As a busy content creator there are certain tasks that I always strive to make easier. To me, easier often equates to more enjoyable and the happier I am, the more creative I become. Throughout my years of running my own business, I have used many different printers and just recently HP gave me the chance to check out their Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477.
I like to keep a tidy office and more specifically for Geek HQ that means a crispy clean studio for presenting my videos and a functional and well thought out editing room. To keep the creative juices flowing it is essential for me to have unnecessary gadgets hidden away. All my cameras are neatly stored in a sturdy waterproof case and accessories in cupboards and drawers. Even the myriad of memory cards that I have accumulated over the years are neatly tucked away in little boxes inside a drawer under my main editing screen.
Part of my plans for 2016 is to really get my main storage areas organised too. As you can imagine running an evolving channel and website, plus two other businesses, sees a lot of products coming in and out of Geekanoids HQ. To help with this, I now employ three colourful storage cupboards and have successfully arranged my lens filters, review products and business supplies into the various compartments.
In my workspaces I employ the same triangular layout that is often associated with kitchens … you know, the sink, preparation area and cooker which are meant to all be easily accessible by simply turning around this imaginary triangle. The same applies to my technology. Sitting at my desk is akin to being at the controls of a starship. Keyboard and trackpad at hand and to the right of me I have my notes and supplies cupboard. A quick turn to my left and I can access my memory card reader, essential for the amount of video I produce. A little further to the left is the spot for my printer.
Plenty of connectivity options including gigabit ethernet. Photograph ©Geekanoids
On first unboxing the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477 I was very pleased to see that for such a well specified printer, the footprint was nice and compact. This is down to some neat design decisions, placing the paper output above the main body of the printer and the control panel and document feeder above that. The design is pretty snazzy too, with a clean white finish which makes me super happy as it fits in with the rest of my kit. Placement was super easy too, thanks to the built-in wireless connection and the gigabit, yes gigabit!!! ethernet that I opted to use.
HP really is looking to reinvent the office with their advancements in printer technology and their new LaserJets are packed to the brim with things that certainly make me geek out. For starters, speed is of the essence and the M477 delivers impressive mono and full colour pages at up to 28ppm. In addition to this I have experienced some reliable and paper saving two-sided prints. Part of this speed is down to HP re-engineering their toner to melt at a lower temperature. This equates to faster printing and a lower electricity bill too.
The touchscreen control panel is a joy to use. Photograph ©Geekanoids
So, whilst it’s early days in my experience of the M477, so far it has been a real pleasure. I can honestly say that integrating this within my workflow was super easy. The modern looks and awesome touchscreen colour display make me geek out a little more every time I use it. Now it’s time for me to get back to work … stay tuned though, as I will update you in a few weeks with a look at some of the features and that all important quality assessment.
This article is sponsored by HP. Views and opinions remain my own.