Your needs, this model
Does it fit your priorities?
Can compatible wired color Legal reports automatically duplex with 350 ordinary input sheets?
Qualifies with earlier references enabled, compatible HP JetReady software and paper within the original 60–120-g/m² duplex range. No optional feeder is counted.
Explore this need in the finder →Does the included wired setup provide held-job PIN release?
Fails. The exact original 3600 comparison lists no storage features; job retention on adjacent series is not inherited.
Explore this need in the finder →Can the normal package print through Wi-Fi?
Fails. Wireless is an external optional accessory arrangement, not a supplied radio.
Explore this need in the finder →Automatic duplex is included, compatible software is essential
The HP Color LaserJet 3600dn can suit an existing wired office that needs ordinary color reports and automatic two-sided output. Its exact package includes USB, an embedded 10/100 Ethernet server, a 100-sheet multipurpose input and a 250-sheet cassette. The main caution is software: this is a host-based HP JetReady printer, not an interchangeable PCL/PostScript model.
HP identifies the US reference as Q5988A#ABA and explicitly marks it discontinued. That makes it an earlier reference rather than a current offer. Confirm usable software on the actual computers and the condition of the offered unit before relying on its automatic paper routine.
Keep the 3600 column separate from neighboring series
The shared original guide covers 3000, 3600 and 3800 printers, but their language and storage columns differ. The 3600 uses HP JetReady 4.2. The guide lists no storage features for it while describing job retention on the other series. Included held-job PIN release therefore cannot be borrowed from the surrounding family pages.
The dn has 128 MB of standard memory, embedded Ethernet and an automatic duplexer. Neither that memory figure nor the network connection supplies a scanner or fax. The original complete parts list describes a color print engine, without a document feeder, copy glass or paper-original capture hardware.
Historical operating-system references also need care. A familiar printer name in a discovery list is not enough: install an actually compatible driver and send representative documents. The original material does not establish an AirPrint or Mopria routine for this assessment.
Choose USB or the included Ethernet arrangement
USB links the printer directly to a computer. For Ethernet sharing, use the included embedded Jetdirect arrangement and compatible network software. The original guide provides TCP/IP controls for the address, subnet and gateway. Coordinate those settings with the actual network rather than changing them casually on a shared printer.
Wireless servers appear as external accessories. They are not included Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct hardware. If avoiding a network cable is essential, compare a documented wireless configuration or verify the complete accessory arrangement separately. An Ethernet port does not establish every possible mobile or network protocol combination.
350 sheets and documented ordinary duplex sizes
The standard inputs total 350 ordinary sheets, supporting Letter, Legal and A4. The optional 500-sheet feeder is separate; the output bin is also separate from input capacity. Check actual installed equipment before counting an expanded total.
The original automatic-duplex table specifically includes the 3600dn and these ordinary sizes at 60–120 g/m². Configure the driver for duplex and choose the correct binding orientation. Preprinted stock uses a different loading orientation from one-sided printing, so follow the actual instructions and inspect a short complete document first.
During duplex, the printer briefly moves a sheet toward the output before pulling it back for the second side. Wait until it finishes rather than taking the page early. Envelopes are a different job: up to ten use Tray 1 within the documented envelope limit and must not be printed on both sides.
Use the workload recommendation, then check supplies
The declared engine rate is 17 pages per minute, with original conditions explicitly identifying that rate for Letter and A4. These are maker declarations, not timing results from this review. The recommended monthly range is 1,000 to 3,000 pages; the 50,000-page maximum duty figure is a separate ceiling.
The original US sheet lists full-capacity preinstalled toner and the same replacement references: Q6470A black at 6,000 declared pages and Q6471A, Q6472A and Q6473A colors at 4,000 each. Its basis is five-percent page coverage, not an invented ISO conversion. Those figures cannot establish remaining toner or current running cost.
The exact dn body is 15.7 by 17.7 by 16.7 inches and 61.6 pounds including a print cartridge. Allow loading, cover and service access, and check the actual electrical plate because separate regional editions exist. Keep this model when compatible wired color printing is proven; choose a different documented arrangement when current software, wireless or confidential held-job release is essential.
Key details at a glance
| Color printing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Scanner | No |
| Copying | No |
| Fax | No |
| Flatbed scanner | No |
| Automatic document feeder | No |
| Automatic two-sided printing | Yes |
| Automatic two-sided scanning | No |
| Single-pass two-sided scanning | No |
| Color scanning | No |
| Instructed envelope handling | Yes |
| Supported PIN-release printing | No |
| Recommended monthly minimum | 1000 pages |
| Recommended monthly maximum | 3000 pages |
| Maximum monthly duty | 50000 pages |
| Included ordinary-paper capacity | 350 sheets |
| Declared one-sided mono Letter rate | 17 pages/min |
| Declared one-sided color Letter rate | 17 pages/min |
| Unit-body width | 15.7 in |
| Unit-body depth | 17.7 in |
| Unit-body height | 16.7 in |
| Unit weight | 61.6 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 engine 17 ppm with guide conditions explicitly identifying both Letter and A4 at 17 ppm; black/color performance is a maker declaration, not a measured result. Recommended 1,000–3,000 monthly pages differs from 50,000 maximum duty. The nearby 3800 rates are not substituted.
Paper handling
Included 100-sheet multipurpose Tray 1 plus 250-sheet Tray 2. Original explicit lists support ordinary Letter/Legal/A4 in both; optional 500-sheet Tray 3 excluded. Original automatic duplex table explicitly includes 3600dn and Letter/Legal/A4 at 60–120 g/m². Actual guide requires configured duplex driver/binding and different preprinted loading; wait until returned sheets finish before taking output. Tray 1 handles up to ten envelopes at most 90 g/m² as a separate one-sided routine. Capacity weight basis not independently established from this data-sheet row; media range is not stack basis.
Scanning arrangement
Original complete parts and four-color laser configuration describe printing only, with no scanner, copy platen, original feeder or fax. A two-sided print path does not establish scanning.
Computer and mobile connections
USB 2.0 device and exact dn embedded 10/100 Jetdirect are included. Additional wireless/network accessories are external options, not an included Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct route. Original USB cable links printer/computer; network configuration uses embedded Jetdirect TCP/IP settings and an appropriate compatible software arrangement.
Supplies and declared yields
Original US sheet declares full-capacity preinstalled and replacement Q6470A black 6,000 pages, Q6471A cyan/Q6472A yellow/Q6473A magenta 4,000 each, all on five-percent page coverage. No ISO basis is invented. Check actual supply condition and compatible parts; declarations do not establish remaining toner, stock or running cost.
Software and support
Exact 3600 uses HP JetReady 4.2 host-based language with 128 MB standard memory on dn. The original comparison explicitly lists no 3600 storage features while listing job retention on other series; included PIN-release printing is false. PCL/PostScript and EIO features of 3000/3800 are not inherited. Historical OS and protocol lists require exact actual compatibility checks; AirPrint/Mopria remain unknown.
Electrical edition and setup
Exact US Q5988A#ABA is explicitly discontinued. Original exact dn body is 15.7 × 17.7 × 16.7 inches and 61.6 lb including print cartridge, distinct from shorter/lighter base n. Allow loading, output, cover and service clearance. Original data sheet lists separate 110–127-V and 220–240-V 50/60-Hz editions without independently mapping the actual plate; mains compatibility stays unknown.
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