Are the Latest HP Printer Advancements Worth Upgrading to Over Repairing an Older Model?

When our trusted printer breaks down, we’re all faced with the question, “Is it worth upgrading my printer? Or should I just get it fixed?” The new printer features are always appealing, but do they justify the price? The decision you make will impact your productivity and cost efficiency. 

Fixing your trusted old printer could seem like the right decision in the short term, but what’s the smarter decision in the long run?

Overview of the latest HP printer advancements

Before you make an informed decision, let’s explore some new HP printer features that can improve your workflow.

Improved print quality and speed

High-resolution printing capabilities

One of the best things about a printer upgrade is high-resolution printing. Advanced printing solutions can offer up to 1200 x 1200 dots-per-inch (DPI) and some options may even offer more. If you run a small business or work in the design and marketing industries, high-resolution printing capabilities can greatly enhance your visuals.

Faster print speeds

Another indispensable feature of newer models is faster printing speeds. Consider upgrading if you often deal with high-capacity workloads. Fast printing can reduce wait times and streamline your workflow. Getting things done at a quicker pace can often mean a higher bottom line.

Enhanced colour accuracy and duplex printing features

The latest HP printing technology you can find on newer printers includes duplex printing features, which means double-sided printing. You get two pages in one go, talk about a time-saver! On top of that, the enhanced colour accuracy of all your printouts will be more vibrant, realistic, and clean overall.

Enhanced connectivity and user-friendly interfaces

Aside from the print quality, newer printers offer improved connectivity and a user-friendly interface, making your life easier.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile printing options

In an increasingly digital age, we find ourselves more dependent on connectivity and convenience. Newer printers offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with mobile printing options. You can schedule a print or do it directly from your smartphone, even if you’re not in the office or at home.The HP Smart app allows you to control everything from your fingertips, giving you more flexibility than many older printers.

Smart home integration

Newer models feature smart home integration, allowing your printer to be a part of your smart home ecosystem. With voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you can enjoy hands-free command of your smart home hub, including your printer. This is a great feature for those used to having smart home integrations or people looking for more accessible technology.

Intuitive touch screen controls and simplified setup

At HP, we prioritize easy-to-use products with simple to set up processes. With a new printer, you can get intuitive touch screen controls to help navigate more advanced features. A user-friendly interface significantly decreases the learning curve. Many of our printers offer a straightforward and simplified setup accessible via the HP Smart app, allowing you to get your printer up and working in no time.

Long-term cost efficiency

Cost savings with new models

Everything essentially comes down to the cost. One of the biggest reasons holding people back from upgrading to a new printer is the price. However, taking the plunge could potentially save you money.

Lower operational costs

Users can look forward to lower operational costs because our more recent models focus on energy efficiency. Many of them have ENERGY STAR® certification and use less electricity without compromising on print quality. 

Not only that, but we offer high-yield print cartridges, allowing you to print more pages per cartridge, which reduces your cost per page.

Reduced maintenance expenses

New HP printers are built with durable and robust components that extend their lifespan. Equipped with self-diagnostic tools, these printers can self-regulate and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. You won’t find yourself needing to bring the printer in for minor repairs, saving valuable time, which is priceless!

Energy-efficient models with eco-friendly features

As mentioned, many of our models have ENERGY STAR certification, ensuring energy efficiency. Our printers also incorporate recycled materials in their construction. Through the HP Planet Partners program, we manage old cartridge recycling so you don’t have to. Remember that energy efficiency and eco-friendly features contribute to overall sustainability and cost savings.

Operational reliability

Minimizing downtime with reliable new hardware

Our new printers are crafted with robust materials, improving the reliability of your device and minimizing downtime. This means you can complete your work faster with minimal disruptions.

Consistent performance and fewer breakdowns

Consistency is key when you’re running a business or even if it’s just for home use. You will experience fewer breakdowns by upgrading to a new HP printer. The HP LaserJet and OfficeJet printer series are known to be trusted and reliable. They are durable and can handle large printing tasks without issue.

