The Best of Both Phone, and TabletHP Color LaserJet CP1215
Manufacturer: HP Part number: CC376A#ABA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Color LaserJet CP1215 is HP's entry-level printer built to serve small workgroups, but it suffers from frustratingly slow print speeds, a missing LCD screen, and other problems. Your $299 will go much further with the Dell 1320c, another color laser with faster print speeds for the same price.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
HP Color LaserJet CP1215 price range: $102.99 - $538.91
- Reviewed by: Justin Yu
- Edited by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 04/28/2009
The good: Easy installation; prints high-quality color documents; supports manual duplexing; small footprint.
The bad: Expensive; not compatible with Mac OS; slow color prints; lacks LCD display; ships with bite-size cartridges; fixed resolution.
The bottom line: The Color LaserJet CP1215 is HP's entry-level printer built to serve small workgroups, but it suffers from frustratingly slow print speeds, a missing LCD screen, and other problems. Your $299 will go much further with the Dell 1320c, another color laser with faster print speeds for the same price.
The HP Color LaserJet CP1215 is a simple, single-function laser printer designed to fit comfortably in a small business work group. At $299, its unobtrusive footprint and excellent quality color and black output would have made an excellent alternative to the pricier HP Color LaserJet CP2025n, but we can't recommend a printer this limited; on top of being incompatible with any Mac OS, all of our speed tests indicate a superslow output speed, and a severe feature drought dries up our enthusiasm. If you happen to be on a Mac, or typically print a large volume of color documents, take a look at the more cost-effective Dell 1320c, another color laser that offers faster color prints and even a single-sheet manual-feed slot.
Design and features
Like the HP CP2025n, there isn't much to say about this printer's looks, or lack thereof. The same gray-and-white shades cover the exterior, except this model is missing an LCD screen. Instead, HP includes a basic control panel on the side of the faceplate that contains all the buttons necessary to operate and troubleshoot the device: a Ready light, Resume button, Cancel button, Paper Jam light, Attention light, and a series of icons that glow to indicate low toner levels all make up the majority of the control panel, with Paper Feed and Power buttons rounding out the set. The notification lights work fine, but we found ourselves wishing for just a simple two-line LCD that could display specific troubleshooting help or detailed information about a print job.
In terms of size, the printer measures a manageable 15.7 inches wide by 10 inches tall by approximately 20 inches deep. It weighs 38.9 pounds, which is considerably lighter than most laser printers, thanks to a lack of internal autoduplexing and networking hardware.
The rest of the printer is just as simple as the front, with a small Power button on the left side and a power plug on the lower back. All the paper handling and toner access takes place up front by way of several fold-out drawers. Looking from the top down, you'll find the output tray, toner drawer, and input tray at the very bottom, which can only hold up to 150 sheets of plain paper. Most businesses, even smaller ones, prefer to use a larger capacity tray with at least a 250-page capacity that won't require constant refilling.
Installing the driver and establishing a connection with a computer is tangle-free, since this is a USB-only printer. Currently, you get no option to buy a networking attachment for the printer, so a direct connection is necessary. We'll also continue to applaud HP for the basic instructions that make it easy to set up; the driver even automatically runs an installation guide to help you along the way. Within the driver, you're given the option to change a few settings, but it's nowhere near as comprehensive as the CP2025n's customization options. In fact, the printer is fixed at a 600X600dpi resolution for both black and color. The manual color options let you choose between four color or black neutral grays to save ink, but there's no way to adjust the resolution of your prints. In addition, the drivers are formatted for all manner of Windows operating systems, but there's no support for Macs, which effectively eliminates a large number of potential buyers.
Oftentimes, manufacturers strategically keep the price of budget printers down by shipping a "starter" set of toner cartridges with the device. These cartridges typically contain a fraction of the toner levels compared with those sold on the vendor Web site, so the surprise comes after you've already purchased the machine. Unfortunately, such is the case with the CP1215; all four toner cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) contain roughly half of the standard volume of toner. Luckily, the cost of the CB540 toner series compatible with the printer is about average: $72 for the color cartridges that should yield 1,400 pages, according to the Web site, and $78 for 2,200 pages of black toner. Using those figures, since no high-volume toner cartridges are available, our calculations come out to 5.1 cents for a page of color and 3.5 cents per page of black--slightly more expensive than the CP2025n, but still affordable nonetheless. Finally, the CP1215's monthly duty cycle maxes out at 1,000 pages. Compared with the CP2025n's 40,000 pages per month, this is definitely suited to a much smaller office with proportionally lighter printing responsibilities.
Performance
We were generally satisfied and slightly bored with the CP1215 until we tested its output speed, the results of which practically wrote the review itself. As you can see from the comparison chart below, this HP is drastically outgunned by the rest of the competition in almost all of our tests, with the exception of color graphics and color text--that unfortunate loss went to the Samsung CLP-315W. The HP CP1215 didn't do much better, though, registering only 5.36 pages of color text per minute (PPM), in contrast to the HP CP2025n on the opposite end at 10.43ppm. The extreme difference in output speed is unacceptable, and you'll likely find yourself increasingly frustrated with waiting for this thing to spit out color.
