I'm thinking about getting a laser printer

[MacNerd2]

I'm thinking about getting a laser printer.

I know that there are 2 ways that laser printers print text - a laser or a LED array. Which does HP use - a laser or a LED array?

During the course of my research, I found out that some toner cartridges include the photo drum & some toner cartridges have toner only & the photo drum is a separate purchase. Which does HP use - toner-only cartridge or toner plus photo drum in the toner cartridge?

[Valsimot]

HP uses laser, for consumables you have both options depending on a printer model, separate drum from toner, or drum incorporated in the toner cartridge.

[MacNerd2]

Thank you for the quick reply.

So, some models use toner cartridge only & some models use toner plus drum in the cartridge. Interesting!

[Repairatrooper]

And some models use a drum, toner and developer. This would apply only to their managed A3 devices.

[MacNerd2]

I read online about the developer & its function. Something about transferring the toner to the drum. Do all laser printers use developer?

I've got a lot to learn about laser printers before I part with my hard-earned money!

I get A3 & A4 confused. I had to look it up. A3 is 11 X 17 paper. I'd never use that. I'm pretty sure that I've never used legal-size paper. So, I don't want a printer that's big enough to hold 11 X 17 inch paper.

My computer table is about 17 inches deep & 60 inches long. I hope that I can find a printer that's small enough to fit the depth of the table. That may be hard to find.

Laser printers are heavy enough just for the A4 size paper!

[MacNerd2]

You state:

And some models use a drum, toner and developer. This would apply only to their managed A3 devices.

I always get A3 & A4 confused. I assume then that ALL HP A4 printers don't use developer, is that correct? Why would an A3 printer use developer & A4 printer not?

[Repairatrooper]

Based on the size implied by your desk you are likely looking at a consumer model and would be restricted to A4 (letter size in North America) A3 is tabloid and the paper itself is roughly 11x17.

In the case of consumer level A4 they would all be either all in one toner cartridges or separate drum and toner for some of the monochrome models.

To help narrow down the possible field, it would be helpful to know if you are looking at monochrome or color printing.

[MacNerd2]

I wish to get a color printer.

This will be my 1st laser printer. I'm nervous, excited & a little scared.

I'm not sure if I want a toner/drum combo or a toner only cartridge. I know that a toner/drum combo is more expensive than a toner only cartridge.

[MacNerd2]

Originally, I wanted to get a color laser but I've changed my mind. I'd rather have a monochrome laser printer, perhaps the 3101.

I've browsed the manual. I see nothing in the manual about the transport belt or the waste toner cartridge. Maybe the HP laser printers are designed differently. I assume that the 3101 has both a transport belt & a waste toner cartridge.

[Repairatrooper]

A 3101 is a monochrome printer. As such, like most monochrome products it relies on direct transfer, meaning the toner goes from the drum of the cartridge directly to the paper. Waste toner is stored in the cartridge itself and is of course renewed when you install a new cartridge.