Those in search of a functional mono laser printer that produces impeccable results at an impressive pace need look no further: your chariot has arrived. Not only does HP’s LaserJet P4515x provide all the functions, connections and paper trays you’ll ever need for medium-volume document printing, it also manages a blisteringly fast print speed at an extremely high line density. If you’re willing to spend the money and need the quality, the P4515x is definitely worth the outlay.

Unsurprisingly, the most noticeable aspect about the P4515x is its size. Though we aren’t overly surprised about how big it is for a desktop printer, the unit is an odd height which makes desk placement awkward — our normal printer placement made the P4515x too high for normal use.

Still, given the amount of functionality built into the P4515x, the printer’s size is justifiable. It boasts USB and Ethernet connectivity, three paper trays for 1100-sheet paper input capacity, and an automatic duplex unit as standard. The P4515x also offers 128MB of memory — enough for most purposes — and is upgradeable to a maximum of 640MB, though this isn’t as easily done as it is with HP’s LaserJet M2727nf.

The P4515x is built like a workhorse, capable of a monthly duty cycle of 275,000 pages. The high-capacity toner cartridge is rated at 24,000 pages. At an average cost of 1.8c per page, the P4515x is fairly cheap to run.

As with most of HP’s printers in this medium-volume range, the P4515x’s control panel is only capable of fairly basic tasks. The printer can provide configuration and status settings through a detailed print-out, but most advanced administration tasks are relegated to the printer’s Web interface. The interface provides even more detailed information on the printer’s supplies and access to a comprehensive range of options; there is the option to automatically send e-mail alerts to a nominated address for remote administration. The printer’s drivers give users quick access to the printer’s Job Storage modes, providing options for both PIN-access secure printing and making duplicate copies without a PC. The printer can also be configured for 802.1X security authentication through the Web interface, and HTTPS Web management for secure administration from afar. These features aren’t unique, but they are definitely welcome.

In keeping with HP’s comparatively modest advertised print speeds, the P4515x manages to exceed its purported speeds in the real world. Whereas HP suggests a maximum print speed of 62 pages per minute, our testing showed the printer could effortlessly print at closer to 64ppm, with the first page out in 15.3 seconds. These speeds are consistent across the printer’s four quality settings — FastRes 600 dots per inch, 1200dpi, 1200dpi (132 lines per inch) and 1200dpi (180lpi) — making the printer extremely fast regardless of quality. We didn’t seem to run into the same pausing problem that we noticed on the less expensive LaserJet P4015n (although this seems to have been a once-off issue with connectivity problem rather than the printer itself).

Like the LaserJet P4015n, we were amazed at the quality of text produced at 1200dpi with 180lpi line density. The P4515x’s ability to print at a higher line density than comparable printers allows text to be much cleaner and accurate. Text from the printer is less bold in standard 100lpi documents and, as a result, documents are much more readable. Unfortunately, though the printer can handle any media up to 200gsm in thickness using its multipurpose tray, the printer is restricted to 120gsm sheets when using either of its paper cassettes, making it impractical for printing large volumes of high-gloss presentation material.

Though the P4515x certainly carries a hefty price tag, the right combination of performance, durability and functionality make it well worth the outlay.