Output speed test in pages per minute (PPM)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
 |
Color Graphics | |
Presentation | |
Color text speed | |
Black Text |
As usual, we have to congratulate HP on the quality of both color text and documents. While the output speed leaves a great deal to be desired, HP still manages to present well-formed black and color text with sharp edges and even shading across dense graphics. As is typical for a color laser, the CP1215 could use improvement in smoothing out blotchy gradations, and we did see banding in some of the fine details, but the majority of the photo elements came out nicely saturated with natural color. Overall, the HP LaserJet CP1215's print quality is definitely good enough for small offices that mainly print out text with an occasional presentation thrown in, but larger offices with heavier photographic workloads might prefer the quality that only an inkjet printer can provide.
Service and support
In addition to HP's comprehensive one-year warranty, which includes 24-7 toll-free phone support and live Web chat during weekdays, HP's Web site also contains downloadable drivers, software, and manuals, e-mail tech support, FAQs, and a troubleshooting guide.
Find out more about how we test printers.
User reviews
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Affordable, simple, great deal for $150
by vbluguitar on September 21, 2009
Pros: 1. CHEAP - we paid 149.99 - all other color lasers were $299 or more
2. Small - this printer is fairly small for a color laser and fits nicely on our PC hutch.
3. simlple - this is definitely low frills. It prints. Hurray.Cons: 1. intro carts won't last long
2. No single sheet feed tray = no envelopes - I don't need this so I don't care.
3. I hope it lasts. Some people are complaining about constant jams.Summary: I love the small size and price. This is perfect for my wife and kids and even some small business use. In the long run the ink is WAY cheaper ...
Summary: I love the small size and price. This is perfect for my wife and kids and even some small business use. In the long run the ink is WAY cheaper in a laser due to the 1000 page per cart yeild.
As a tip to all y'all, be sure to turn the "out of ink" override on. The printer will tell you that you are out of ink by the number of pages you print, not how much actual ink you have when the override is off. turning the override on will allow you to print many more pages with your color carts than if you have it set to the normal page count mode, especially if you print a lot of black and white. Hope that helps!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PRINTER. BROKEN DOWN WITHIN 1 YEAR
by keithkubeck on April 23, 2011
Pros: ABSOLUTELY NONE
Cons: TOO MANY TO LIST. GOT ABOUT 600 COPIES FOR 400$. A VERY BAD AVERAGE
Summary: SHAME ON HP FOR THIS PRODUCT. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER HP AS LONG AS I LIVE.
Summary: SHAME ON HP FOR THIS PRODUCT. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER HP AS LONG AS I LIVE.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Prints well but cheap paper handling and no Mac driver
by wayraw99 on March 17, 2009
Pros: Good color resolution
Fast
QuietCons: Many paper jams, even with recommended paper
No Mac driver available .... very disappointing for a big company like HP.Summary: I bought this to be my family shared printer. It was frustration from the beginning with bad paper jams. When I added a Mac Mini to the family, this printer ...
Summary: I bought this to be my family shared printer. It was frustration from the beginning with bad paper jams. When I added a Mac Mini to the family, this printer had to go. I won't miss it.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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TERRIBLE!!
by OptimusPrime34234 on August 31, 2011
Pros: The ink lasts for some time.
Cons: It's very large and bulky and takes up too much space on my desk. Other than space, it gives me TECHNICAL PROBLEMS. It takes forever just to print a few pages. Also there were many paper jams. This thing isn't very durable.
Summary: Just don't buy this product.
Summary: Just don't buy this product.
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Just terrible
by ronl_ict on July 19, 2011
Pros: Low initial cost, relatively small footprint for a colour printer
Cons: Toner rip-off, paper tray extremely small, automtaic machine 'calibration' is vey annoying
Summary: I bought this colour printer even though most of the printing I do is black and white (cause it's supposed to be less expensive). For the most part, I ...
Summary: I bought this colour printer even though most of the printing I do is black and white (cause it's supposed to be less expensive). For the most part, I use the 'print in black and white ' feature. Having owned the priner for less thsn a year now, I have replaced the b&w cartridge once (which is fine) and have printed maybe 25 pages in colour at most. Today when I went to print in colour, the printer told me I had 1 colour page left for all the colour toners. I tried shaking the toners but to no avail. So I got 25 colour pages out of the toners and now have to replace all them. Given the other annoynaces associated with this machine (it decides to recalibrate itself, just as you're about to print which causes unnessary delays + you're constantly feeding the machin paper cause the tray is the smallest I've ever seen) I'm tempted to just throw the thing out . (I certainly aint buying any more colour toner.)
