HP LaserJet 4100TN: extra included paper for a wired queue review

The HP LaserJet 4100TN is an earlier monochrome network printer whose main advantage over the 4100n is a second included 500-sheet cassette. Together with the 100-sheet multipurpose feed, that makes 1,100 sheets of standard plain-paper input. Its deciding limitation is the missing d: automatic duplex still requires an extra accessory.

HP’s exact US page identifies C8051A#ABA and marks it discontinued. Keep that configuration distinct from 4100DTN, which adds the duplexer, and from the separate multifunction series. The analysis here follows the actual model and paper tables rather than claiming a personal performance or reliability test.

The extra tray changes a real office routine

The original configuration list supplies two 500-sheet cassettes on the TN, not just a maximum expansion claim. The paper specification covers Letter, Legal and A4 in each 500-sheet tray. Added to the 100-sheet Tray 1, that supports a 1,100-sheet included total for suitable 75g/m² plain paper in those sizes, subject to stack and material limits.

Multiple cassettes can also keep different supported paper types or sizes ready, provided the trays and driver are configured correctly. That does not mean 1,100 sheets of every material can be loaded simultaneously, or that the same tray is counted twice. A further feeder and the separate 75-envelope feeder remain optional.

Occasional envelopes use Tray 1, up to ten suitable pieces, with the guide’s orientation and material restrictions. The rear output gives a straighter route when needed. Do not duplex envelopes or treat the ordinary plain-paper capacity as envelope capacity.

Ethernet is included; USB and Wi-Fi are not assumed

The TN includes the Jetdirect 10/100Base-TX print-server card and 32MB memory. This is the supported wired network arrangement assessed in the finder. Legacy parallel is also documented. A standard USB device connection is not present in the original hardware scope, and no unverified converter is added to the review.

Built-in Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint and Mopria are not established. An old infrared accessory or network software name does not prove those functions. Confirm a working network queue and suitable driver on the actual computers before relying on an older unit. The original Windows 9x/NT4/2000 and old Mac OS software list is historical.

Choose DTN when automatic duplex is essential

The TN configuration does not include the duplex printing accessory. The original guide labels the accessory as optional generally and lists it as supplied on the exact DTN model. A used TN might have been expanded, but that must be inspected and demonstrated, rather than assumed from a broad family specification.

This is a monochrome print-only printer. There is no scanner, feeder for originals, copier or fax assembly. Its rated one-sided speed is 25 Letter pages per minute, separately 24 A4 pages per minute. These are manufacturer figures, not measured results here, and the additional cassette does not make the engine faster.

PIN-protected private jobs also need optional hard-drive storage and an appropriate configured driver. The standard TN list has no hard disk, so that expanded workflow is excluded. A positive recommended monthly range remains unknown; it is not calculated from input capacity or engine speed.

Allow for its taller body and older supplies

The included lower cassette raises the closed height to about 18.3 inches. Width is 15.4 inches and closed depth 19.9 inches; the listed 55-pound weight excludes toner and paper. Opening trays, rear output and the top cover requires more space. A configuration with an added duplexer also changes depth, so measure the actual installation.

The guide declares replacement C8061A at 6,000 pages and C8061X at 10,000, using five-percent text coverage, density three and EconoMode off. Actual toner use affects life. Those values do not describe current prices, supplied toner in a particular offer or a modern ISO test basis.

Ask for configuration and supplies-status pages, confirm both included cassettes are present and usable, and check the actual US 100–127V label. The guide’s maintenance reminder at 200,000-page intervals is separate from monthly volume. Choose the 4100TN when extra included input and wired monochrome printing are useful; choose a verified duplex or multifunction configuration when the job needs those functions.