Your needs, this model
Does it fit your priorities?
Can an earlier 2100TN print Legal documents over included Ethernet with 600 ordinary sheets?
Qualifies with earlier references enabled and a compatible 10Base-T network and computer driver. The included 100-sheet front tray and both 250-sheet lower trays support ordinary Legal.
Explore this need in the finder →Does its network-ready TN package provide automatic two-sided printing?
Fails automatic duplex. The original procedure requires the user to reload first-side output into Tray 1 with the correct long-edge or short-edge orientation.
Explore this need in the finder →Can its infrared feature satisfy a Wi-Fi network requirement?
Fails Wi-Fi. The actual infrared feature is optical IrDA; the included network card is wired 10Base-T Ethernet.
Explore this need in the finder →Included networking and a third paper source
The HP LaserJet 2100TN suits a maintained older wired workgroup that wants ordinary paper ready in two lower trays. Its original package includes a 10Base-T JetDirect server, 8 MB RAM, HP PostScript Level 2 emulation and an additional 250-sheet tray. The main restriction is generation: USB and Wi-Fi are not included, and two-sided printing remains an attended manual routine.
HP's exact US product record identifies C4172A#ABA and explicitly marks the model discontinued. This is an earlier reference without a current-stock promise. The original guide documents a 100–127-volt, 50/60-Hz edition separately from the 220–240-volt version. Confirm the individual rating plate; HP expressly warns against converting operating voltage.
The original server is 10Base-T
The exact interface page identifies the TN's included JetDirect 600N card with a 10Base-T RJ-45 port. Both original HP ordering and model-comparison sections corroborate that configuration. A separate 10/100Base-TX card in the accessory list is an option, not proof of the speed supplied in this package.
The matched normal arrangement uses the included Ethernet server, an actually compatible wired network and computer printer driver. The original parallel and LocalTalk interfaces offer different period connections, while no USB converter or accessory purchase is assumed. Check the actual card, host software and network compatibility before relying on an older installation.
The TN includes the PostScript module that is optional on other packages. The family also supports infrared printing through a compatible IrDA device and its correct port and printer drivers. That optical routine needs facing ports within one metre and a limited angle; it is not Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct. Historic operating-system lists do not establish current support, AirPrint or Mopria.
Count the included extra tray once
The TN includes 600 ordinary sheets across three sources: 100 in the front multipurpose Tray 1 and 250 in each lower tray. The exact model line and original accessory statement positively establish the third tray as included. A broad 350-sheet family comparison cell does not override those specific TN statements.
The original media tables use ordinary 20-lb/80-g/m² paper. Both lower trays explicitly support Letter, Legal and A4, and those sizes also fit the front input's supported range. A different paper weight or thickness can change the loaded count. Separate lower trays allow different suitable stocks to remain ready when their guides and software settings match the actual load.
Ordinary letterhead goes face up with the top toward the printer in Tray 1. In the lower trays it goes face down with the top toward the user. Push down the lower metal lift plate when loading and keep paper below the height tabs. Select the correct source, size and type in the compatible application or driver.
Supported envelopes use Tray 1 in batches of up to ten. Open and fully extend the rear output bin, place the print face up with the stamp end entering first, and adjust the guides lightly against the stack. A flap on the short edge enters first. Set the actual envelope size and type; envelope capacity is separate from the ordinary 600-sheet total.
Networking does not automate the reverse side
HP's original duplex procedure needs user handling. Print first sides normally, then load second sides into Tray 1 with the printed face down. The top edge enters toward the printer for long-edge binding; the bottom edge enters for short-edge binding. Some original PostScript drivers or applications have odd/even-page controls with additional output-order instructions.
This is manual duplex and fails an automatic two-sided requirement. The machine is monochrome print-only, without document scanning, copying, a flatbed, feeder or fax. No PIN-held release arrangement is established; a network server, PostScript module or Job Cancel button does not prove it.
Keep the ratings and physical installation separate
The original 10-ppm engine declaration does not explicitly label a one-sided Letter basis in the sections read, so the strict Letter speed remains unconfirmed. HP declares a 15,000-page maximum monthly duty, while a recommended monthly range is not established.
