From: medici@dorm.rutgers.edu (Mark Medici)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: Re: HP LaserJet 4
Date: 11 Nov 92 02:41:41 GMT
Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.

The LaserJet 4 (not LaserJet IV) is trully a nice printer.  Yes, it
does 600dpi, but it also uses the same type of resolution enhancement
technology that the LaserJet III series does, so the effect is what
appears to be almost 1200dpi quality.  Character formation is
excellent, and the half-tone image reproduction will blow you away (at
least as much as can be with any current laser printer).

The print engine is a new Canon design, and there are new toner
cartridges (different physical dimensions as well as a new micro-fine
particulate toner).  The controller card sports a quick RISC processor
(though, unfortunately, an Intel i860, if memory serves).  The
controller card also seems to use memory more effectively, building
the page image in bands rather than entirely at one time.  The result
is that less memory is required to print a full-page 600dpi graphic
than the 4.8MB one would normally expect.

The parellel port has been redisigned so that it not only accepts data
much faster than even the LaserJet IIIsi, but it can now also send
more detailed information back to the driving device (though I expect
it will be a while before software will be updated to support this).

There are a couple of extra fonts included, and PostScript Level 2 is
available as an option.  If you do opt for PostScript, the LJ4 can now
automatically switch between PS and PCL5.  There is even a LaserJet
4M, primarilly aimed at Macintosh users, that is a LaserJet 4 with
PostScript2 and a LocalTalk port for much less than the separate cost
of the components.

The physical size has been reduced, through both changing the internal
arrangements and completely housing the paper tray within the bottom
of the printer.  There is, unfortunately, no straight-through paper
path anymore, but there is a low-cost extra capacity paper input bin,
and the manual feed mechanism seems to be much improved.

As for price, the LaserJet 4 costs LESS than a LaserJet III, and a
LaserJet 4M is CONSIDERABLY LESS than an Apple Laserwriter IIntx.

I played with a couple of these pritners at the local HP introductory
gala, and am very impressed with the advancements made.  True, none
are revolutionary, but when combined with the printer's low cost and
HP's reputation, this is definately a printer to look at closely.

BTW, the LaserJet product manager stated that they had no plans to
make a LaserJet 4D.  The reason explained to me was that most IID/IIID
owners surveyed did not buy the printer for its duplexing capabil-
ities, but rather the additional paper-handling capacity, which can be
easilly added to the current LJ4 printer.  However, it was implied
that a LaserJet 4si might not be too far off.

I hope this helps you out.-- 
_________________________________________________________________________
RUCS     | Mark A. Medici, Systems Programmer III, User Services Division
User     | Rutgers University Computing Services, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Services | [medici@gandalf.rutgers.edu]                    [908-932-2412]