HP 5500dn: earlier wired color printing through A3 and Tabloid review

Earlier large-format color printing over a wired network

The HP Color LaserJet 5500dn is an earlier dedicated color laser printer with included Jetdirect networking and automatic two-sided printing. It can handle standard Letter, Legal, A4, A3 and 11-by-17-inch pages through the documented paper paths. Its deciding limitation is the legacy connection and software environment: this is not a modern USB or wireless multifunction printer.

HP's exact US page identifies C9657A#ABA and explicitly marks it discontinued. That establishes the US model reference, without proving the electrical plate, accessories or service condition of a particular earlier unit. The original guides describe separate regional voltage editions rather than a universal-voltage supply.

The preserved original material declares 21 Letter pages per minute and separately 22 ppm on A4. Those source figures are retained as written; they are not our measured throughput and should not be exchanged merely because one paper size is more familiar. A recommended monthly range is not established in the reviewed exact references, so no sustained workload is inferred from speed.

The dn supplies duplex and networking, rather than more trays

The original configuration passage gives dn the Jetdirect 615N EIO print-server card and automatic duplex. It does not add the dtn's extra 500-sheet feeder and stand or the hdn's hard disk. A seller's photograph of a taller machine therefore needs a check against the actual included hardware.

The standard arrangement is a 100-sheet multipurpose input and one 500-sheet cassette, totaling 600 ordinary sheets on the guide's 75-g/m² basis. The named standard-size rows include Letter, Legal, A4, A3 and 11 by 17. Larger custom-size limits are separate entries and should not be used to increase ordinary capacity or promise the same loading for arbitrary custom stock.

The 250-sheet output bin is not blank-paper input. Extra cassettes and a stand can change the footprint and handling, but they are outside this assessed base dn configuration.

Duplex needs the correct paper and orientation

The original automatic-duplex table explicitly lists Letter, Legal, A4, A3 and 11 by 17. Its ordinary-paper range is 60–120 g/m², with a caution about unexpected results above the table's stated limit. Do not turn a broader general input-media range into an unrestricted duplex promise.

Configure the compatible driver for the installed duplexer, choose the binding edge and use the documented feed orientation. The guide excludes rotated short-edge-first loading from automatic duplex. Labels, transparencies and other unsuitable specialty stock must not be routed through that automatic two-sided routine.

For envelopes, use Tray 1, up to twenty. Load printable side down, top edge to the left and short edge toward the printer, then set the actual envelope size and source. Envelopes must not be duplexed. Adjust the guides without bending the stack and keep stock below its marked loading limits.

Ethernet is the supported questionnaire connection

The included Jetdirect card supplies the documented wired-network route. The guide explains configuring the printer's TCP/IP settings through the panel, including BOOTP or DHCP. Print a configuration page to inspect the actual installed card, network settings and accessories before selecting a driver.

The original physical interfaces also include a legacy parallel connection and EIO expansion. They do not establish an included computer USB interface, Wi-Fi radio or Wi-Fi Direct arrangement. A converter, replacement network device or infrared accessory is not silently added to make the base model satisfy a modern connection requirement.

Historical PCL and PostScript driver lists show the intended period setup, not guaranteed compatibility with every present computer. Confirm the actual driver, network protocol and application before depending on the printer. AirPrint and Mopria remain unconfirmed here rather than being inferred from Ethernet alone.

Private jobs require an optional disk

The original storage instructions expressly require an installed, correctly configured hard disk. Only then does the private-job procedure use a four-digit PIN and named retrieval at the panel. The base dn therefore does not satisfy an included-PIN requirement. Extra RAM is not treated as a substitute for that explicit prerequisite.

HP separately confirms compatible 645A replacement black C9730A at approximately 13,000 pages and cyan C9731A at approximately 12,000, on the stated five-percent coverage basis. These historical yield conditions are not modern ISO measurements, remaining toner or a current cost per page. Choose the 5500dn when its documented wide-format wired printing fits an existing compatible setup, and verify supplies, electrical edition and physical installation before purchase.