HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe Review, Pros and Cons

The HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe is a multipurpose printer for office environment. Intended for use in smaller scale offices and business, it makes printing simple and easy. Thanks to a set of features such as reliable scan to cloud and dual band Wi-Fi.

Featuring laser technology, fast print speed is a thing to enjoy from this device. It is also compatible with the HP Smart app that enables you to print documents and images on smartphone. Get work freedom and increase your productivity.

Simple Layout with New Look

The M234dwe is among new models that receive a design facelift. Compared to its predecessors under the same line, it comes with a simpler layout especially on the top area. It is simplified with a thin upper lid and Smart guided buttons, featuring a 1.27-inch icon LCD to display printer status.

Under the lid, there is a flatbed scanner that allows instant scanning. Simply lift the top and put your paper to scan to local drive or cloud. In addition to Smart guided buttons, it has smart-guided lighting at the front body.

Major facelift is also seen on the input cassette that is made from transparent plastic material. Unlike the predecessors, this new feature enables you to check on paper availability without opening the cassette. To me, it is a big innovation that deserves appreciation.

This device measures 9.52 inches by 14.49 inches by 11.76 inches (HWD) and weighs about 21.1 pounds. With these numbers, this model has smaller footprints and less weight. This means finding a good spot for convenient printing won’t be a big matter.

Powerful MFP for a Range of Tasks

Designed for use in office environment, the M234dwe comes in handy with print and scan functionality. The MFP is armed with cutting-edge laser technology that ensures crisp black print result with undoubted precision.

It is also equipped with HP FastRes 600 resolution technology, supporting up to 600 x 600 dpi of print resolution. When combined together, this printer is able to churn out nice-looking text with smooth graphics.

I don’t have much to say about the scanner. It comes standard with 600 x 600 dpi of optical resolution and 24-bit color depth, which is about average for this price range. Without an ADF on its top, lifting this lid is effortless.

You can also make copies using this flatbed. Get maximum copying speed up to 30 ppm and save your time. Document enlargement and reduction comes standard, allowing you to handle a variety of documents in the office.

This printer’s maximum monthly duty cycle is rated at 20,000 pages, which means this is the maximum pages you can print without causing undue wear. The manufacturer suggests monthly print volume as many as 2,000 pages per month.

On top of that, this easy-to-use device offers the fastest two-sided printing in its class. Thanks to automatic duplexing that makes printing more efficient without your intervention.

Ultra-Fast Printing

The HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe highlights lightning fast performance. Save your time on the device and improve your productivity with up to 30 ppm of print speed. When working with 2-sided pages, the speed falls to 17 ppm. These numbers bring the M234dwe above average for printers in its class.

This speed rating is exactly the same as its sibling the HP LaserJet MFP M234sdwe. This model is rated at 30 pages per minute with the first page out as fast as 6.9 seconds. It also supports two-sided printing with similar speed.

What do I think about this speed? Of course, this is a great printer to handle business documents especially if you don’t have much time. With such a price range, having these numbers makes this printer a good friend in the office.

Home Office’s Standard Input Paper Capacity

The M234dwe has a paper cassette that is not only distinct in appearance but also dependable in function. A 150-sheet input capacity is more than acceptable for everyday printing tasks in small or home offices. The same tray is able to handle up to 10 envelopes.

In addition to the input cassette, this device features an output tray that handles up to 100 sheets of plain paper. This tray pulls out under the flatbed scanner so you can easily collect the printed paper. Just as with other printers in its class, a secondary input cassette is not available.

This printer offers limited option when it comes to media types and sizes. It only supports a few popular media sizes such as A4, A5, A6, and B5. You can also use custom media sizes from 4 x 6 inches to 8.5 by 14 inches.

Meanwhile, supported media types include plain paper, laser paper, envelopes, postcard, labels, and cardstock. These options are rather limited but I am sure this model is more than acceptable to tackle formal, business documents.

HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe Print Quality

If there is a list of black-and-white printers with great-looking print quality, the HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe should be on it. Thanks to laser technology combined with HP original toner and HP FastRest that delivers crisp black text with high legibility.

The characters are well shaped even at smaller sizes. I didn’t find noticeable issues that potentially ruin images or documents. Even though it comes with minor banding, the overall print result is more than acceptable.

It works well not only for text but also graphics and charts. Working with presentation handouts that are full of graphics and spreadsheets comes easy, though it takes more print time. Even when it printed colorful images, the conversion to grayscale is nice and smooth.

To sum up, I have no complaints about its print quality both for text and graphics. For this price range, the printer offers more than you could ask for.

HP+ Model for 6 Months of Free Toner

Designed as a monochrome printer, the M234dwe has a single black cartridge toner. If you are done with color printer that keeps asking you to replace one of color inks before printing, this can be a great solution to handle black-and-white documents.

The device is compatible with HP 134A or HP 134X black toner cartridge. Every package includes an original toner cartridge that prints up to 700 pages depending on your usage and condition. Once it runs low, replace it with original cartridges as suggested by the manufacturer.

HP original cartridges are designed with a chip that enables the device to work appropriately. In other words, it works only with the original toner cartridge. When you put other cartridges, it is not possible to work.

Good news for you, the M234dwe is one of HP+ models that offer free toner for 6 months. With Instant Ink, get a free cartridge delivered to your door when your toner runs low. You can continue using this feature and get 50 percent less price.

Standard Connectivity and Security

On this MFP device, you can use either wired or wireless connectivity. While a hi-speed USB builds a stable connection with the computer, Ethernet allows easy sharing with other users in your team. You can also establish wireless connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy.

The HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe supports HP Smart app that offers simple setup. Easily connect to a network and enjoy this printer across devices. Using this app, you can also print from anywhere for work freedom.

When it comes to mobile connections, this device is compatible with Mopria, Apple AirPrint, and Wi-Fi Direct. Even though these options are not as versatile as HP Smart app, it can upgrade your printing experience.

HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe Pros and Cons

Powerful performance and a good set of features make the M234dwe worth choosing. While I can easily mention good things about this device, it has few shortcomings that should be taken into consideration. Here is a closer look at the pros and cons.

HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe Pros

• Above Average Print Speed

The ability to deliver up to 30 ppm makes it time-efficient. Above average print speed is shown not only for simplex but also duplex. Compared to laserjet printers in its class, the M234dwe offers the fastest two-sided printing. Get easy and fast printing without hassle!

• Compact and Stylish Design

If you need a printer that can add a visual interest to the office interior, this model is worth the thought. It receives major facelift on the top lid and input paper tray. It is also super compact, about 30 percent smaller than its predecessors.

• High Quality Printing

Black and white documents can be easily tackled with this device. Thanks to laser technology and HP original toner cartridge that delivers smooth and precise print results. Whether you are working with text, images, or graphics, the M234dwe is more than sufficient.

HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe Cons

• HP+ Requires Internet Connection

When you purchase this package, you will automatically receive HP+ benefits. However, internet connection is required to print and get toner cartridge delivered to your door. This means you cannot make it work without the internet. Of course, it brings inconvenience if you have limited internet or Wi-Fi.

• Super Small Display

On this MFP, there is a 1.27-inch icon LCD. This display is too small to show the printer’s status, not to mention it can be a real struggle to see it in the dark.

A Dependable Entry-Level Printer

As a low cost laser printer for home offices and small business, the M234dwe has everything you need to print professional documents without hassle. HP+ makes it more attractive as it offers six months of free toner, allowing you to simplify the budget on toner cartridge.

My only complaint is the super small display, the need of internet connection for every single task, and a single input paper tray that cannot be upgraded. But if you need a reliable printer for everyday business document, the HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe is a valuable choice.