Budget HP Laser Printer! LaserJet M209dw Review

[@xjet]

I avoid HP printers out of principle. Their actions in regards to their other printers have been *very* anti-consumer. I've got a cheap Brother laser that has done great service for many years and I'll stick with a company that understands the importance of customer rights.

[@RKingis]

Like renting the printer you "bought".

[@xjet]

@@RKingis Yeah, or changing the contract after you've signed by way of software updates you can't disable.

[@RicPerrott]

Exactly. Never buy HP.

[@piman2boek364]

I had an HP laser printer years ago. It definitely gave more precise printing than an inkjet. Finally gave it up when the cartridges got ridiculously expensive.

[@mrmartywaring]

I ordered this for one of my staff members for his office. It's really a nice printer!

[@christinemurphy7683]

This would be perfect for me, but because it's HP, I have reservations. Will it really let you go without the Instant Ink subscription for the long haul, or will it eventually decide to lock up the machine unless you subscribe? I know through experience that if you start out subscribing to Instant Ink, and then cancel and buy retail ink, HP still makes it difficult to use the printer. What happened with the printer I had was that it stopped connecting to the internet. No matter what i tried, it would not work. It did have a USB connection, so I figured I could cancel Instant Ink, return the cartridges, then buy retail ink and use it connected with a cable to a computer. So I did that (I bought real HP ink, not generic), and the stupid thing kept giving error messages about not being connected to the internet. I finally did get it to work, i forget what I did, but it was a pain in the butt, I had to go through this every single time I wanted to print something. So I bought a cheapo Canon ink jet with no subscription option attached to it. I still have it, it still works, but it's very slow and this laser one would be nicer. But not if HP can hold it hostage until I buy an unnecessary subscription. I get annoyed by these companies that don't let you own anything anymore, everything has to be a subscription and under the manufacturer's control. Why anyone would want to pay for a monthly subscription for toner cartridges is beyond me, But if HP thinks that they can get people to do it, they will keep pushing it and perhaps force it on people down the road. The whole thing about them controlling what brand of ink in the thing is obnoxious, as well. If I own it, I should be able to do what i want with it.

[@Programmer7]

Was it an HP+ printer? With those, while Instant Ink is optional, the Internet connection is required forever once activated. In exchange, you get a trial of Instant Ink and an extended warranty. The reviewed printer at least lacks HP+.

[@Bryandaman18]

I've had 2 of the budget hp printers and both lasted only a couple of months just complete junk

[@stevenemert837]

Bought a 9015e inkjet after my venerable 8600 finally died after nearly 10 years. Thank goodness I avoided the ink and paper subscription plan. Would have cost me a fortune! Even though this consumes ink faster than the old one. When it dies, expect the next one will be a Brother laser. I have no intention to consider subscription hassles!

[@jothain]

Buy some used old Brother laser printer and you'll be happy for years to come.

[@trevorbartram5473]

Hi Lon, I went thru this last Xmas. The fear of an HP printer phoning home & locking you out if you install an off brand cartridge lead me to a Brother HL-L2300D CABLED laserjet printer. It was about $100 at Amazon, has good Linux support & produces excellent quality B&W prints. It needs a 'special' USB cable NOT included with the printer, luckily I already had one! Brother has been making these printers for years, cheers!

[@typingcat]

Can't EU make some kind of law that forces all laser printer manufacturers to use common cartridges, ending the cheap-printer-expensive-ink scam once and for all?

[@TheSimArchitect]

I agree with you. Ink and toners should be like cassette tapes 📼 and USB. We should have a few open standards, you can buy your supplies from any manufacturer. If you have enough of a reason to buy it from a brand name because you care that much about your blacks being 1% darker, you'll pay their premium, otherwise you can just print your document with whatever is cheapest, including having the choice of buying refillable cartridges.

[@cr-pol]

"Instant Ink" for a laser printer? Have the terms for printer hardware changed?

[@TheSimArchitect]

I have an old laser printer I bought used. No DRM issues with my toner but I was unable to calibrate the colors and I face a couple of problems, but it was extra cheap due to not being functioning perfectly and more than enough to quickly print a few documents in black every two or three months. My Epson's inkjet was only nice for the first year, now it works as a scanner only (at least they don't block the scanning ability when you're not using an original ink cartridge).

