Top critical review
1.0 out of 5 starsSoftware a major headache - only used now as an overpriced copy machine
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2021
I set this up and it worked with my laptop. Then something happened and I have to use their HPSmart software to print or do anything via WiFi from my laptop. Why do I have to login to their app to use a printer 2 feet away? It used to work with the two other computers in the room. Then apparently something changed.
Now, it they can't use it or see it at all or think it's busy or offline. I tried downloading and just installing the printer software and drivers after uninstalling everything related to it - several times - several ways - several machines. I get a persistent "Driver is unavailable" in settings for that printer even though I downloaded and "successfully installed" their software and drivers for it using each option from their utility - onto three different HP computers, ironically.
The irony is I occasionally help over 100 other people with their computer, network (and printer) problems with a 100% success rate - so far. Some even using HP computers and printers - but not this HP LaserJet Pro M227fdw printer for myself - pretty frustrating for the ego.
So far, I've spent several dozen hours on this printer and can't get it to work via WiFi with three computers in the same room without very annoying nuisance issues. It's past my return date or I'd ship it back in a heartbeat and buy a Canon color laser printer. I'll likely buy the Canon anyway and just use this as an over-price B&W copy machine as the print quality is quite good. The three Canon printers of various ages and capabilities all work effortlessly with 6 computers even with various levels of Windows OS levels and even Linux. I can't even get this printer to work with two new HP laptops. If you can, congratulations. You're smarter than me, or are luckier... just wait... it may not last. All of my computers are up to date on all related updates, patches, etc. as well. Perhaps that's the problem. Regardless....
I also have several Canon printers (currently old and new models in different rooms on different floors) and have never had any issues with them as painful as I've had with HP - and not just this printer. I also bought an i7 HP computer and was disappointed how cheaply made it was. Its internal design couldn't even accommodate an addition drive inside. Unbelievable. My son had already configured it and loaded his data on it or I would've sent it back. You'd think an I7 machine would allow for a little expansion.
Though I own mid-range 4 HP laptops and 3 HP i7-level desktops ( w/passmarks over 5K) I think I'm now finished with HP and will go with Canon printers and other higher quality brands of computers and will advise friends and those people I support to do the same. They do listen to me.
You do what you want, obviously, but I strongly advise against this printer and even against HP products in general now.
I will explain one thing many people do not realize. They think all (or many) computers of different brands are made in the same or just a few Chinese factories. That's likely true enough for this explanation. However, the difference is when chips, drives, boards, etc. are tested, some pass all the tests and with high scores and some pass just a minimum number of tests or pass a test with a lower score.
For the sake of explanation let's call those that pass all the test with the best scores the A level, and the others, B or C levels of quality where B & C are "acceptable" but are not optimum quality or do not have the best or expected performance.
Of course, these manufacturers can't get away with selling them all at a premium price so they discount them and sell to vendors willing to deal with B-level parts. I'm now convinced HP philosophy and quality has dropped to buying the B quality goods and sells them at a lower price than those companies that spend the extra money and buy, build and market their products at a higher price with A quality parts.
I used to buy a lot of high-end HP test and measurement equipment and there seemed to be nothing better at the time, hence my initial and continued loyalty to the brand/name. But that's now changed, probably permanently. This printer and that last computer purchase both this year combined to be the straw that broke that loyalty. See ya, HP.
Good luck.