HP LaserJet 1020
Manufacturer: HP Part number: Q5911A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The HP LaserJet 1020 is a good deal for home users who have light print needs, but just a little bit more money can get you more features and better print quality.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/04/2009 |
CNET editors' review
HP LaserJet 1020 price range: $629.99
- Reviewed by: Felisa Yang
- Edited by: Matthew Elliott
- Reviewed on: 06/26/2007
The good: Very inexpensive; good text quality; print costs are low; manual feed tray for one-off prints.
The bad: No built-in duplexer; not network-ready; graphics print quality needs improvement.
The bottom line: The HP LaserJet 1020 is a good deal for home users who have light print needs, but just a little bit more money can get you more features and better print quality.
The HP LaserJet 1020 is an inexpensive monochrome laser printer for home users with light printing needs. Its print speeds and quality aren't stellar, but at $180, it's hard to fault it too much. For that price, you get a very basic and compact printer that does a serviceable job. If you can spare an additional $20, however, the Lexmark E250d comes with a duplexer, while the Samsung ML-2571N is network-ready. Both also offer better print quality.
The compact LaserJet 1020 measures just 14.6 inches wide, 9.5 inches deep, and 8.2 inches tall, and weighs a light 11 pounds. The front panel folds open to reveal a 150-sheet input tray and a single-sheet manual input tray, both of which have adjustable paper guides. The output tray resides on the top of the printer and includes a fold-out paper support.
It comes with a 234MHz processor and just 2MB of onboard memory, far short of the 32MB offered by the Samsung ML-2571N. It has just a USB connection, so it's better for single users than a multiuser environment.
The LaserJet 1020's diminutive size is due to the fact that it's a mono printer, and therefore contains only one toner cartridge. You can access the cartridge by popping open the printer's top panel. Replacement cartridges cost $70 and are good for up to about 2,000 prints, which comes out to about 3.5 cents per page--not bad for a budget laser printer and in line with the Samsung ML-2571N's 2.6 cents per page and the Lexmark E250d's 3.8 cents per page. The recommended monthly duty cycle is 5,000 prints, so the LaserJet 1020 is best suited for home users with low to moderate print needs.
The HP LaserJet 1020's speed and quality are not the best among its competition, but not terrible, either. It printed text at a rate of 12.52ppm (pages per minute) and graphics at a rate of 12.61ppm. The Samsung ML-2571N was faster at both tasks, while the Lexmark E250d was much faster with graphics but slower with text.
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The LaserJet 1020's text quality was excellent, though not perfect: upon very close examination, we noticed that some characters had edges that weren't perfectly sharp and, overall, the text could stand to be a bit darker. Again, we were looking very closely. The graphics print didn't fare as well as the text print, though. Solid blocks of toner showed a blotchy quality that we didn't see with the Lexmark E250d or the Samsung ML-2571N. The photo elements on the page weren't as smoothly rendered as we would've liked. We preferred the quality of both the Lexmark and Samsung printers over that of the HP, but overall, the HP LaserJet 1020 is good enough for casual home users.
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HP backs the LaserJet 1020 with a standard one-year warranty, which is on par with the competition. While under warranty, you can get toll-free phone support 24-7, at no cost. HP's Web site has downloadable drivers, software, and manuals; e-mail and online chat tech support; FAQs; and a troubleshooting guide.
User reviews
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Deserves an Editor's Choice
by MiamiTechnoLawyer on December 2, 2006
Pros: Reliable, Amazing Value, Fast
Cons: Expensive Toner
Summary: Our law firm has 15 laser printers. 13 are HP. Of course we have bought more then 2 non-HP printers. We tried the Samsung 2250 when we read favorable reviews ...
Summary: Our law firm has 15 laser printers. 13 are HP. Of course we have bought more then 2 non-HP printers. We tried the Samsung 2250 when we read favorable reviews of it on CNET and saw its amazingly low toner cost per page. Our first 2250 died a few months after the warranty expired. The second is fine for paper but has trouble with envelopes. Neither of the Brother printers reached its second birthday. Our one Dell laser came free with purchase of a Dell PC.
