Print from USB?

[Herb_K]

I'm pondering purchasing an M404dn, but I need to verify that I can plug in a USB flash drive and print PDFs that way in addition to the basic function of printing from a computer.

It appears to have a "host USB" port, but I can't find legitimate proof that it will work.  Can anyone verify this function definitively for me?

Thanks!

[John_Getzke]

Confirmed:

https://store.hp.com/my-en/default/printers/hp-laserjet-pro-m404n-w1a52a.html

PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS

Storage device and direct print support

Optional job storage via external rear host USB port (Minimum 16GB

Direct Print Support is the feature you are asking about.

See pages 52-55 of the User Guide for steps on how to print from USB Drive with this model:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c06177490

Print a stored job
Print a job that is stored on a USB Flash drive.
1. On the printer control panel, press the OK button to display the Home screen.
2. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to Job Storage, and then press the OK button again.
3. From the Job Folders list, use the arrow buttons to navigate to the name of the folder where the job is
stored, and then press OK.
4. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the name of the job that you want to print, and then press OK.
If the job is private or encrypted, enter the PIN or password.
5. To adjust the number of copies, use the arrow buttons to navigate to the Copy option, and then press OK.
On the Copy screen, use the arrow buttons to select the number of copies and then press OK to save the
setting.
6. Press OK again to print the job.

[Herb_K]

Thanks, but this seems to confirm that it CAN NOT print a PDF from flash drive.  At no point in the manual does it mention actually printing a jpg or pdf from the flash drive, it only refers to printing a saved print job.  I would take this to mean that since it doesn't mention the ability to do it, it implies that it cannot. 

[John_Getzke]

Hmmm the more I read the instructions the more I wonder if this is true USB printing or not.

Some models have a USB port near the control panel. You plug it in and then the option to print appears on the screen.  The printer has basic driver support for common document types like images, PDF and whatnot.  No need to mess around with Job Storage.  Im thinking of the HP LaserJet M281 and its predecessors of the home color multifunction laserjet family.

Specs for the M281 are here:

https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-color-laserjet-pro-mfp-m281fdw

Connectivity, standard

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port; built-in Fast Ethernet 10/100/1000 Base-TX network port, Dual band 802.11n 2.4/5GHz, Fax port, Front Host USB

The feature is labeled as a "Front Host USB" where as the 404 labels the feature as "Rear Host USB".  

In this case the safest bet is to call around and see if you can find a demo unit somewhere in your town.  Or someone that has access to a demo unit.  Then load up a PDF file and see if you can print without monkeying around with the Secured Print Feature or not.

[Herb_K]

The Front Host USB is common on the Deskjets and Officejets and such (the color stuff that they expect you print photos on), but it's hard to find on a monochromatic laser printer, at least without spending a grand on it.

My current M401dw has it, but the printer is dieing and I need a replacement.  I was just hoping to find that same feature in the same price range.

Thanks!

[John_Getzke · Accepted solution]

Yup, it looks like HP is only providing that feature on color printer models at this time.  Bummer, I thought the m404 was going to work for you.