HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: A Comprehensive Review

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw is a multifunction color laser printer designed to meet the needs of businesses and offices that require fast, high-quality printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. Known for its excellent performance, robust security features, and versatile connectivity options, the M479fdw is a powerful tool for productivity. This article delves into the printer’s key features, advantages, disadvantages, cost of ownership, and the types of users who would benefit most from this device.

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Introduction to HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw is an all-in-one printer built to handle high-volume, high-speed printing tasks. It is specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses or workgroups that require professional-quality color printing along with the convenience of scanning, copying, and faxing. Its standout features include automatic duplex printing, fast print speeds, and advanced security options. The printer also integrates seamlessly with mobile and cloud printing services, offering flexible options for busy, modern work environments.

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Key Features of HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw

• Multifunction Capabilities: The M479fdw combines printing, copying, scanning, and faxing into one machine, streamlining office workflows.
• Print Quality: Delivers high-resolution color prints with 600 x 600 dpi resolution, ensuring sharp text and vibrant graphics suitable for business presentations, marketing materials, and detailed reports.
• Print Speed: Prints up to 28 pages per minute (ppm) for both color and black-and-white documents, offering quick turnaround times for high-volume printing tasks.
• Automatic Duplex Printing: Includes automatic two-sided printing, saving time and reducing paper usage.
• Connectivity Options: Features Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and NFC (Near Field Communication) for secure, easy connections. Supports mobile printing through Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and HP Smart app.
• Security Features: Equipped with advanced security protocols, including Secure Boot, encrypted storage, and Secure Print, to protect sensitive data.
• Intuitive Touchscreen: A 4.3-inch color touchscreen provides easy navigation and management of printer settings.
• High Paper Capacity: The standard 250-sheet input tray and a 50-sheet multipurpose tray can be expanded to hold up to 850 sheets, ideal for offices with high printing demands.
• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): The 50-sheet ADF supports single-pass, double-sided scanning and copying, improving productivity for multi-page tasks.

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Advantages of HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw

1. Fast and High-Quality Printing:
   The 28 ppm print speed for both color and black-and-white documents makes the M479fdw ideal for busy offices. The printer delivers professional-quality prints with sharp text and vibrant colors, ensuring that documents, presentations, and marketing materials look polished and clear.
2. Multifunctional Efficiency:
   Combining four essential functions—print, scan, copy, and fax—into one machine, the M479fdw eliminates the need for multiple devices. This streamlines office tasks and saves valuable office space. The 50-sheet ADF also improves efficiency when scanning or copying multi-page documents.
3. Advanced Security Features:
   In today’s business environment, data security is critical. The M479fdw comes with a range of advanced security features, such as Secure Boot, instant threat detection, and HP Secure Print, which ensure that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access.
4. Seamless Connectivity:
   With Wi-Fi, Ethernet, NFC, and mobile printing capabilities, the M479fdw offers versatile connectivity options. It supports cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print and Apple AirPrint, as well as the HP Smart app, allowing users to print from smartphones, tablets, and laptops without direct connections.
5. Energy Efficiency:
   The printer is Energy Star® certified, consuming less power than traditional laser printers. It features HP’s Auto-On/Auto-Off technology, which helps reduce energy consumption by automatically turning the printer off when not in use.
6. Large Paper Capacity:
   The standard 250-sheet paper tray, 50-sheet multipurpose tray, and the option to expand the paper capacity up to 850 sheets make this printer ideal for businesses with high printing demands. The large paper trays reduce the need for frequent refills, improving workflow efficiency.
7. User-Friendly Interface:
   The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use. It provides quick access to essential printer functions and settings, making it simple to navigate through tasks, even for users who may not be tech-savvy.