In five years we have lost only one HP printer. The printer, a 1200, was dropped (by accident) from waist level onto a tile floor. The dented unit still ran for another six more months.
The HP 1020 has razor sharp text that is sharp as any printer under $1,000.00. It shoots out the first page in just a few seconds. The Samsung 2250 can rip through a 30 page document faster than the HP 1020, but for printing a 1 page text document, the HP 1020 will be finished before the fist inch of the page has come out of the Samsung. The HP has virtually no start up time. Impressive!
As for toner costs, this is a small printer, with a small toner cartridge. The cartridge is good for 2000 to 2500 sheets and runs about $65 to $70 at Office Depot. For business use 3 cents a page is high. This is not the printer for a high volume workstation. For home use or for users that do not print a high volume of documents, there is no better printer in terms of small size, low noise, and superb text quality and reliability.10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great low end laser printer for home !!
by DoctorRon on May 5, 2006
Pros: Speed, quality, small size
Cons: Not Windows Logo compatible
Summary: I had a trouble installing the software that came with the printer (Windows Logo error) so I decided just to let Windows XP detect the printer and load the drivers ...
Summary: I had a trouble installing the software that came with the printer (Windows Logo error) so I decided just to let Windows XP detect the printer and load the drivers automatically. If you do this, you're up and running in minutes. I got sick and tired of spending a fortune on ink every month for my Epson C84 inkjet. I really do not need color that often, so this laser fit the bill.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Amazing laser printer for home use
by mike1282 on February 7, 2006
Pros: Print quality couldn't be better
Cons: No reasonable cons
Summary: This printer far exceeded my expectation, virtually no warm-up time, and I've never seen a cleaner print, also handles envelopes without wrinkling. Some complain about the sheet capacity, it'...
Summary: This printer far exceeded my expectation, virtually no warm-up time, and I've never seen a cleaner print, also handles envelopes without wrinkling. Some complain about the sheet capacity, it's a non-issue for home use. It does have less memory than many models, but this has cause no problems at all, even when printing photos. Although there is no ethernet support, I have 4 computers connected through windows networking, and that works flawlessly, as long as the main computer is on.
Some complain that when it runs out of paper, it will start the job from the beginning when new paper is added, this is not the case with my unit. There is no cancel job button on the printer, but it's a laser under $150, I don't think that is a reasonable expectation. Pictures aren't photo quality, but they're about as good as it gets for laser printers. The only real con with this printer is that you can't legitimately refill the toner, however none of the lasers in this category can be legitimately refilled, and the cost per page is pretty good with this unit.
I would recommend this printer to anyone, it is worthy of the praise it receives. The extra $40 over those $89 after rebate models is well worth it. For what you could reasonably expect of a sub $150 printer, this IS the perfect deal.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not Compatible with updated version of Windows XP
by Yaxbalam on April 23, 2006
Pros: Small size, elegant design
Cons: Not "Windows Logo Tested," no paper manual
Summary: In general, I've found that most HP printers are excellent and this one probably is, too. However, when I tried to install its software on my brand new notebook, ...
Summary: In general, I've found that most HP printers are excellent and this one probably is, too. However, when I tried to install its software on my brand new notebook, Windows issued a warning that the software had not been "Windows Logo tested" and might significantly harm Windows now or in the future. I checked HP's website for info regarding this issue and found only a customer comment noting that the printer didn't work with MS Word. Rather than risk it, I opted to return it and bought a Brother HL 2040 instead. It proved to be easy to install it and provides BOTH a video guide and a paper manual. It also prints beautifully, has an ON/OFF switch (rather than just a sleep mode), and a reset button. The HP, in addition to the glitches noted, also feels rather cheap.
6 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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easy to use, easy to install, worth the money, great quality
by simpleontech on December 12, 2006
Pros: great quality printing even on pdfs, small, software easy to install
Cons: pricey for a black & white printer, expensive cartridge
Summary: This is best printer I've ever had! I used to get the free ones that come with a new computer and the ink for those printers would cost fortunes! ...
