HP LaserJet 5200dtn: automatic duplex for wide-paper jobs review

The included duplexer is the reason to choose dtn

The HP LaserJet 5200dtn combines an automatic duplexer, three ordinary-paper inputs and embedded Ethernet for wide-format monochrome documents. Its main practical advantage over the tn is automatic page turning. The normal package supports an 850-sheet ordinary supply, but it still needs the right computer driver, media and actual low-voltage hardware.

The exact HP US product page identifies Q7546A#ABA and marks it discontinued. The actual guide and independent original model columns confirm the dtn configuration. This is an earlier review of the documented US 110–127-V edition, without a promise of stock, used-unit condition or present-day driver installation.

Use the original size tables with their documented caveat

The guide's actual automatic-duplex size column positively marks Letter, Legal, A4, A3 and 11-by-17-inch Tabloid. An independent original HP technical sheet explicitly lists those same five automatic sizes. Those two positive tables support this review's five-size duplex arrangement.

A later prose paragraph in the guide lists fewer sizes, omitting A3 and Tabloid. That inconsistency remains visible here rather than being silently resolved by a suffix. Confirm the real dtn mechanism and compatible driver before relying on a wide two-sided job. The front-only 12-by-18-inch capability is separate and is not evidence of automatic duplex for that size.

The weight tables allow ordinary duplex media through 120 g/m², but the actual operating warning says not to exceed 105. This review uses the narrower 60–105-g/m² operating range. Close the rear output, select Print on Both Sides in the compatible driver and do not pull a sheet that temporarily emerges during automatic turning. Envelopes, labels, transparencies and vellum are excluded from that routine.

Match the three paper inputs to the job

The front 100-sheet input, lower 250-sheet input and included third 500-sheet input total a nominal 850 ordinary sheets. Actual input-size columns support Letter, Legal, A4, A3 and Tabloid. The selected-size capacity assumes the relevant inputs all contain that ordinary size; mixed-format loading divides the available supply.

Long lower-tray paper needs the rear extension released and extended. Adjust the width and length guides, keep corners flat below the loading marks, and set both size switch and dial. Set the third input's guides and controls as well. The nominal count does not establish a particular paper-weight basis, and thicker paper can reduce the real stack.

For automatic two-sided letterhead, the original guide loads the front face down with its bottom edge first, or the lower inputs face up with the top toward the back. Those directions differ from one-sided loading. Use the actual diagram for the job rather than treating tray capacity as the whole setup.

Up to ten supported envelopes instead use the front face up with the postage end away from the printer. Open and extend the rear output and set the envelope size and type. Close the rear output again before automatic duplex; an envelope straight-path setup is not the duplex arrangement.

Keep the connection and storage promises specific

The included network interface is 10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet. Use the actual printer address and an appropriate computer driver, with the documented IP, subnet-mask and gateway settings where needed. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1284 parallel are also included for suitable direct computer connections.

Those interfaces do not establish current driverless printing or a USB-stick workflow. Wireless equipment is optional, while AirPrint, Mopria and Wi-Fi Direct remain unconfirmed. The automatic-duplex claim here belongs to the supported computer-driver arrangement and is not borrowed for an unverified mobile route.

The dtn includes 128 MB of memory, but the original job-storage chapter requires an installed hard drive for stored/private jobs. That drive is optional, so the normal package does not qualify for PIN-held printing. A generic PIN menu and RAM-disk setting do not remove the explicit hardware requirement. The machine is also print-only, without a scanner, flatbed, document feeder, copy function or fax.

Check the working load and the actual installation space

The exact dtn support record recommends 2,500–10,000 pages monthly, distinct from the 65,000-page maximum duty. HP declares up to 35 one-sided Letter pages per minute, separately 35 A4 and 18.5 A3 or Tabloid. None is a measurement here, an automatic-duplex rate or a guarantee of the condition of a surviving unit.

The closed three-input body is 19.3 inches wide and 15.9 high, with guide weight 73 pounds without the cartridge. Original guide and brochure depths conflict, so exact closed depth remains unconfirmed. Measure the actual assembly and allow rear, tray, cable and cartridge access. Verify its 110–127-V, 50/60-Hz plate and inspect supplies: the original Q7516A replacement yield does not establish remaining toner, current price or cost per page.