HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fnw: color network documents, one-sided ADF scanning and analog fax review

A small color document station with attended two-sided work

The HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fnw combines color laser printing, color scanning, standalone copying and a real analog fax. Its 35-sheet document feeder handles a stack of one-sided originals, while the flatbed gives photographs and other suitable originals a separate route. Both printing and scanning need manual handling for two-sided work. The wireless suffix adds networking, not an automatic duplex mechanism.

HP identifies the exact US CE862A#BGJ as discontinued. This review covers the documented 110–127-V, 60-Hz US configuration. Do not substitute a 220–240-V edition or assume voltage conversion is supported. Check the actual electrical label, condition and intended computer software before choosing this earlier machine.

One print tray means one loaded paper choice

The included print input holds 150 ordinary sheets, with a separate 125-sheet output bin. The 35 originals in the scanner feeder are not additional blank-paper capacity. Letter, Legal and A4 fit the print tray; using envelopes or different forms means changing its contents rather than selecting a second cassette.

Load ordinary paper face up with its top edge at the back, then snug the guides. When adding paper, remove the remaining stock and straighten it with the new stack without fanning. For Legal, release the blue guide lever and extend the front guide fully. The tray then projects about two inches beyond the front of the printer.

Match size and type in the driver. For regularly used special stock, also configure the tray under System Setup and Paper Setup, or the embedded web server's Paper Handling page. These settings affect the printing routine. The original ordinary-paper table allows up to 150 sheets below 96 g/m²; heavier media use a stack-height limit instead. Envelopes are limited to ten, printable face up with the stamp end at the back, using suitable laser media.

Duplex means taking the stack back to the input

In the Windows driver, open Finishing and select Print on both sides (manually). After the first pass, return the output to Tray 1 printed side down, keeping its orientation, and touch OK on the control panel. The original Mac driver has a Manual Duplex selection and instructs users to remove unused blank paper before reinserting the printed stack face down.

Two-sided copying similarly needs a fresh original side and reloaded printed output. The machine does not automatically scan both faces, reverse the original or capture both sides in one pass. A requirement for unattended duplex printing or automatic two-sided feeder scanning excludes this model.

Give each original the appropriate scan path

The feeder accepts up to 35 sheets within its 60–90-g/m² range. Load originals face up and adjust the guides. Letter, A4 and Legal loose sheets fit the documented dimensions. Remove staples, clips and correction material; photographs, small originals and fragile originals belong outside this feeder.

The flatbed supports a length of about 11.7 inches, enough for Letter or A4 but not a full Legal page. For a photo, the original places the picture down at the upper-left corner and closes the lid. Printing on Legal does not enlarge the scanner glass.

Compatible computer scanning uses HP Scan or a supported TWAIN/WIA application. In Windows HP Scan, choose a shortcut, adjust settings and Scan. The original Mac workflow selects this scanner, scans pages, appends additional pages if needed and saves to a chosen computer folder. Check current printing and scanning support separately; old operating-system lists are not a promise about today's installation.

There is also genuine standalone scan-to-USB: insert storage in the front host port, choose Scan to USB Drive and save PDF or JPG files in the automatically created HP folder. That host port differs from the rear USB computer connection. Creating a searchable or editable document needs appropriate OCR software and settings; Readiris is separately installed.

Choose USB, Ethernet or router Wi-Fi deliberately

The exact fnw includes computer USB 2.0, 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11b/g/n wireless networking. The original Windows USB installation waits for the installer prompt before connecting the A-to-B cable. Wired setup prints a configuration report and selects the matching IP address in the software.

For wireless setup, disconnect the Ethernet cable. The touch screen offers WPS or Wireless Setup Wizard, where the actual network name and credentials are entered. USB can temporarily transfer wireless settings, then be removed. The manual's separate ad-hoc mode is not evidence of Wi-Fi Direct.

HP's exact support page lists AirPrint with a possible firmware-upgrade requirement. Its network arrangement needs a compatible Apple device and printer on the appropriate shared local network. That establishes mobile printing, not computer scanning or a particular paper, capacity or duplex combination through the Apple route. Mopria and PIN-protected computer job release remain unverified. The manual's password-protected Private Receive concerns incoming faxes.

Plan fax, toner and space around the actual unit

Fax needs a connected analog telephone line and configured time, date, header and answer settings. HP recommends a dedicated analog line; voicemail is unsupported. An answering machine requires the printer to answer at least one ring later. The network cable does not carry ordinary telephone fax.

HP recommends 300–1,500 monthly pages, separately from the 30,000-page maximum duty. Its US brochure declares up to 12 black Letter ppm and up to eight normal color ppm; these are manufacturer ratings, not measured results. Replacement 128A supplies are CE320A black, CE321A cyan, CE322A yellow and CE323A magenta. Published replacement averages are about 2,000 black or 1,300 pages per color, distinct from the original 750-page introductory set and any installed remainder.

At Very Low, color cartridges default to black-only printing to help fax continuity; other Stop, Prompt and Continue settings change behavior. Inspect those choices rather than assuming every warning stops the machine. Published body dimensions are about 17.4 by 18.6 by 16.3 inches; allow additional Legal-tray projection, scanner-lid access, cables and service space.