HP LaserJet Enterprise M604dn: included duplex with 600 sheets review

The duplex version for a modestly sized paper supply

The HP LaserJet Enterprise M604dn makes sense for a commercial workgroup that wants monochrome printing, automatic second sides and PIN-held computer jobs without starting with a tall multi-drawer assembly. It includes 600 ordinary sheets and a duplexer. The key tradeoff is that its wired network and computer USB are standard, while wireless functions, larger inputs and encrypted hard-disk storage require separate hardware.

The exact HP US record identifies E6B68A#BGJ and explicitly marks it discontinued. This earlier review describes that documented configuration, not an available offer or a report on a particular used machine. Check the actual voltage plate, condition and compatible host driver before committing to one.

Use the included duplexer deliberately

HP's original suffix table places M604dn in the included-duplex column, distinct from M604n. The supported-media table separately confirms Letter, Legal and A4 through the automatic mechanism. In the compatible Windows driver, open Properties or Preferences, choose Finishing and enable Print on both sides.

The original OS X HP driver instead exposes a Two-Sided binding choice under Layout. HP warns that the function might not be available when using AirPrint. A computer job with a known driver therefore has a better-established duplex workflow than an unspecified phone job.

For oriented material without an optional finisher, the guide loads duplex letterhead face down with its bottom edge entering from Tray 1. In the lower drawer it goes face up, bottom edge at the tray front. Those directions differ from the single-sided routine, so an installed duplexer does not eliminate the need to load preprinted paper correctly.

Configure the paper instead of trusting a headline

The front multipurpose input takes 100 ordinary sheets and the lower drawer 500, each at HP's 20-lb/75-g/m² basis. Both support Letter, Legal and A4. Six hundred sheets of a selected size means both inputs contain that size; keeping letterhead in front and plain stock below divides the available supply.

Extend the front support, respect its fill line and set the guides against the stack without buckling it. Adjust both lower-tray guides before loading and keep below the full mark. When the control panel reports the tray configuration, accept it only if the size and type agree with the real paper and computer job.

Use the exact model's 60–120-g/m² lower-tray and duplex limits. A generic support table gives a broader weight range, which is not a reason to feed heavy stock through the turning path. The front path has a separate 60–200-g/m² range and does not make every supported material duplexable.

Plan the two USB uses separately

A rear Hi-Speed USB 2.0 device port connects to a compatible computer; the USB cable is sold separately. Gigabit Ethernet provides the normal shared-network alternative. The front easy-access port is for files on a flash drive, and its Retrieve from USB function is disabled by default until an administrator enables it.

That walk-up routine supports the guide's specified file types, including PDF, rather than all application documents. It also adds no scanning or copying: the M604dn is explicitly print-only. A color text-and-graphics display is a control surface, not a color print engine.

Release sensitive computer output at the keypad

The original driver provides Personal Job under Job Storage. Add PIN protection and use the original four-digit routine where supported. At the printer, open Retrieve from Device Memory, select the folder and job, enter the requested PIN and release the number of copies you need.

Job storage is enabled by default in the guide, but its space and naming rules still matter. Duplicate user/job names can replace earlier documents; available-space pressure may remove older stored work. This included PIN workflow should not be confused with the separately purchased 500-GB encrypted hard disk or a promise that documents remain indefinitely.

Handle occasional envelopes and mobile clients

Tray 1 supports up to ten envelopes. Select the actual envelope size and type, load face up with the short postage edge leading into the printer and use the recommended open, extended rear output for a straighter path. The 75-envelope feeder is optional and is not counted in the standard supply.

AirPrint and Mopria are listed for the exact US model. Keep the printer wired to the local network and place a compatible mobile client on the same reachable network through its access point. This needs no included printer Wi-Fi radio. Mobile paper settings, capacity, automatic duplex and PIN behavior remain unconfirmed here, so the computer-driver promises do not automatically transfer.

Compare the recommendation with the actual room

The recommended workload is 5,000–13,000 monthly pages, distinct from the 175,000-page maximum duty. Original one-sided speed is up to 52 Letter pages per minute and separately 50 A4; neither is a new test or duplex measurement.

The closed dn measures 16.7 by 21.1 by 15.7 inches and weighs 57 pounds with cartridges. Opening access increases the required space. Verify the documented 100–127-V, 50/60-Hz commercial Class A edition and CF281A supply. If you need substantially more included input, compare an actual larger configuration rather than counting an optional tray as already present.