Summary: This is best printer I've ever had! I used to get the free ones that come with a new computer and the ink for those printers would cost fortunes! At least with this one, though it costs must more then *free*, the quality is great and one cartridge will last you months, maybe even a whole year. I don't know yet, since I just got this printer two months ago. I don't need any fancy color printer, so the b&w limitation on this is no probleme. Great for a student who has a lot of research & printing to do. Saves you from having to go to the library or a copy center.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A good low end laser printer at a good low prices
by ltjs on October 28, 2006
Pros: It prints very fast up to like 14ppm it has excellent crisp letters each and Evey time you print
Cons: Had a little problem installing it on my computer but it all worked out
Summary: I am in high school and have to print up essay and documents etc this printer is fast and quick it just the perfect printer.
Summary: I am in high school and have to print up essay and documents etc this printer is fast and quick it just the perfect printer.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Know Compatibility issues with Vista
by XBR on January 5, 2008
Pros: HP is clearing the warehouse with truckload sales
Cons: HP Vista Patch is crap
Summary: This product has know compatibility issues with Windows Vista. HP is deeply discounting this printe model for this reason. The HP vista patch for this machine is for first time ...
Summary: This product has know compatibility issues with Windows Vista. HP is deeply discounting this printe model for this reason. The HP vista patch for this machine is for first time users and will not work if you installed this machine on Xp and later upgraded to vista. If you do upgrade you will have device driver errors, spooler problems, registery errors, and a host of other problems. If you do decide to upgrade to Vista make sure you delete all HP products first. HP has a special scrubber for this purpose with a file name HPVISTASCR. Use this HP scrubber to clean their trash off your system before upgrading. HP has a Spent nearly 5 hours with HP on hold and with technician only to finally scrap the printer (1 month old). The patch also has a know issue of leaving a nasty line down the right hand side of the page. If you do buy this machine keep your receipt, your going to need it when you call HP. The first thing they will tell you is that your product is no longer covered under warranty. Good luck. As a small business owner I purchase a great deal of business computer periperhals in the course of a year. This is the last time I will ever buy an HP product. Replaced this printer with a Vista Ready Samsung SCX4500 and are very happy with Samsung.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice Printer for the Price
by GoJian on February 17, 2007
Pros: Quiet and speedy
Cons: no duplex printing
Summary: I bought this printer for $129 in Staples. It's a nice little printer that fits my needs as a student. It doesn't take a lot of space. I ...
Summary: I bought this printer for $129 in Staples. It's a nice little printer that fits my needs as a student. It doesn't take a lot of space. I just wish that it can do double-sided printing automatically. I made it work in my linux system using a driver from http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/ . You need to unplug the cable and insert it back in during the linux driver configuration. It has 5000 pages duty cycle, quite economical.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Print Quality at a Great Price!!
by tomj1969 on June 28, 2006
Pros: Print Quality, Small Footprint, Price
Cons: Printer Memory, Lack of Networking, Lack of Documentation
Summary: Bought this printer for my home office, and I couldn't be happier! The black text print quality on my HP PSC 2219 was not acceptable for professional purposes, so ...
Summary: Bought this printer for my home office, and I couldn't be happier! The black text print quality on my HP PSC 2219 was not acceptable for professional purposes, so I decided to get a second printer to dedicate to that function. Initally I thought I would get a better inkjet due to price, but BestBuy had this laser on sale for $130.
Setup was very easy once I realized that there was no manual and that the driver CD would walk me through the process. The warmup time to print the first page is minimal as advertised and the print quality is on a par with the lasers my company uses.
The small amount of printer memory (2MB) has not presented a problem yet, and given that I will be the only one using the printer, probably never will.
Although I listed lack of networking in the cons, it would not be expected for a printer of this price and the printer can be added to a network with a USB print server.
While I would have preferred a reference manual other than what is on the CD, if using all electronic documentation allows HP to offer a product of this quality at this price, I'll adapt!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good printer
by GadgetWrestler on January 3, 2006
Pros: Cheap, fast intial print
Cons: Not compatible with some inexpensive printservers
Summary: I was pleased with the setup, print quality, and speed. I paid $129.99 before taxes at Compusa.