[@mikecarrington4297]

I have a similar priced brother printer for 2 years now and still on original toner.

[@biblebelter9772]

Same here.

[@abunk8691]

I might explore getting a laser printer in the future as my current Epson inkjet (have had it since 2016 and still works) might starting clogging up due to getting less frequent use. Not an HP though because of all their anti-consumer and firmware shenanigans

[@CantankerousDave]

I bought a Brother B&W laser printer after the most recent time that my most recent HP inkjet wouldn't print correctly and their tech support's advice was to buy more ink. My mother's HP printer also stopped printing correctly. They also suggested buying more ink. I'm not rewarding them or Canon with another purchase. If you don't print very often, DO NOT buy an inkjet printer.

[@pirate21]

The exact same for me. I always suggest not buying any inkjet printers. I love my Brother printer.

[@jimpad5608]

Due to the technology used, it is IMPOSSIBLE for inkjet printers to work very long. The heat/cold and humidity where it is used will ALWAYS shorten the usable life. I ONLY let my clients buy laser printers.

[@knavishknack7443]

I don't print very often. Still using my almost decade old canon laser printer + scanner. Recently bought 2 cartridges on ebay for $19.85 total.

[@cr-pol]

wow, an HP printer without any missing pieces.

[@macinman]

Hey Lon, hope you're doing well, and Happy 4th of July. I started out with HP printers (inkJet) and the price of the ink was just too expensive, and in the case like you gave for your dad, the ink would dry up when not used wasting money, and in some cases damaging the printer so it would no longer print, even with new cartridges. I have switched to an Epson Eco tank printer and have been quite happy with it. I have model ET-2800. This printer usually is close to $300, but, got on an Office Depot sale for a little over $200. So something else to consider paying up a bit more for the printer up front and saving on ink, or paying less for the printer, and paying more for ink. Also because the Eco Tank printers don't take cartridges (they use bottles) it's easy to get third party ink cheaper (as long as you get the right bottle numbers) Hope this helps someone, and also remember, an Eco Tank is full color while this printer in the video is only black and white, if that's a factor for someone,.

[@garynagle3093]

I’ve found HP laser printers to be darn solid. Nice video. I’ve had the Hp 252dw color laser for years with no issues and no subscriptions

[@kumarp3074]

It's unfortunate that these printer companies are putting in restrictions on third party toner cartridges. Even companies like Brother have started to do this.

[@stevenemert837]

@kumarp3074 Are you sure? A relative just bought a Brother B&W laser printer for their business. The papers and web site say Brother toner “recommended” (of course) but not required.

[@kumarp3074]

@@stevenemert837 Doesn't apply to every model but yes they are doing it. Just Google "brother toner lockout" to see for yourself.

[@jmdennis1967]

I would never buy an HP. They expect you to have there toner and nothing else. I liked HP printers back in the day but they have locked things down so much so will go with Brother if I need a laser printer.

[@asan1050]

Lon! , Thanks for posting this video

[@Kevin-oj2uo]

Loan , you are a good guy please dont recommend HP they are so anti consumer. 😢

[@jimpad5608]

FYI - I used to be a printer tech rep. Some things to note - ALL inkjet printers, regardless of brand will fail within 3 to 5 years due the inkjet technology. Everyone in my family has laser printers (a few BW all others color). This way I don't have to do tech support. The HP warning about third party cartidges is mostly scare tactics because they know that they will get sued all over the world if they actually try to block other companies. HP is well aware that other countries are looking for an excuse to whack USA companies really hard and once one country does it many will follow. And the USA government has no leverage with other countries. I use carts from Lainks and LDproducts

[@kaasis85]

@@jimpad5608 I must have been very lucky then because my 15 year old bargain basement brother inkjet still keeps going strong after over 40k pages printed. And third party ink costs peanuts.

[@StenIsaksson]

When it comes to InkJets it's sometimes cheaper to buy a new printer than a new cartridge for it. The cartridge is more expensive than the printer itself.

