Computers & Office · PRODUCT REVIEW

HP
Color LaserJet 1600 Printer

Low-volume color output from a direct USB connection. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

Buyer Shortlists editorial·Updated
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THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

The HP Color LaserJet 1600 is a discontinued print-only color printer with a deliberately limited role. HP lists up to 8 pages per minute in both black and color, manual duplex, a 250-sheet main input tray plus a one-sheet priority slot, and a recommended monthly volume of 250–1,000 pages. Its documented connection is USB 2.0, and HP says the model is not network-ready. That makes it a direct-connected, low-volume option rather than a shared office default. The historical ASIN is not verified to identify an exact current listing, and present condition, drivers, and toner availability are unknown.

Consider it for

A buyer assessing a low-volume legacy color printer for one USB-connected workstation after checking drivers and supplies..

Look elsewhere if

Avoid it if you need fast color runs, Wi-Fi or Ethernet sharing, automatic two-sided printing, scanning, copying, or dependable current supplies.

Pros & cons

What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.

What works in its favor

  • HP gives a specific 250–1,000 page monthly recommendation for planning a modest print routine.
  • The 250-sheet main tray and separate priority slot offer two documented paper paths.
  • USB 2.0 provides a defined direct connection for a single workstation.

What to weigh up

  • Black and color output are both rated up to 8 ppm, which limits frequent color jobs.
  • Duplex is manual, and the model is not network-ready for built-in shared printing.
  • The printer is discontinued; compatible modern drivers, supplies, and the condition of an offer are unknown.

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredColor LaserJet 1600
Main functionsColor laser; print only
Print outputUp to 8 ppm black and color; recommended 250–1,000 pages/month
Two-sided printingManual duplex; USB 2.0; 250-sheet main tray plus one-sheet priority slot

Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 4, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.

What the features mean for you

Occasional color is the right starting point

HP's Color LaserJet 1600 is a single-function color printer rather than an all-in-one. Its recommended monthly range is 250–1,000 pages, which gives a more useful picture of the intended routine than the maximum duty-cycle number. That recommendation can fit forms, occasional reports, and the color page that a black-only device cannot handle. It is a weak match for a department producing color packets throughout the day. Before choosing it, separate the need for occasional color from the assumption that any color laser printer will support a busy shared queue.

The rated speed is the same in black and color

HP lists up to 8 pages per minute for monochrome and color output. That is a modest specification for both types of job, and color-heavy work does not benefit from a faster black-only number. Actual output can vary with the document and setup, so the rating is not an expected time for every page. Buyers who need only a few color sheets may accept this trade-off, while a group waiting on repeated charts or presentations should compare faster equipment. The printer does not add copy, scan, or fax functions to offset its narrow output role.

Manual two-sided handling and a small priority feed

The model-specific HP specifications identify manual duplex. The user can produce a two-sided document by handling the pages, but the printer does not automatically turn them. That distinction matters when double-sided printing is a routine requirement rather than an occasional convenience. Paper handling includes a 250-sheet main tray and a one-sheet priority slot. These capacities support a modest desktop use case but do not establish any additional tray options. If two-sided packets are frequent, compare an auto-duplex model and ask for a sample from any used 1600 before buying.

USB-only placement limits sharing

HP documents one USB 2.0 connection and states that the Color LaserJet 1600 is not network ready. A nearby computer can serve as the direct host, but built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet are not part of the documented feature set. A seller's description of a printer as suitable for a small office does not override the model specification. If several people need to send jobs, verify a specific print-sharing arrangement or select a networked printer. Wireless or wired-network answers remain no for the base model in the finder because the official material establishes the USB-only role.

Lifecycle and seller condition deserve attention

HP marks the Color LaserJet 1600 discontinued. The historical ASIN B000LRJZ2Q is not accepted as proof that a present marketplace offer contains this exact model or variant. The official specification page does not determine current driver compatibility, toner supply, price, stock, or the physical state of an offered unit. Check the product label, print a color sample, test manual duplex and USB from the intended computer, and confirm return terms. This review evaluates published model facts; it does not claim to have inspected a particular printer or verified a current Amazon offer.

What else to compare

Compare a networked color printer with automatic duplex for shared use, or a color MFP if scanning and copying are part of the job.

Explore this category →

Before you buy

Can the Color LaserJet 1600 print two-sided automatically?

No. HP specifies manual duplex, which requires the user to handle the paper between sides.

Can I share it over Wi-Fi or Ethernet?

HP says the model is not network ready and lists USB 2.0 as its connection.

What monthly use does HP recommend?

HP gives a recommended range of 250–1,000 pages per month for this model.

Where can I check the current price?

Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.

Sources & review basis

We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.

Read our research and update process →

The decision

The Color LaserJet 1600 is only a sensible shortlist candidate when its slow, USB-only and manual-duplex limits are acceptable.

Is it the right fit?

Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.