The **HP Color Laser MFP 178nw** is an all-in-one color laser printer that supports printing, scanning, and copying. It uses laser technology with toner cartridges, delivering sharp black text and good color graphics primarily suited for documents, reports, and newsletters—not high-quality photo printing[1][2].
Key features:
– **Print speed:** Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) black, 4 ppm color[2][3].
– **Print resolution:** Up to 600 x 600 dpi (4 bits) for black text[2].
– **Paper capacity:** 150-sheet input tray[1][2].
– **Connectivity:** Hi-speed USB 2.0, Ethernet, built-in Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Certified, and Google Cloud Print support for mobile printing[2][3][4].
– **Functions:** Print, scan, copy with included Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to convert scanned documents into editable text[1][2].
– **Display:** 2.4-inch monochrome screen for controls[1].
– **Duty cycle:** Up to 20,000 pages per month, with a recommended monthly volume of 100-500 pages[2][3].
Limitations:
– If any color toner runs out, the printer stops all printing and cannot print only in black; similarly, if black toner runs out, color printing halts[1].
– Duplex (double-sided) printing is manual, requiring driver support[3].
– Photo print quality is poor, similar to early laser printers—best for text and color graphics rather than photos[1].
The printer is designed for small workgroups or home offices, fitting well in limited space while offering mobile printing convenience through the HP Smart app and compatible mobile services[2][3].
In summary, the HP Color Laser MFP 178nw is a compact, affordable multifunction color laser printer optimized for clear text and business graphics with practical wireless and network capabilities but limited photo printing and toner flexibility[1][2][3].