Unfortunately the printserver I bought, the Linksys WPS54G, could not connect to ...Summary: I was pleased with the setup, print quality, and speed. I paid $129.99 before taxes at Compusa.
Unfortunately the printserver I bought, the Linksys WPS54G, could not connect to the printer. It also seems the Netgear print servers are completely incompatible with this printer.
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101216.asp
The only recourse may be to buy an expensive HP print server.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HP
- Part number: Q5911A
- Description: The HP LaserJet 1020 Printer, an excellent laser printer for the cost-conscious user, delivers high-quality LaserJet printing in a compact size, and at a price you can afford.
General
- Printer Type Personal printer - Laser - Monochrome
- Width 14.6 in
- Depth 9.5 in
- Height 8.2 in
- Weight 11 lbs
Printer
- Print Speed up to 14 pages/min - B/W - A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in)
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Interface USB
- Max Resolution ( B&W ) 600 dpi x 600 dpi
- Image Enhancement Technology HP FastRes 1200
- First Print Out Time B/W 10 sec
Processor
- Processor 234 MHz
RAM
- RAM Installed ( Max ) 2 MB / 2 MB (max)
Media Handling
- Media Type Cards, Labels, Envelopes, Plain paper, Business cards, Transparencies
- Min Media Size (Custom) 3 in x 5 in
- Max Media Size (Custom) 8.5 in x 14 in
- Media Sizes 3 in x 5 in, A4 (8.25 in x 11.7 in), A5 (5.83 in x 8.25 in), A6 (4.13 in x 5.83 in), B5 (6.93 in x 9.83 in), Legal (8.5 in x 14 in), JIS B5 (7.17 in x 10.12 in), Executive (7.25 in x 10.5 in)
- Envelope Sizes Com-10 (4.13 in x 9.5 in), Monarch (3.87 in x 7.5 in), International C5 (6.38 in x 9 in), International B5 (6.93 in x 9.83 in), International DL (4.33 in x 8.66 in)
- Card / Label Sizes US 3 x 5 Card (3 in x 5 in)
- Media Weight 60 g/m2 - 163 g/m2
- Total Media Capacity 150 sheets
- Media Feeder(s) 1 x Autoload - 150 sheets - Legal (8.5 in x 14 in) weight: 60 g/m2 - 163 g/m2, 1 x Manual load - 1 sheets - Legal (8.5 in x 14 in) weight: 60 g/m2 - 163 g/m2
- Output Trays Capacity 100 sheets
Duty Cycle
- Monthly Duty Cycle 5000 pages
Telecom
- Modem None
Networking
- Networking None
Scanner
- Type None
Copier
- Copier Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Bays Total (Free) None
- Connections 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type B
- Compatible Slots None
Miscellaneous
- Consumables Included 1 x Toner cartridge ( Black )
- Compliant Standards CE, GS, UL, EMC, cUL, EN55024, CISPR 22, EN 60825, ICES-003, EN 60950-1, IEC 60825-1, IEC 60950-1, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3, EN55022 Class B, FCC CFR47 Part 15, FCC Class B certified
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power Consumption Operational 250 Watt
- Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 2 Watt
Battery
- Type None
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included HP Toolbox, Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
- Min Processor Type 90 MHz
- Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM, USB port
- System Requirements Details Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP - Pentium - HD 10 MB
Environmental Standards
- EPA Energy Star Compliant Yes
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 50 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 90.5 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 20 - 80%
Accessories
- HP Wireless G Print Server - print server (33089287)99.99 - 173.36
- Q2612A Ultraprecise Print Cartridge for HP LaserJet 1010 Series Printers (30578068)20.10 - 87.25
- HP 12A Dual Pack - toner cartridge (32815591)111.00 - 156.28
- HP JetDirect en3700 - print server (30960283)158.00 - 159.00
- HP Color Laser Photo Paper - glossy photo paper - 100 sheet(s) (32626796)10.48 - 19.36
Manufacturer info
- HP
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse HP products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.hp.com
- Address:
3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1185