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Do not over ride the color or you will pay big bucks
by phototiger on May 22, 2011
Pros: worked for a time....
Cons: I went through less than 3 black ink cartridges for I use mostly black and had it on over ride for black as HP allows, yet after the third black cartridge the black horizontal lines have steadily appeared larger and I have found out that I would have to g
Summary: If you can get by with a black and white, don't buy this a color one or a HP like it!
Summary: If you can get by with a black and white, don't buy this a color one or a HP like it!
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Excellent Print Quality, Home network setup was good
by lpeterson930 on April 19, 2011
Pros: Wireless set-up was quite easy, in direct contrast to other reviews. Set up two laptops and three desktops without any failures
Surprisingly good photo quality for a laser printerCons: Cost of toner
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An abysmal offering - HP should be ashamed
by peter_dalton on February 11, 2011
Pros: There is only one pro - the colour print quality is excellent.
Cons: No User Manual - Installation disk does not NOT behave as expected and leaves you in 'mid-air' -- grey-on-grey digital display is very hard to read without a torch - slow to print - plastic shell is flimsy.
Summary: HP support took five weeks to respond to complaints and requests for aid, during which the machine was useless. We are surprised by HP's attitude and will neither buy ...
Summary: HP support took five weeks to respond to complaints and requests for aid, during which the machine was useless. We are surprised by HP's attitude and will neither buy nor recommend HP again.
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For the intended purpose, this printer does the job!
by mlee8249 on January 31, 2011
Pros: Easy set-up, smaller footprint and quiet operation makes this small office or personal laser printer a bargain. I purchased mine at Office Depot for a mere $100.00, which was cheaper than the replacement cartridges to my now obsolete Magicolor 2300W.
Cons: I would like a single page feed and maybe some control over resolution, but for what I do, it's minor.
Summary: This laser does the job as intended and it does it well. I got it hook up to my wireless network as the primary network printer in 3 minutes flat, ...
Summary: This laser does the job as intended and it does it well. I got it hook up to my wireless network as the primary network printer in 3 minutes flat, where my previous laser would not hook up at all. At the price I purchased it for, this was a no loss purchase. My 2300W was in need of a new drum which would set me back $165.00...why bother? Bottom line: if you don't need blazing speed or high numbers of prints, this one works!
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Works Great!
by mrqus44 on January 17, 2011
Pros: the unit is small and work well with Most operating systems! print very clear! NICE untit
Cons: I guess it does not work with Macs (so what) Mac makes things only to be used on there Things! So have Mac put out a printer and pay $1000 + for it !! but the real complaint I have with it the toner is expensive!
Summary: It work really good with my system! I have had no Jams or other problems so I think I would give it a favorable review ! I like it!
Summary: It work really good with my system! I have had no Jams or other problems so I think I would give it a favorable review ! I like it!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HP
- Part number: CC376A#ABA
- Description: Easily produce high-quality color output fast with HP's most affordable color LaserJet ever! Watch your business documents shine with the vibrant color of HP ColorSphere toner. Rely on its convenient print features to make your job easier.
General
- Printer Type Workgroup printer - Laser - Color
- Width 15.7 in
- Depth 17.8 in
- Height 10 in
- Weight 38.8 lbs
- Localization English / United States
Printer
- Print Speed up to 12 ppm - Black normal - Legal (8.5 in x 14 in),
up to 12 ppm - Black best - Legal (8.5 in x 14 in),
up to 8 ppm - Color normal - Legal (8.5 in x 14 in),
up to 8 ppm - Color best - Legal (8.5 in x 14 in) - Connectivity Technology Wired
- Interface USB
- Max Resolution ( B&W ) 600 dpi x 600 dpi
- Max Resolution ( Color ) 600 dpi x 600 dpi
- Image Enhancement Technology HP ImageREt 2400
Processor
- Processor 284 MHz
RAM
- RAM Installed ( Max ) 16 MB / 16 MB (max)
Media Handling
- Media Type Cards ,
Recycled paper ,
Transparencies ,
Envelopes ,
Glossy paper ,
Labels ,
Plain paper - Min Media Size (Custom) 3 in x 5 in
- Max Media Size (Custom) 8.5 in x 14 in
- Media Weight 60 g/m2 - 220 g/m2
- Total Media Capacity 150 pages
- Output Trays Capacity 50 sheets
Duty Cycle
- Monthly Duty Cycle 25000 pages
Telecom
- Modem None
Networking
- Networking None
Scanner
- Type None
Copier
- Copier Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Bays None
- Connections 1 x Hi-Speed USB
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Voltage Required AC 120 V
- Frequency Required 60 Hz
- Power Consumption Operational 290 Watt
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition ,
Microsoft Windows XP Professional ,
Microsoft Windows 2000 ,
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 ,
Microsoft Windows Vista Environmental Standards
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 59 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 90.5 °F
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse HP products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:HP
- Address:
3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185
