HP LaserJet M2727nf user reviews

Pros Never had a problem with HP Printers

Cons Toolbox software was a nightmare for me

Summary I have relied on HP printers for over 20 years so I wasn't expecting any problems when I purchased the M2727nf to replace my LaserJet 3390. I had previously experienced problems with the ToolboxFX software to manage faxes and scans which caused me to spend two hours on two different occasions with tech support to correct the problem. I learned from these sessions that the uninstall routine does not remove all the files associated with the printer and before installing a replacement printer or upgrading the Toolbox software you need to do a lot of manual file removal.

My last encounter was a 2 1/2 hour session after my recent purchase of the M2727nf that ended in tech support telling me I needed to take my computer to the OEM and have the registry scanned and cleaned to remove all remnants of the previously installed HP software. That was not an option for me so I returned the printer and after some search I purchased a Brother MFC 8460n which was up and running in a half an hour. The interface software for managing faxes and scans installed simply and flawlessly and works fine.

Sorry to leave HP but the software nightmare with ToolboxFX just isn't worth the hassle.

Pros Print alright

Cons This will not scan with Small Business Server 2003, as there are no drivers. HP support not very helpful, but after 3 calls they admitted that it will never scan under SBS. That is why Toolbox does not install.

Summary Check out that all functions work with your OS and don't depend on HP for any help. POOR effort HP a network printer that doesn't have full network functionality.

Pros This printer has a hardware feature set that makes it an ideal fit for a lot of small businesses. Reasonably priced consumables, decent paper handling, ability to add a second paper tray.

Cons HP seems to have lost the ability to write bulletproof drivers. One of the reasons I bought HP in the past was because they simply worked once you got them installed. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore. This one has been a software nightmare.

Summary The bane of the multifunction is that it does a lot of things; none of them well. This would be a great B&W printer, a reasonable scanner and an adequate fax machine IF the software would work. I am constantly battling with the driver, reinstalling and tweaking and it still doesn't work right. Any printer installation that I have to touch multiple times over the course of it's lifecycle greatly diminshes its value.

Pros Copies OK, Fax OK.

Cons Scanner slow. Want to know can you do double sided scanning?