating the printer when it is connected to the repeater vs. the gateway router. [UPDATE - These issues disappeared - Probably fixed with a reboot of the repeater.]==================Later=================Printer has been powered now about 4 hours. It has spontaneously "calibrated" itself three times, and does go into "Power-Save" mode after maybe 15 minutes. Even though in power-save, the wireless functionality remains on, so it will wake on demand.Sample pages look good printing on bright white 28lb laser paper.Now to the next computer...I could not find the printer from spouse's computer until I installed the driver (grabbed it from 1st computer across the network so I did not have to download 140MB again. After installation of software (which required installation of Microsoft Net Framework 3.5 on XPPro computer), the same initial setup screen appeared and I repeated some of the steps again. The software could not find the printer, so it asked to be connected via the USB cable in order to retrieve the network setup from the printer. This process probably took about 5 minutes, after which there was a message saying to disconnect the USB cable. Clicked the FINISH button with check boxes for "Make this my default printer" and "Print a Test Page" selected. The XP test page was printed, and set-up was completed.Now (so far, fingers crossed) whether I log the printer into the repeating router or the gateway, regardless of which router the computer(s) are logged into, everything works transparently - as designed.I even sent an iPod document to my new ePrint.com email address, and it immediately printed from the printer. Just like being able to print to a remote printer across an intranet or the internet! WOOT!==================UPDATE after 30 days=================Still happy with the printer. BUT, all users should know that you can adjust when the toner cartridges show that they are out of toner, as well as the action to take when they are out. They are set default from the factory to show that they are Very Low at 21% remaining toner. Like the HP CP2025DN printer one can set this printer to keep printing as the toner is almost exhausted (Stop Override), as well as set this printer to indicate the toner is "very low" at one percent (instead of the 21% which is the default value). Step by step is below. When I was researching printers, I ran across this tid-bit thanks to a comment written by Rob when responding to a review written by usna 76. Rob gave the step-by-step to usna76's last paragraph regarding "several hundred pages of printing left" after the printer "stops at Out." [permalink: http://smile.amazon.com/review/R2TU1FE13T1ZOQ/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B001F0RI1I&nodeID=&tag=&linkCode= ]To enable the cartridge out override (which allows you to keep printing beyond the indicated toner out message as long as there is toner left:1. On the control-panel menu, press OK.2. Press the Left arrow button 3 times to get to System Setup, then press OK.3. Press the Left arrow button 3 times to select System Setup At Very Low and then press OK.4. At Very Low Black Cartridge is the next choice, press OK.5. Choices are "Continue" "Stop" or "Prompt." Having read that HP's default has been that between 20-25% remaining toner in a cartridge the printer "Stops," I knew I wanted to override "Stop" by choosing "Continue."6. Cycle through the choices until you find the one you want. "Continue" will allow you to utilize most of the toner you paid for. Notice that your choice at each menu level is indicated by an asterisk (*) to the far right of the LCD display.7. Press OK to "save" your choice, then the right arrow 1 time which should give you "At Very Low Color Cartridges." Press OK and make the same choice as in steps 5 and 6 above. Then press OK (to save your choice) and wait two seconds to return to "At Very Low Color Cartridges." Then press the Return Arrow (to the far left of the menu buttons between the OK and X button).8.If you want to adjust what your printer identifies as "Low" Toner level, press the Right Arrow once and you should see "User-Defined Low." Don't worry if you see Language, Courier Font, Contrast, etc. The choices "wrap" so you will eventually get to "User-Defined Low." When you do press OK.9. You will see "User-Defined Low Black." Press OK. If your printer is set like mine, it will be set to 21%. By using the left and right arrow keys you can adjust the percentage to whatever you feel comfortable with. I chose 5% for Black and each of the three color cartridges.10. By now I am sure you know to press OK to save your new percentage number which after a couple of seconds will back you out to "User-Defined Low Black." Pressing the Right Arrow button will take you to Cyan and so forth. Remember to double-check that the asterisk appears next to your choice as a confirmation that the correct number was set.11. Press the Return Arrow (Return to previous screen arrow-(to the far left of the menu buttons between the OK and X button) about 4 times to take you out to "Ready."Here's hoping this helps you get an extra 20%+ from your toner cartridges!==================UPDATE after 14 months=================The Black cartridge has been giving "Low Toner" messages since it printed almost a ream of paper, but remember this was the original sample ink supply. At this point, with NO user intervention (shaking cartridge)we have printed about 650 pages with no gaps. We typically print in grayscale (which you can set as a default in Windoze OS versions AFTER XP Pro) so the sample color cartridges are still above 80%. Ordered a new black cartridge HP CE320A Laserjet 128A Cartridge - Retail Packaging - Black after 5 months of ownership when the low toner messages began to pop. So far so good. You can ask the printer control panel to ignore the low toner message for a week at a time. Printer goes ahead and prints in the background while you OK the nag to order toner.650 trouble-free printed pages with NO dried up ink jet cartridges! I am changing from 4 stars to a 5 star rating as the defective CD which was shipped with the product is a distant memory obliterated by saving the cost of the printer in DRIED-OUT inkjet cartridges NOT purchased! YEY!==================UPDATE after 16 months=================Saw a negative comment about printer not working for another user w/ negativity toward HP & Microsoft. I can relate having purchased an extremely expensive scanner which will not work w/ any OS beyond XPPro. It is a conspiracy to sell more equipment. That said, this CP1525NW printer IS working with XPPro, Vista, and Windoze 8 in my home office - no problems at all. HOWEVER - HP printers like the software installed BEFORE ever connecting the printer to a computer or network. If you connected the printer first and let your MS OS determine your drivers, you may be in for frustration and unhappiness. Use a good registry cleaner and start over with the latest HP installation software and firmware updates BEFORE connecting your printer.BTW - Almost through two reams of paper using the original sample laserjet black cartridge and low toner override setting!