HP Laserjet Page Count Question

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

Hey fellow geeks, I've been combing the eBay listings for a used Laserjet
4000T or 4050T. The ones for sale have page counts of anywhere from 10,000
to nearly 1,000,000. I don't know how to factor these stats into my decision
because I don't know the realistic lifespan of a laser printer. For example,
is 250,000 pages a lot? Should I steer of one with that much mileage, or
with proper refurbishment would it work just fine? Any input would be
appreciated.

Archived from groups: comp.sys.hp.hardware (More info?)

Joshua <givetheword@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hey fellow geeks, I've been combing the eBay listings for a used Laserjet
> 4000T or 4050T. The ones for sale have page counts of anywhere from 10,000
> to nearly 1,000,000. I don't know how to factor these stats into my decision
> because I don't know the realistic lifespan of a laser printer. For example,
> is 250,000 pages a lot? Should I steer of one with that much mileage, or
> with proper refurbishment would it work just fine? Any input would be
> appreciated.

A 4000 or 4050 with only 10,000 pages is nearly new, and may still be on
the first (real) toner cartridge. They have a built-in page counter
that tells you they need service after 200,000 pages, although the ones
I've seen in heavy use tend to need a new fuser (about $200) slightly
before that. Rollers tend to last a long time and are easy and
relatively cheap to replace.

Heavily-used printers are likely to have cosmetic damage: pen and pencil
marks, scratches, miscolored cases due to some cretin cleaning them with
a solvent. Still, they tend to print well, and the plastic parts are
easy to replace and pretty cheap.

Most of the dozen 4050s I'm thinking of are about four years old, and
half have been used in dusty and hot warehouse environments. A couple
are approaching the million-page mark. Can't tell you about the
lifespan; they're all still in use.

--
Warren Block * Rapid City, South Dakota * USA