Advanced security features

Security is very important in a digital world, and an upgrade ensures your printer has the latest security updates to safeguard your sensitive data.

HP LaserJet MFP

We recommend the HP LaserJet MFP to handle all your basic needs. It can print, copy and scan in black and white and is equipped with dynamic security features. The device can reach up to 1,000 pages per month and is ideal for teams of up to three members.

Shop HP LaserJet MFP M140w Printer Now

The printer is compatible with the HP Smart app and is the smallest multi-function laser printer in its class, helping you save desk space.

Pros

• ENERGY STAR certified

• Security-enabled

• High-capacity printing

• Works with your smartphone

Enhanced data protection

Improved user authentication

With features like HP Secure Print, an advanced user authentication function, you can be sure that sensitive documents are printed only by an authenticated user. Authentication methods include PIN codes and smartcards.

Secure printing options

Newer printers offer secure printing options such as pull printing. This feature reduces the chances of unclaimed documents. Print jobs are queued until released to a pull printing-enabled device.

Protection against emerging security threats

Upgrading your printer provides more robust protection against security threats. For example, many of our latest models integrate HP Wolf Security,  offering comprehensive protection with features like detecting potential security breaches and network assessment for safety. 

Evaluation of repair costs for older models

Repair frequency and parts availability

The two biggest issues with older printers are the availability of parts and the frequency of required repairs.

Common issues with older printers

One of the most common obstacles with older printer models is paper jams. Aging components can also impact printing quality over time.

Repair costs and difficulty in sourcing parts

For vintage printers, repair costs can be substantial as there may be difficulties locating and sourcing parts. Many components may have been discontinued.

Increased costs due to the rarity of parts

Even if you manage to find the parts for your older printer, they could be very expensive. If you require more than one component, upgrading to a new printer might be a more financially sound decision.

Impact on productivity

Downtime during repairs

The time spent waiting for repairs can be costly, especially if your business is highly dependent on your printer. This is particularly significant in an office setting but can also be inconvenient in a regular household.

Productivity losses

When your workflow is stalled, your work is delayed. Remember that fixing your printer involves not just the repair process, but also the wait time and scheduling. It could take even longer if you have to wait for parts.

Considerations for different user scenarios

Home users

Benefits of upgrading for home use

Upgrading your printer isn’t just beneficial for companies; home users can benefit from an upgrade too. New printers offer improved printing quality, resulting in crisper and more vibrant images. This is especially beneficial for families with kids who have homework needs or for printing high-resolution photos.

Cost considerations for home environments

New printers often come with high-yield ink cartridges that maximise the number of prints per cartridge, reducing the frequency of replacements and saving money in the long run. Additionally, newer models require less maintenance, contributing to further savings.

Small businesses and enterprises

Productivity and operational efficiency for businesses

For businesses, upgrading to a new printer is essential. Enhanced security measures are crucial when handling sensitive data. Automated workflows and productivity features, such as duplex printing, can save valuable time and improve efficiency.  

Scalability and advanced features for large operations

If your business is scaling or involves large operations, upgrading to a high-capacity machine with advanced features is a must. Newer models can handle large printing tasks and offer management support features like the HP Smart Admin Dashboard.

HP Colour LaserJet Pro

For businesses, we suggest opting for the HP Colour LaserJet Pro. It is a bit of an investment, but it provides high-quality coloured prints and dynamic security features. The printer offers fast printing speeds, is energy efficient and supports double-sided printing. It’s suitable for up to 10 users sharing the same printer for up to 2,500 pages a month. 

Shop HP Colour LaserJet Pro M255dw Now

Pros

• High capacity

• Intuitive touch screen

• Automate scanning tasks

• HP Smart app compatibility

Conclusion

Upgrading to a newer HP printer is a smart financial and operational choice. You can benefit from advanced security, a more intuitive interface, and plenty of energy-saving features. We would recommend assessing your individual needs before making a decision, but a hardware upgrade is inevitable, so why not take the step now?