HP M551n: wired color printing with temporary Personal Job PIN release review

Wired color printing with a carefully defined n configuration

The HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 color M551n is a dedicated color printer for a compatible computer or wired office network. Its included ordinary inputs total 600 sheets. The deciding limitation is that the n does not include automatic two-sided printing, despite a shared promotional passage mentioning that feature on the family sales page.

The exact US model is discontinued CF081A#BGJ, identified separately by HP. The reviewed US technical reference gives a low-voltage range of 115–127 VAC at 60 Hz and describes FCC Class A commercial equipment. The alternative regional supply is separate; verify the actual plate rather than treating the printer as universal voltage.

HP declares up to 33 Letter pages per minute in black or color, separately 32 ppm on A4. A recurring recommendation of 1,500–5,000 printed pages monthly is distinct from 75,000 maximum duty. These are source specifications, not a measured speed or ownership assessment.

Legal input is only the multipurpose tray

The original n package includes a 100-sheet multipurpose tray and a 500-sheet main cassette. The actual size table marks Letter and A4 in both. Legal is absent from the main cassette's column, so the supplied Legal capacity is 100 sheets rather than the complete 600-sheet headline.

The extra 500-sheet feeder can accept Legal, but it is optional on n. It cannot increase the assessed base capacity unless the actual accessory is independently included. The output bin is another separate quantity; an inconsistent output figure elsewhere in the guide is not added to blank input.

Ordinary-sheet capacities are rated on a 75-g/m², 20-lb basis. Follow the fill indicators and reduce loading for stock with different thickness or weight. Envelopes use Tray 1, up to ten, with the documented orientation and size settings. The actual loading instructions also direct specialty jobs such as labels away from the main cassette.

Two-sided documents require refeeding

The guide identifies automatic duplex as a dn addition, rather than included n hardware. On the n, choose manual duplex in a compatible driver, print the first side, return the printed stack through Tray 1 as directed and continue at the panel.

This is useful for occasional two-sided work when someone can attend the printer. A general two-sided checkbox cannot replace the missing mechanism. If unattended duplex reports are a daily requirement, compare the exact dn configuration or another printer that includes the required path.

Personal Job PIN release does not require permanent storage

The original operating instructions distinguish Personal Job from Quick Copy and Stored Job. A Personal Job waits for retrieval, with a four-digit PIN when selected in the driver. The n includes RAM, and this documented temporary routine does not inherit the optional-disk prerequisite of permanent storage.

Use the Job Storage controls to select Personal Job and PIN to Print. At the device, retrieve the named user and job, then provide the required PIN. The document is removed after printing, and temporary jobs are lost at power-off. Choose distinct user and job names to avoid replacing another waiting file.

Quick Copy and permanent Stored Job are different modes with explicit optional-hard-disk requirements. A general security menu, network administrator password or reference to the xh's included disk should not be used to collapse those functions into one capability.

Network and mobile arrangements remain separate

Computer USB and Ethernet are included, while wireless servers are accessories. The original model comparison calls the network interface 10/100; the exact US page says Gigabit. This assessment preserves a wired-network route without promising one speed description across the conflicting references.

The original AirPrint procedure requires a network and potentially updated firmware; the exact US technical reference also lists Mopria. These mobile routes do not inherit desktop PIN controls, exact paper capacity or scanning. The printer has no scanner, copier, original feeder or fax.

Supplies and access space complete the choice

The original US box lists full standard cartridges: black around 5,500 pages and colors around 6,000 each. CE400X replacement black is declared around 11,000 under the source's ISO conditions. Published yields do not describe toner remaining in an earlier offer or a live cost per page.

The body is approximately 20.2 by 19.3 by 15.2 inches and 74.8 pounds, with additional operating clearance required. Check current drivers, the actual tray package and service condition. Choose the M551n for compatible wired color work when temporary private-job retrieval and manual duplex fit the office routine.