[@stevenemert837]

But that creates some considerable e-waste.

[@sabat8068]

Can i put in a colour toner into this printer?

[@LonSeidman]

Black and white only.

[@Sulfen]

Cool but I'd never buy HP. Brother is my to go.

[@mypetdrgn]

I’m looking for a good printer that also lets me print on DVD or Compact Disc… any suggestions?

[@justanotherstanczyk]

Can you clarify the question for me? I've only seen adhesive labels for cd's that can be printed on or a drive that can etch on the non data side of a DVD. (Lightscribe)

[@jimpad5608]

The ability to print directly on a CD or DVD is no longer available. BUT Avery Labels have printable labels that fit into a printer and can then be applied to the physical media. Just be sure to align the label to ensure the disc is balanced.

[@mypetdrgn]

@@justanotherstanczyk I use to have an Epson printer that in addition to scan/fax/print, also printed color direct on disc. These printers still exist. I was just checking here to see if one had been reviewed. I understand disc is edging to oblivion, however, I still have clients who would like disc. All this said, people will return to this medium because as money gets tight, subscriptions fall. Add to this, physical product is still important, as people will find out when cloud service holds their “property” for ransom or the service stops without notice. I get, to a degree, big business and cloud, not so much for typical consumer. My rant to everyone, get off the cloud.

[@mypetdrgn]

@@jimpad5608 print/stick labels are a disaster… they can get stuck in drive… I know from experience😳

[@jimpad5608]

@@mypetdrgn - personally I do not use CD/DVD labels because of the problem you noted. I just write on the disc with a sharpie. But some people are more meticulous and since I know the primter options I provided the information.

[@Ockv74]

❤❤❤

[@kk-linux-rocks7269]

Does Ubuntu print with it?

[@LonSeidman]

Yes no issues with Linux.

[@estried86]

HP can go pound sand.

[@tylerwatt12]

I would not get a laserjet model lesser than an a Laserjet m404

[@mikesabella8281]

never buy hp

[@peligeustalos4141]

Too late. All mine are solid. You suck

[@samlazar574]

I have an Epson and it is great. I usually buy Epson for my clients.

[@jimpad5608]

HP and Canon laser printers share many patents and for many previous years used the same cartridges. Brother reverse engineered their design to avoid the HP and Canon patents but the design is less reliable and the consumables end up being just as expensive as HP and Canon. Basically consumers can only choose HP, Canon or Brother for laser printers. Epson only makes inkjet printers. I avoid inkjet printers because they will fail in less than 5 years.

[@JayPerkinson]

Never buy HP.

[@mikedisher30]

It’s true

[@silverwolf1842]

It’s $149 everywhere I saw it.

[@preslove]

I'm commenting for engagement

[@leskaighin8903]

I have a HP laser printer. With their crack down on generic toner i will never buy another from them.

[@jothain]

I know you're doing this for living, but I'm very disappointed that you endorse products from the greediest manufacturer ever 🙁 People. Seriously. Boycott HP products. If you don't know why this comment is here, please do some research about HP's printers. In short they're junk and they try to milk their consumers every possible way. Buy like Brother or Epson and get them used and you'll be happier.

[@thomasstandley6309]

HP. Not a chance.

[@typingcat]

You all don't worry about the ultra-fine plastic particles that laser printers emit? I thought about buying a laser printer, but because of that, I purchased an inkjet instead. My last inkjet's head got clogged, because I rarely print, so for this printer, I have been printing dummy output once a week. So far, it has not been clogged, but it is cumbersome.

[@frednitney5831]

I all have yet to be presented with a reason to believe that laser printers (presumably including LED printers) emit ultra-fine plastic particles, so I haven't even started down the path of worrying about it.

[@knofi7052]

Printer from HP, never again!

[@sativagirl1885]

Hi Lon, Did you know that HP sales reps sold scanners and printers to the nation's public libraries supported by your property taxes, and you can print quite a lot #absolutelyFREE ! If you're homeless, or strung out on heroin, the public library has it all! Veterans and Gold Star families print for free at federally funded universities as well. Why buy, comrade?