The C4096A cartridge declaration is approximately 5,000 pages at historical 5% text coverage, density three and EconoMode off, not a remaining-toner promise or established ISO figure here. The exact TN body is 15.9 inches wide, 16.5 deep and 12.2 high, weighing 31.7 pounds with toner. Allow loading, rear output, cables and cartridge access. Choose the TN for a verified older network and included third tray; essential modern connectivity or unattended duplex needs different documented hardware.
Key details at a glance
| Color printing | No |
|---|---|
| Scanner | No |
| Copying | No |
| Fax | No |
| Flatbed scanner | No |
| Automatic document feeder | No |
| Automatic two-sided printing | No |
| Automatic two-sided scanning | No |
| Single-pass two-sided scanning | No |
| Color scanning | No |
| Instructed envelope handling | Yes |
| Maximum monthly duty | 15000 pages |
| Included ordinary-paper capacity | 600 sheets |
| Unit-body width | 15.9 in |
| Unit-body depth | 16.5 in |
| Unit-body height | 12.2 in |
| Unit weight | 31.7 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 HP declares a 10-ppm engine but the actually read original sections do not explicitly label that number as one-sided Letter speed. The strict Letter speed field remains unknown. Original technical data declares up to 15,000 pages maximum monthly duty. A recommended monthly range remains unconfirmed and is not inferred from maximum duty.
Paper handling
Exact 2100TN includes a 100-sheet front tray plus two 250-sheet lower trays, total 600 ordinary 20-lb/80-g/m² sheets. The original exact TN model line and third-tray inclusion statement control over a broad 350-sheet family comparison cell. Both lower trays explicitly support Letter, Legal and A4, as does the front range. Front ordinary letterhead goes face up/top toward printer; lower goes face down/top toward user. Push the lower lift plate down and keep the stack below tabs. Up to ten envelopes use the front input, face up/stamp end first, short-edge flap first when present; rear output open and fully extended, actual envelope size/type selected. Manual second sides use Tray 1 printed face down, top first for long-edge or bottom first for short-edge binding.
Scanning arrangement
Original monochrome print-only architecture has no document scanner, automatic document feeder, flatbed, copier or fax. Printer infrared communication, JetSend and job-cancel controls do not add document-capture hardware.
Computer and mobile connections
Exact 2100TN includes JetDirect 600N with a 10Base-T RJ-45 port, plus 8 MB RAM and PostScript emulation. The normal plan needs a compatible wired network and actual computer printer driver. Optional J3113A Fast Ethernet is not included by inference. Parallel and LocalTalk are different documented period connections; no USB converter assumed. Infrared requires compatible optical IrDA hardware and drivers, facing ports within one metre and limited angle, and is not Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct.
Supplies and declared yields
Exact original ordering table identifies C4096A UltraPrecise cartridge. HP declares approximately 5,000 pages under historical 5%-text-coverage conditions, with print density three and EconoMode disabled in the user guide. No ISO basis or current supplied/remaining-toner promise is inferred. Original cartridge declaration is not a live cost-per-page calculation.
Software and support
Use an actually compatible printer driver, host port and cable. Original manual duplex prints the first sides normally, then feeds second sides from Tray 1 printed side down: top edge toward printer for long-edge binding, bottom edge toward printer for short-edge binding. Some original PostScript Windows drivers/applications offer odd/even pages; do not infer PostScript installation on a package where optional. No automatic duplex mechanism. Period operating-system lists do not guarantee present compatibility. AirPrint, Mopria and PIN-held document release remain unconfirmed.
Electrical edition and setup
Exact US C4172A#ABA discontinued identity plus documented 100–127-V 50/60-Hz low-voltage configuration, distinct from 220–240-V regional edition. Verify the actual plate and do not convert operating voltage. Exact TN body is 15.9 W × 16.5 D × 12.2 H inches, with 31.7 lb including toner cartridge. The original third-tray body row and exact TN technical data agree; shipping values excluded. Allow loading, rear output, cables and cartridge access.
Sources for this assessment
- HP original LaserJet 2100, 2100M and 2100TN User Guide, C4170-90901 Second Edition January 2002
- HP original 1999 selection brochure, exact 2100xi/M/TN spread on printed pages 8–9
- HP-authored LaserJet 2100/2100M/2100TN Technical Data, 5968-2780EUC, copyright 1998, printed USA
- HP US exact LaserJet 2100TN C4172A#ABA identity and discontinued notice
Find a printer for your routine.
Match color output, scanning, connections and paper handling, then compare the exact models.