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Disadvantages of HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw

1. High Initial Cost:
   The M479fdw comes with a higher upfront cost compared to inkjet printers or lower-end laser printers. While the long-term savings on toner and the printer’s durability offset this, the initial investment may be a barrier for some small businesses or home offices with limited budgets.
2. Large and Heavy:
   Weighing around 51.6 pounds and with a larger footprint, the M479fdw takes up significant space. It’s not as compact as some other office printers, so users with limited space may find it difficult to accommodate.
3. Cost of Consumables:
   While laser printers generally have lower long-term costs per page, the cost of replacing toner cartridges for the M479fdw can be high, particularly for color printing. The use of genuine HP toner cartridges is recommended to maintain print quality, but they tend to be expensive.
4. Noisy Operation:
   The M479fdw can be quite noisy when printing, which may be distracting in smaller or quieter office environments.
5. No Photo-Specific Features:
   While the printer excels at document printing, it is not optimized for high-quality photo printing. Users seeking a printer for professional-level photo output might prefer a dedicated photo printer.

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Why You Should Purchase the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw

• For High-Volume Printing Needs: If your business or office needs to print a large volume of documents quickly and efficiently, the M479fdw’s 28 ppm print speed and high paper capacity make it an excellent choice. It handles bulk printing tasks with ease and reliability.
• For Multi-Functionality: The ability to print, scan, copy, and fax makes this a highly versatile device for businesses and workgroups that need multiple functions in one compact machine.
• For Enhanced Security: With built-in advanced security features, the M479fdw is a great option for businesses that handle sensitive documents or data. Features like Secure Print and threat detection ensure your documents are protected from unauthorized access.
• For Businesses Using Cloud and Mobile Printing: If your office relies heavily on cloud services or mobile devices, the printer’s Wi-Fi, mobile printing, and cloud integration provide seamless and efficient connectivity, allowing employees to print from virtually anywhere.
• For Reducing Energy Consumption: The M479fdw’s Energy Star® certification and Auto-On/Auto-Off technology make it an environmentally friendly choice for businesses looking to reduce their energy footprint.

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After-Sales Service and Cost

• Warranty: The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw comes with a 1-year limited hardware warranty. HP also offers extended service plans for additional coverage, which can include on-site support and replacement options.
• Toner Costs: The printer uses HP 414A (standard) and HP 414X (high-yield) toner cartridges. While toner costs are higher than those for inkjet printers, the cost per page is lower for high-volume users. High-yield cartridges provide better value, with up to 7,500 pages for black and 6,000 pages for color.
• Extended Service Plans: HP offers extended warranties and service plans, which provide options for additional years of protection. This is ideal for businesses that want peace of mind when investing in a printer for long-term use.
• Repair Costs: Out-of-warranty repairs for major components like fusers or laser assemblies can be costly, sometimes making it more economical to purchase a new printer. However, HP’s service network is extensive, and they offer repair options in many regions.

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Who Should Purchase the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw?

1. Small to Medium-Sized Businesses:
   The M479fdw is ideal for businesses that require fast, reliable, and high-quality printing for documents, presentations, and marketing materials. Its high-volume capabilities and security features make it suitable for offices with multiple users or departments.
2. Workgroups and Teams:
   For teams or workgroups that handle high-volume tasks, the M479fdw’s ability to print, scan, copy, and fax in one machine helps streamline workflows. The Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity options allow easy integration into networked environments.
3. Businesses Concerned with Security:
   Organizations dealing with sensitive or confidential information will benefit from the M479fdw’s robust security features, ensuring that documents are protected from unauthorized access.
4. Users Needing Fast, High-Quality Color Printing:
   For businesses that need to print professional-quality documents quickly, the M479fdw delivers fast print speeds and vivid color output, making it suitable for reports, presentations, and brochures.
5. Eco-Conscious Offices:
   Offices looking to reduce their environmental impact will appreciate the printer’s Energy Star® certification and automatic duplex printing, which help reduce energy consumption and paper waste.

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Conclusion

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw is a powerful, efficient, and versatile color laser printer designed for high-volume printing tasks in business environments. With its fast print speeds, high-quality output, and multifunction capabilities, it excels in productivity and performance. The advanced security features, large paper capacity, and flexible connectivity options make it ideal for businesses that prioritize security, efficiency, and connectivity. While the upfront cost and toner prices may be higher than other models, the M479fdw’s durability, reliability, and cost-efficiency over time make it a worthwhile investment for small to medium-sized businesses.