Your needs, this model
Does it fit your priorities?
Can it automatically duplex color A3 documents over Ethernet with 1,100 supplied sheets and PIN retrieval for 5,000 monthly pages?
Yes, with the complete original dtn package, compatible driver, supported ordinary media and configured Private Job mode.
Explore this need in the finder →Does it include wireless networking?
No. Wireless is an optional accessory.
Explore this need in the finder →Can its feeder scan paper into a file?
No. These are print-paper feeders, not document scanners.
Explore this need in the finder →A supplied wide-format paper package with automatic duplex
The HP Color LaserJet 5550dtn combines larger-format color printing with an included second 500-sheet cassette and printer stand. Its Q3716A package supplies 1,100 ordinary input sheets and an automatic duplexer. Those additions make it a different physical and workflow proposition from the smaller n configuration.
This is a dedicated printer, without scanning, copying or fax. It suits a compatible office whose documents are already digital and whose required output includes A3 or 11-by-17-inch Tabloid. The extra paper hardware does not provide a feeder for original documents.
Match both sheet size and two-sided handling
The original guide explicitly lists A3, Tabloid, Letter, Legal and A4 in the relevant ordinary inputs. Its automatic-duplex table also names those standard sizes within the documented paper-weight range. That provides evidence for a combined large-sheet and automatic-two-sided requirement.
Use the correct driver size, type and binding controls. Preprinted forms and letterhead use different face orientations for simplex and duplex, so a previous loading arrangement should not be assumed correct for the next job. A short orientation check is useful before committing a long document.
Automatic duplex excludes envelopes, labels, transparencies, cardstock and tough paper. Those materials need their own supported handling. A tray’s maximum physical size does not extend the duplex path to every custom sheet or media type.
Verify the included feeders and stand
The original input total is 100 sheets in the multipurpose tray plus 500 in each of two cassettes. Additional lower trays belong to other or expanded configurations. Inspect the offered package so that a family maximum does not replace the actual supplied 1,100-sheet arrangement.
The stand, feeder and printer form a substantial assembly. Leave room to open doors, remove cassettes and reach connections, and measure the actual installation. Published dimensions should not be confused with the space needed during loading or service.
Envelopes use the multipurpose tray alone, up to 20 with the specified orientation and weight limit. Their capacity is separate from ordinary-sheet input. The panel and driver must also agree on the loaded media type.
Private PIN jobs can use the included memory
The dtn includes 288 MB total memory, above the original guide’s 192 MB minimum for Private Job and Proof and Hold. Its private-job routine can hold a document in RAM and require a four-digit PIN at release. The optional hard disk is not necessary for that particular documented RAM workflow.
Quick Copy and permanent stored jobs are different: the guide requires a disk for those functions. Private jobs are removed after release and lost when power is turned off. Set a unique user and job name to avoid overwriting an earlier waiting document.
Check compatible wired printing before relying on it
Fast Ethernet, computer USB and a parallel interface are documented standard connections. Wireless and faster network options should not be counted unless installed. Use suitable software that recognizes the actual duplexer, trays and job settings.
Historical operating-system lists do not settle current compatibility. Likewise, a general management password is not the same as deliberately choosing Private Job and assigning its PIN. Test the route and controls central to your office routine.
Consider the recurring work and complete earlier machine
HP’s exact dtn support reference recommends 2,500–10,000 printed pages monthly, separately from maximum duty. Four toner colors and maintenance components need attention, and declared old yields do not establish remaining supplies.
Verify condition and the actual electrical plate rather than treating separate regional supplies as universal voltage. The 5550dtn fits compatible large-format color work when the supplied feeders, automatic duplex and RAM-based private jobs address real needs, with the complete assembly checked.
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 | Yes |
| Recommended monthly minimum | 2500 pages |
| Recommended monthly maximum | 10000 pages |
| Maximum monthly duty | 120000 pages |
| Included ordinary-paper capacity | 1100 sheets |
| Declared one-sided mono Letter rate | 27 pages/min |
| Declared one-sided color Letter rate | 27 pages/min |
| Unit-body height | 32.8 in |
| Unit weight | 246 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
Up to 27 Letter or 28 A4 printed ppm; no large-format/duplex throughput inferred. Maximum monthly duty 120,000 is separate from recurring recommendation. Exact dtn US support specifies 2,500–10,000 recurring monthly pages.
Paper handling
Included 100 plus 500 plus 500 ordinary input totals 1,100 sheets, with stand. Both cassettes and Tray 1 support Letter/Legal/A4/A3/Tabloid; automatic duplex explicitly supports those standard sizes on 60–120 g/m². Envelopes, labels, cardstock, transparencies and tough paper excluded from auto duplex. Envelopes use Tray 1 only, up to 20 at no more than 105 g/m², face down/top left/short edge first. Original paper/table limits take precedence over inconsistent custom-size unit conversions. Duplex and simplex letterhead faces differ.
Scanning arrangement
Dedicated print-only machine; no scanner, original feeder, copying or fax. A print-paper feeder or Jetlink connection is not a scanner.
Computer and mobile connections
Included USB 1.1 computer connection, IEEE-1284-C parallel and Jetdirect 620n Fast Ethernet card. Parallel is outside this questionnaire connection set; no adapters assumed. Wireless/Gigabit/mobile accessories optional, AirPrint/Mopria and standard Wi-Fi Direct unestablished. Check current computer driver and actual installed cards.
Supplies and declared yields
Original supplies C9730A black and C9731A/C9732A/C9733A colors; brochure rates approximately 13,000 black/12,000 each color at 5-percent coverage, not a guaranteed yield or remaining supply. Transfer and region-specific fuser kits are separate maintenance parts.
Software and support
Original dtn includes 288 MB total memory, above the manual’s 192 MB threshold for Private Job and Proof and Hold. Four-digit PIN can release a private job from RAM; optional disk is separately required for Quick Copy/permanent Stored Job. Private job disappears after release or power loss. Use compatible driver with actual trays/duplexer and correct size/type/binding; historical OS lists are not current guarantees.
Electrical edition and setup
Earlier North American Letter configuration; original references list separate regional voltage editions, so actual offered mains remains unknown pending plate. No adjacent dn discontinued status or option suffix borrowed. Width/depth are unknown because axes in original brochure and guide differ; measure actual assembly and allow open-tray/service access.
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