HP 3550n: earlier color printing through an included external network server review

Check the separate network hardware first

The HP Color LaserJet 3550n is an earlier network color printer whose network hardware sits outside the printer. Its original package adds an HP Jetdirect en3700 server to the USB-connected 3550 engine. That distinction makes a practical inspection checklist: the server, its power module and its USB connection all need to be present and working for the documented Ethernet arrangement.

HP's exact US reference is Q5991A#ABA and is explicitly discontinued. This review concerns that included configuration, not a current offer or a guarantee that every earlier unit still has its original accessories. It suits an established, compatible desktop network that accepts manual two-sided handling. It is unsuitable when unattended duplex or scanning is essential.

Ethernet runs through a powered external server

The original setup plugs the en3700 into a 10/100 local network, connects it to the printer with USB and powers it through a separate module. The operator checks the link, power/status and USB-printer indicators, then uses the server's test button to print a Jetdirect configuration page and record the IP address. Those are documented operating checks, not tests performed for this review.

The Windows network-software instructions follow that hardware setup and refer to the included network installation guide. The period Mac procedure has its own installation and printer-selection steps. Compatibility therefore means more than finding an Ethernet cable. Confirm that usable software exists for the actual computer and that an ordinary document reaches the right printer.

The engine uses HP JetReady 4.1 host-based printing. The neighboring 3700's internal network card, parallel port and print-language arrangement should not be assumed here. Direct USB to a compatible computer is a separate alternative that replaces the server's USB link; it does not turn that one socket into two simultaneous connections.

No included Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct arrangement is established. Ethernet alone also proves neither AirPrint nor Mopria. Those mobile protocols and included PIN-release printing remain unknown. The added server shares printing; it does not supply a scanner, copier, document feeder or fax.

Standard paper capacity includes ordinary Legal

The normal input package is a 100-sheet multipurpose tray and a 250-sheet cassette, rated on 75 g/m² ordinary paper. Both support Letter, Legal and A4, giving 350 included sheets for each of those ordinary sizes. Keep that input total separate from the bins receiving finished pages.

An optional 500-sheet feeder can add Letter or A4 capacity, but it is not part of the standard n package and is not another Legal cassette. Check the actual installed hardware before assuming a larger stack is available. The multipurpose input also accepts up to ten envelopes as a separate routine, using suitable laser media and the appropriate paper settings.

The n suffix does not add automatic duplex

For two-sided documents, the original 3550n instructions still require manual refeeding. After the first side, remove unused paper and return the stack through Tray 1, blank side up and top edge first, then continue from the panel. A return stack larger than 100 sheets is split into batches. This attended process is distinct from automatic duplex hardware.

That matters more on a shared network, where someone must identify and return the right stack without disrupting another person's job. If two-sided reports are routine, choose a printer with documented automatic duplex rather than treating network connectivity as a substitute.

The declared engine rate is up to 16 black or color pages per minute, with the original conditions identifying 16 ppm for both Letter and A4. No timing was measured here. The published 45,000-page monthly maximum is not a recommended monthly workload; the latter remains unconfirmed.

Allow for supplies and the whole arrangement

HP's exact replacement table identifies Q2670A black at 6,000 declared pages and Q2671A, Q2672A and Q2673A colors at 4,000 each, on an A4 5-percent-coverage basis. These are replacement declarations, not evidence of introductory quantities or remaining toner. Verify compatible supplies and actual condition without treating the figures as a current running-cost estimate.

The original guide lists the printer body and small external server separately; it does not give one installed bounding box including the power module and cables. Body-limit matching therefore remains unknown. Allow loading and service space, and inspect both electrical labels. Retain this model when its complete network package and compatible software already work; select a documented current alternative when accessories, software or unattended functions are unresolved.