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The Inside Scoop on the New HP 9000

by Tricia Judge · Recharger Magazine · May 23, 2001

On May 1, 2001, Hewlett-Packard Company unveiled its fastest Internet-enabled monochrome printer series, the HP 9000. In a press release, HP said, "Designed to bridge the gap between lower-duty cycle, general office printers and centralized, higher-priced production systems, the HP LaserJet 9000 series can support volume printing of transaction documents like payroll, invoices, reports and statements, with the affordability, manageability and ease-of-use of general office printers.

"At 50 pages per minute (ppm), the HP LaserJet 9000 is HP’s fastest series printer; it is also the first HP printer to offer a complete solution of services, software and support to meet the needs of transaction printing customers. Its Internet-enabled features provide robust remote configuration and management, automated Web-based supplies ordering, and HP Instant Support for printers, an e-service that provides customers with printer self-help and troubleshooting via the Web."

Static Control’s Andy Wright confirmed that the HP 9000 cartridge comes with almost four pounds of toner. His concern was the impediments to remanufacturing. "The big issue here is that the end caps are ultrasonically welded, which will require a specialized tool.

The cartridge also comes with the same smart chip that monitors the new HP 4100; however all indications are that HP will not employ the chip as a lock-out device.

HP is also promoting the new printer under its PrintAdvantage leasing program, which resembles a cost-per-click, copier style maintenance program. Perhaps the most unique facet of the new printer is the seal mechanism, which removes the Mylar cartridge seal in a fashion similar to automatic film rewinding in a camera.

Rob Cowman, general manager of TonerPlus, is awaiting a shipment of sample cartridges for evaluation. However, he responded to the information about the technology. "My initial take is that HP is addressing a customer education issue, which has always been an issue for them and us," he said.

"That issue is that many customers have difficulty either knowing what to do when they try to insert a sealed cartridge into the printer (meaning some people try to actually install a cartridge with the seal still in it) or they actually have difficulty pulling a seal out of the cartridge.

"My guess is that they are trying to reduce returns and customer complaints by utilizing an automated seal, so customers don’t have to deal with them." Will this new seal pose another impediment for remanufacturers? Look for a technical article on this new printer from Static Control and comments from other industry experts in upcoming issues.

E-mail Tricia at tricia@rechargermagazine.com