Your needs, this model
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Can compatible Ethernet software save color scans from Legal originals in the feeder?
Qualifies with earlier references enabled and the original full HP software working on the intended computer. Legal fits the feeder; the separate glass supports Letter/A4. Network users must use the supported computer-side software workflow.
Explore this need in the finder →Does this exact 2820 include printing, scanning, copying and fax?
Fails. The original model comparison adds fax to the 2830/2840, while the 2820 is print/copy/scan only.
Explore this need in the finder →Can a USB desktop print second sides automatically?
Fails. The documented routine sends paper through twice with manual refeeding; it does not establish an automatic duplex unit.
Explore this need in the finder →Color capture and output, without the neighboring model's extras
The HP Color LaserJet 2820 All-in-One is an earlier print/copy/scan configuration for a compatible desktop environment. It has color output, a flatbed and a 50-sheet document feeder, together with USB and Ethernet. Its deciding limitations are the small included paper input, manual printed second sides and the absence of fax.
HP marks the exact US Q3948A#ABA reference discontinued. Treat it as a documented older configuration whose actual condition, software and supplies need checking. This assessment does not claim current availability, measured reliability or an ownership experience.
The original model comparison changes the shopping decision
The original manufacturer guide distinguishes the 2820 from the 2830 and 2840. The 2830 adds fax; the 2840 further includes a second 250-sheet paper tray and memory-card features. Those additions do not become standard equipment on the 2820 just because they share a manual.
The base 2820 instead includes one multipurpose input holding up to 125 ordinary sheets at the stated weight. A feeder on top holds original documents, rather than blank printer paper. Its 50-page capacity must not be added to the printer's input total.
That distinction is especially relevant when replacing a larger office machine. A batch of copies may require replenishing the blank-paper input while the original stack remains in the feeder. Compare the actual equipped configuration when regular longer runs are important.
Glass and feeder support different originals
The original guide establishes Letter/A4 color capture on the glass. The document feeder accepts a broader length range, including Legal originals. Use the glass for suitable fragile items, photographs or material that should not travel through the feeder, and match the document source to the actual original.
The documented feeder routine supports ordinary one-sided capture. Automatic two-sided scanning and a particular duplex mechanism are not established in the evidence used here. A required automatic duplex or single-pass workflow therefore cannot rely on this assessment to qualify.
Color scanning and color printing are both real functions, but their rates are separate. HP declares only four color Letter/A4 printed pages per minute, compared with twenty black Letter pages per minute and nineteen on A4. A report with color content should not be planned at the black-only rate.
Computer delivery depends on the complete software route
The original full installation supplies HP Director, scan components and HP Toolbox. Its Scan To setup programs a computer folder or email destination, and the target computer must be on. The folder routine explicitly saves the resulting document into the selected location.
USB and Ethernet installations need compatible software for the intended task. One original shortcut that launches HP Director from the panel works only with a direct connection; network users must launch the appropriate computer software themselves. A usable print queue alone is not evidence that all capture buttons work.
Verify a saved scan, not just a successful network status page. Historic operating-system lists and CD-era utilities do not establish complete support on a new computer. An email destination configured through the computer software is also different from an independent SMTP scanning appliance.
Manual second sides and special media need attention
The original print-duplex instructions require sending the paper through twice. The user prints one side, returns the stack in the specified orientation and continues at the panel. The guide also notes limitations for its Macintosh manual-duplex routine. This is unsuitable for a requirement that second sides print unattended.
Letter, Legal and A4 fit the included input's documented paper range. Envelopes use a separate loading and paper-setting routine, with up to ten at a time. Avoid treating the ordinary sheet capacity as an envelope count, and test the actual supported stock before a larger run.
Allow for the body and the historic supplies system
The original 2820 body is roughly 19.57 by 20.39 by 20.59 inches after unit conversion, before allowing loading, lid and service access. Check the unit's electrical plate because the guide separates regional voltage editions. Its substantial body and handling needs matter beyond a simple desk-width measurement.
Supplied black and color cartridge yields use historic five-percent-coverage declarations, and the imaging drum is a separate supply. HP recommends 500 to 2,000 monthly pages; the 30,000-page duty maximum is different. Choose this configuration for a proven occasional color and computer-capture routine, while comparing newer documented equipment for unattended duplex work or easier software support.
Key details at a glance
| Color printing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Scanner | Yes |
| Copying | Yes |
| Fax | No |
| Flatbed scanner | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes |
| Automatic two-sided printing | No |
| Color scanning | Yes |
| Instructed envelope handling | Yes |
| Recommended monthly minimum | 500 pages |
| Recommended monthly maximum | 2000 pages |
| Maximum monthly duty | 30000 pages |
| Included ordinary-paper capacity | 125 sheets |
| Document-feeder capacity | 50 sheets |
| Declared one-sided mono Letter rate | 20 pages/min |
| Declared one-sided color Letter rate | 4 pages/min |
| Unit-body width | 19.57 in |
| Unit-body depth | 20.39 in |
| Unit-body height | 20.59 in |
| Unit weight | 58.86 lb |
| Imaging engine | laser |
Use the exact model’s instructions for operating limits, supplied equipment and version differences.
Paper, software and setup details
Print-rate conditions
Original exact 2820 configuration declares up to 20 black Letter ppm, 19 black A4 ppm and 4 color Letter/A4 ppm. Recommended 500–2,000 monthly pages is distinct from the 30,000-page maximum duty. No actual timing or endurance test claimed.
Paper handling
Included multipurpose Tray 1 holds 125 sheets at 75 g/m² across its 76×127 to 216×356 mm paper range, or up to 10 envelopes using their separate loading routine. The extra 250-sheet Tray 2 is optional for the 2820; the 2840 includes it. Printed second sides require the original manual refeed routine, with the guide noting Macintosh manual-duplex limitations.
Scanning arrangement
Original 2820 includes a 50-sheet feeder at 75 g/m² and Letter/A4 color glass capture. Feeder range is 127×127 to 216×381 mm, supporting Letter, Legal and A4. Automatic two-sided feeder scanning and its mechanism remain unestablished here. The full HP desktop software can save scans to a configured computer folder; panel destinations depend on that running computer and software.
Computer and mobile connections
Included Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and 10/100 Ethernet are documented. The original HP Director panel-launch shortcut is direct-connection only; network use must launch appropriate software on the computer. USB/Ethernet are the only supported plans here; no wireless, modern mobile protocol or autonomous SMTP promise is inferred.
Supplies and declared yields
Original 2820 includes black declared up to 5,000 pages and each supplied CMY cartridge up to 2,000 at 5% coverage. The 2830/2840 high-capacity supplied CMY is not transferred. The imaging drum is separate, with use-dependent life; replacement part identity and actual condition need verification. These are historic coverage-based declarations, not ISO or current cost estimates.
Software and support
Original full installation includes HP Toolbox, HP Director and scan components. Configure the Scan To folder, keep the target computer on and verify a saved file. A network link does not remove those software requirements. Check actual legacy OS/driver compatibility; historic CD-era support is not universal modern support. PIN release remains unknown.
Electrical edition and setup
Exact US Q3948A#ABA is discontinued. Original 2820/2830 body is 497×518×523 mm and 26.7 kg, mechanically converted to about 19.57×20.39×20.59 inches and 58.86 lb; weight cartridge basis is unestablished. The 2840 extra-tray body is excluded. Separate low/high-voltage editions require actual plate verification, so US mains suitability remains unknown. Allow substantial loading, lid and service clearance.
Sources for this assessment
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