Our take
The base HP Color LaserJet 4600 is a discontinued, print-only color printer rated up to 17 ppm Letter and 16 ppm A4. HP's saved material lists a 100-sheet multipurpose feeder plus a 500-sheet Tray 2, for 600 standard input sheets, and a 250-sheet output capacity. This is a substantial paper reserve for a legacy desktop printer, but it does not make the model a multifunction device or establish its current support. The base model lacks the dn configuration's documented automatic duplex hardware. Ethernet status is left unknown because the cited HP documentation conflicts; the saved evidence supports parallel, not a clean network claim.
A buyer comparing a legacy color printer who can identify the exact base or network variant and verify condition and supplies..
Avoid it if automatic duplex, verified Ethernet or Wi-Fi, current supplies and support, or a recommended monthly workload are essential purchase requirements.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- HP documents a 600-sheet standard input from a 100-sheet feeder and 500-sheet Tray 2.
- The exact-model sources list color printing at up to 17 ppm Letter and 16 ppm A4.
- Keeping the base model distinct from dn, dtn, and hdn variants avoids assuming options that may not be installed.
What to weigh up
- The base 4600 does not include the dn variant's documented automatic-duplex equipment.
- HP's saved documents conflict on built-in network status, so Ethernet is not asserted for this base configuration.
- HP marks the printer discontinued, and current supplies, service, and used-unit condition are not established.
The key details
| Model covered | 4600 |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Print only |
| Print output | Color; up to 17 ppm Letter / 16 ppm A4 |
| Two-sided printing | No standard automatic duplex; 600-sheet input |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 4, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
A legacy printer-only color option
HP identifies the Color LaserJet 4600 as a print-only color model and marks it discontinued. That makes it distinct from multifunction devices that add copy, scan, or fax, and from newer printers designed around mobile or wireless workflows. The 4600 may still interest an organization that has an existing support path for older HP equipment and simply needs color output. The sources establish the original feature set, not the condition of any current used unit. A label photo should confirm the base 4600 before a buyer applies these facts to a listing.
Paper capacity is one of its stronger documented details
HP's guide lists a 100-sheet multipurpose feeder and a 500-sheet Tray 2, giving the base printer 600 standard input sheets. The output bin holds 250 sheets. This combination can reduce reloads in a shared print area, though tray count alone does not establish a recommended monthly workload. The source packet does not provide a comparable recommended range, so a buyer should not translate a large input tray or maximum duty-cycle statement into an ongoing monthly target. Determine the actual page pattern and compare it against a sourced recommendation where available.
Do not assume the dn variant's duplexer
HP's user guide distinguishes base 4600, 4600dn, dtn, and hdn configurations. The base model does not have the dn variant's documented automatic duplex equipment. If automatic two-sided output is required, the suffix and installed accessories need direct confirmation; a title that drops the suffix is not enough. Manual duplex might be possible through a workflow, but the saved base-model packet does not establish a specific manual mode, so this review leaves that attribute unknown. Printing two-sided pages by hand is a separate process and should not be confused with built-in page turning.
Network descriptions conflict in the source set
The exact HP documentation does not provide a consistent answer about built-in Ethernet for the base 4600. The saved packet therefore keeps that attribute unknown rather than claiming that a network port is definitely included or absent. The guide does document a parallel connection. A buyer considering shared printing should request clear photos of the rear panel and the product label, and confirm that the intended print server or host works with the organization's current system. Built-in wireless is not established in the saved evidence and should not be assumed from a generic listing.
Check lifecycle, parts, and exact configuration
HP marks the 4600 discontinued, and original specifications cannot tell a buyer whether a particular printer has usable toner, a functioning imaging system, or accessible service parts today. The candidate record's historical ASIN and part clue were not proven to identify a current exact offer, so the tagged link searches the model and product code rather than directing to a guessed product page. Before purchase, verify the exact suffix, included trays, duplex hardware, ports, page count, sample output, consumables, and return terms. No current price, stock, or working condition is claimed here.
What else to compare
The Konica Minolta magicolor 5670EN has Gigabit Ethernet and optional duplex documented in its archive, while the Brother HL-L3210CW has built-in wireless but no automatic duplex and a smaller input tray.
Before you buy
Does the base Color LaserJet 4600 include automatic duplex?
No. HP distinguishes the base model from the dn configuration that documents automatic duplex equipment.
How many sheets fit in the standard input?
HP lists a 100-sheet multipurpose feeder and a 500-sheet Tray 2, totaling 600 standard input sheets.
Is built-in Ethernet confirmed for this base model?
No. HP's saved documentation conflicts on network status, so the profile leaves Ethernet unknown.
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.
- HP Color LaserJet 4600 product page and user guide ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
- HP exact-model Color LaserJet 4600 product and discontinued status ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
- HP Color LaserJet 4600 user guide, pp. 6–7 speed/tray and dn/dtn mapping; pp. 9–10 ports, duplex equipment, and output ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
- Search this model on Amazon · Tagged exact-model and product-code Amazon search; historical ASIN association is unverified ↗Paid link · We may earn a commission. — checked October 4, 2026.
The decision
The HP 4600 is worth considering only when its legacy color output and tray capacity meet a specific need. Confirm the exact variant, network ports, duplex equipment, supplies, and unit condition before buying.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.