HP LaserJet 1320nw: monochrome duplex on a compatible legacy network review

Wireless duplex printing with legacy network requirements

The HP LaserJet 1320nw fits compatible computers on a deliberately configured legacy wireless network, with USB and wired Ethernet available as separate arrangements. It prints monochrome Letter, Legal and A4 documents with automatic duplex and a 250-sheet normal paper stack. The deciding tradeoff is wireless compatibility: its original 802.11b/g radio and security setup cannot be assumed to join every present router configuration.

HP's exact US record identifies Q5929A#ABA and explicitly marks it discontinued. This is an earlier hardware assessment, not a current-stock claim. The original exact nw electrical row documents the 110–127-volt, 50/60-Hz edition separately from a 220–240-volt regional edition. Check the unit's actual rating rather than treating those alternatives as universal voltage.

Choose one network arrangement

The 1320nw includes USB, Jetdirect 10/100 Ethernet and integrated 802.11b/g wireless. The original model comparison gives it the 1320n's network hardware plus wireless, and the n's network port replaces the base 1320 parallel port. No included parallel connection is assumed.

For ordinary wireless sharing, the model-specific wireless guide describes infrastructure mode: the printer communicates through a wireless access point or router, and computers use compatible printing software on that network. The radio, network name and authentication settings must agree. An Ethernet cable can be used during configuration, which the original guide recommends.

The original security section names WEP and WPA-PSK, with WPA/TKIP parameters entered through the embedded web server. It does not establish WPA3, WPA2-only or 5-GHz compatibility. Check the actual access point and the network administrator's acceptable setup before planning wireless operation; do not assume a modern router's default configuration is suitable.

The guide explicitly says wired and wireless networking cannot operate at the same time. Inserting a LAN cable switches an already wireless printer to wired communication. These are separate normal arrangements, not a dual-network bridge. A suitable wired setup or direct USB computer avoids depending on the old wireless arrangement.

Peer networking is not a mobile-printing promise

The original guide also describes ad-hoc computer-to-computer networking without an access point. That legacy mode is not relabeled Wi-Fi Direct. Its presence does not establish an AirPrint or Mopria route, and those mobile protocols remain unconfirmed here.

The embedded web server provides configuration and status. Its administrator password is not evidence of PIN-held document release. Use an actually compatible printer driver and computer connection; original PCL 5e, PCL 6 and PostScript Level 2 emulation listings do not guarantee current operating-system support.

This is a print-only monochrome machine. Network hardware does not add a scanner, feeder, copier, flatbed or fax. An automatic-duplex printing requirement is appropriate; scanning or copying needs different documented hardware.

Set the paper selector for automatic duplex

The original automatic two-sided procedure explicitly supports ordinary Letter, Legal and A4 paper. Close the rear straight-through output door, push the rear media selector in for Letter or Legal, or pull it out for A4. Select Print on Both Sides in the compatible driver. Some historical Mac drivers need Duplex Unit marked Installed before that choice appears.

The main enclosed tray holds 250 sheets of 20-lb/75-g/m² paper, with a range that accommodates those ordinary sizes. Load the print side down, top toward the printer, and adjust side and rear guides. Straighten the whole stack when replenishing it. The priority slot handles one sheet at a time, so it does not raise the normal included capacity to 251.

A second 250-sheet feeder is optional on the nw. The tn package's included second stack is not borrowed here. For an occasional supported envelope, open the rear output and use the priority slot one envelope at a time, print face up and top along the left guide. A short-edge flap enters first when present. Select the real size and Envelope type in the compatible driver and follow the Go-button step. That attended routine is separate from automatic duplex.

Judge workload, supplies and placement separately

The maker declares up to 22 one-sided Letter pages per minute and separately 21 A4, not measured duplex speed. The original 10,000-page maximum monthly duty differs from its 1,000-page average. That average does not establish a recommended monthly maximum, so an essential recommended-range requirement remains unconfirmed.

HP's family yield table lists 49A Q5949A at 2,500 standard pages and 49X Q5949X at 6,000 under ISO/IEC 19752. These are replacement declarations, not a promise about installed or remaining toner. No present supply price or cost per page is assumed.

Consistent original metric width and height are 350 and 256 mm, about 13.78 and 10.08 inches. Strict depth and weight remain unconfirmed across differing original presentations and cartridge bases. Allow cable, rear-output, tray and cartridge access. The nw is useful when its actual legacy network requirements are acceptable; essential modern mobile or router compatibility needs independent confirmation.