The HP M283fdw is a multifunction color laser printer released by HP Inc. in 2020. As a relatively new model, there is interest in understanding when this printer first became available and how its features compare to other printers on the market.
HP Printer History and Development
To understand when the M283fdw was released, it helps to first look at the history of HP printer development. HP began making printers in the 1980s, starting with dot matrix printers before moving into inkjet and laser printers. Over the decades, HP has regularly released new models and updated their technology to improve print speeds, quality, connectivity and more.
Some key developments include:
- 1984 – HP releases first ThinkJet portable inkjet printer
- 1985 – HP introduces first LaserJet printer, the HP LaserJet
- 1990s – HP inkjet and LaserJet printers proliferate in homes and offices
- 2014 – HP splits into two companies, HP Inc and Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- 2016 – HP acquires Samsung’s printer business to boost laser printer portfolio
- 2019 – HP launches subscription Instant Ink service for ink replenishment
This long history of printer development provides context for the release of the more recent M283fdw model in 2020.
HP Color LaserJet Pro M280 Series
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw is part of HP’s M280 series of printers. This series consists of several models offering similar functionality with some differences in speed, paper handling and connectivity.
The models in the M280 series include:
- HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw
- HP Color LaserJet Pro M255nw
- HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dn
- HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw
- HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdn
The entire series was released in Spring of 2020, although availability dates varied slightly by model. As the flagship model in the series, the M283fdw featured the fastest print speeds and most robust connectivity options.
HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw Specifications and Features
Here are some key details on the specifications and capabilities of the HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw:
| Category | Details |
| Release Date | Spring 2020 |
| Print Technology | Color Laser |
| Print Speed | Up to 24 ppm (black), Up to 24 ppm (color) |
| Print Resolution | Up to 600 x 600 dpi |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 50,000 pages |
| Paper Sizes | Letter, Legal, Executive, Oficio, A4, A5, A6, B5, Postcards, Envelopes |
| Paper Capacity | Up to 350 sheets |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, USB 2.0, Bluetooth LE |
| Mobile Printing | Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, HP Smart app |
As you can see, the M283fdw offers robust capabilities for a color laser printer, with fairly fast print speeds, ample paper capacity, and versatile wired and wireless connectivity options to support printing from many devices.
Release Date and Availability
In terms of release date, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw first became available for purchase in Spring of 2020, around March and April.
Availability and exact launch dates varied somewhat globally based on region:
- March 2020: Initial launch and availability in the United States
- April 2020: Available in Europe, Middle East, and Africa
- June 2020: Available in Asia Pacific region
The printer was marketed as a stylish, space-saving color laser printer that would appeal to small offices, workgroups, and individuals looking for affordable laser printing.
Being a modern connected printer, HP promoted the M283fdw as providing security features like instant threat notifications and optional PIN/PID printing to help keep sensitive documents safe.
Current Availability and Cost
Now over 3 years after its initial launch, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw remains available for purchase in most regions. As with most technology, the price has declined some over time.
The initial MSRP pricing in Spring 2020 for the M283fdw was $349 USD. Today, it can now commonly be found selling between $200 – $300 from various retailers.
Here are some examples of current pricing as of September 2023:
| Retailer | Price |
| HP.com | $249.99 |
| Amazon.com | $219.89 |
| Staples | $199.99 |
| Best Buy | $299.99 |
So while no longer brand new, the HP M283fdw can still be purchased for moderately less than its original MSRP. This makes it an affordable color laser printer option for many small office and home office use cases today.
Customer Reviews and Reception
Overall, reviews and reception for the HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw have been quite positive since its launch.
On HP.com, it maintains a 4.6 out of 5 star rating based on over 150 customer reviews. Positive feedback notes the fast print speeds, high quality output, quiet operation, and sleek, compact design.
Reviewers on Amazon have awarded it 4.4 out of 5 stars. They praise the vibrant color printing, strong wireless performance, and intuitive touchscreen controls.
Some downsides mentioned include higher cost per page compared to inkjet printing, lack of auto-duplexing for two-sided printing, and occasional wireless connection issues. But overall most users seem very pleased with the printing experience and capabilities.
In reviews from printer industry sources like PC Magazine and Wirecutter, the M283fdw receives positive marks for its speed, print quality, and feature set, easily competing with other leading color laser printers from Brother, Canon and other brands.
Conclusion
In summary, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M283fdw was first released in Spring 2020 as a fast, high-quality color laser printer aimed at small offices, workgroups, and high-volume home users. Compared to its M280 series siblings, it offers the fastest performance and most connectivity choices. Over three years after its launch, it remains a well-reviewed color laser printer that continues to sell for $200 to $300. For buyers looking for an affordable but capable color laser printer, the M283fdw remains a competitive option combining performance, quality and value.