==================UPDATE after 20 months=================Introductory Black Toner Cartridge finally ran out. My best estimate of pages printed (mostly using gray scale printing - i.e., just black toner) is 1300-1400! With the total toner using settings above, the printer began producing blank pieces of paper. 90 seconds later, I had pulled the tabs from a new toner cartridge, put it in place, (printer said "Genuine HP toner" on the LCD screen when turned back on) and was printing again. Packaged the old cartridge in box and used included (free shipping) address label to return the cartridge to HP. Yes, shipping the cartridge back to HP keeps it out of the hands of third party refillers, but it also allows recycling of cartridge rather than putting it in the landfill.Still SUPREMELY HAPPY with my purchase - especially considering that by using HP ePrint, or Google CloudPrint, I can print from ANY of my devices, anywhere in the world to this printer!!==================UPDATE after 40 months=================Printer still churning out pages on the original sample color cartridges. Obviously I don't do much color printing, but it sure is nice to have it available when I need it. Three replacement color cartridges have been sitting on my shelf for months, but so far not needed. Upgraded firmware twice, and moved backwards to Windows 7 on all computers in household. Unfortunately the HP FX Toolbox is incompatible with Windows 7, so I uninstalled that, and indeed in reading from the HP support site*, it seems that using the Windows universal printer driver may be the best way to go with this printer. Will update/downgrade to the Windows unidriver when I get a chance and put the update here.*I bought a second CP1525nw LaserJet for my daughter, but it was used (since the few remaining new CP1525nws are now $300-$400) and came in with a 54.1300 Error Event which meant the magenta cartridge is 2-3 pixels out of registration. Did the simple troubleshooting which did not work, meaning that the next step was replacing boards or the alignment sensor or drum. Too bad - I like this printer.Spent days reading reviews and considering what to buy for daughter - went with the new HP Color LaserJet Pro M252dw Printer. I will review that as soon as it arrives.

Great printer, meets my needs, and operationally very sound. However, here's what kept it from getting 5 stars:(1) Software (CD and online) does not support Mac OSx 10.7 (Lion). You don't find that out until you try to do an install. Even the 150mb download online doesn't work with 10.7. Seriously HP?? 10.7 has been out since July. Get with the program... Here's the best part, just plug in the printer via USB and Apple will take care of you. They figured out how to write drivers and make things work.(2) Wireless setup is a mess. Push-button WPS, no options, etc. Just put an option for me to punch in my WPA2 password and lets move on. I had to download the Windows software, find a windows machine, and set up wireless over USB.(3) Wireless printing performance is slow. Like 2 pages / minute slow. I have a 300 mbps wireless, speed is not an issue.

We have had our printer for 4.5 months and it gets light to medium use as a simple home printer solution for the family.We were down to choosing between the HP LaserJet CP1525nw and the Brother HL 4150CDN. The Brother is faster, had duplexing built-in (bonus but not critical for us) and the 'cost per page' was lower but I felt the HP image quality was higher and it came with more memory out of the box and in general, I don't think you can go wrong with HP. We also liked the HP because the toner cartridges themselves were less expensive. You got LESS toner with the HP cartridges but at a much lower price. If you purchase more than one toner cartridge at the same time, the Brother outlay cost was steeper than you really want to pay for toner. We also like the fact we can re-evaluate the printer based on real-world performance and make a decision to purchase toner or a new printer.ALERT - you will get introductory toner cartridges with the printer. It has been a while and it took some of hunting to find out the advertised yield of the introductory cartridges so I don't recall the final answer (Brother's initial toner yield was much easier to identify). I BELIEVE it is about 1/4 or 1/3 of a regular cartridge. If you are new to printer purchasing, this may be news as not all companies make this clear on their websites.The HP replaces our Konica-Minolta Magicolor 1530 which was on its second round of color and third round of black toner. The HP is only 2x faster (8ppm vs. 4ppm) in color than our old printer and is listed slower (12ppm vs. 20ppm) but the HP warms up much faster so "time to output" is much better. For our home use, this has been a great upgrade but I personally wouldn't recommend using this for anything but a smallest home business needs.Color for photos, websites, PDF's Word was all very good out of the box. Many reviews talked about photos being too dark. As an architect that worries about color output for presentation books I felt the color was very accurate.Setup wasn't a problem for Windows 7 on a wired network. Watch out if you are running a 5Ghz, 802.11a network, that is not supported with this printer. We have no need for the Airport or EPrint features so can't speak to them.The HP is much quieter than our old printer but it is still a bit "talkative" if you will have it out in a room where noise would be a problem. Even so, when it's making noise, it is over pretty quickly so unless you are real particular, it shouldn't be a problem. Our old printer was a four pass printer for color prints because the toner cartridges were in a rotating carousel so you would hear the "ker-chunk- ker-chunk", four times in a row when you printed color each time the carousel rotated - this was pretty obnoxious so the HP is a dream from a noise perspective for us.Toner access is awesome, nice simple slide out drawer, even easier than some of the high end printers we have at our office. No paper jams to date so we can't comment on that.The white/gray body with charcoal gray accent makes for a good looking printer as well. Also like the single footprint size as our old printer's paper drawer was only half recessed so it was clunkier looking.At this point, I would predict we will get at least one round of toner, maybe two before we even consider looking at another printer. This has been a really good purchase for us.