Our take
HP's exact LaserJet 4050 TN guide says the TN configuration includes 16 MB RAM, a JetDirect 10/100Base-TX print server, a Fast InfraRed receiver, and two 250-sheet trays. HP lists a separate optional duplex assembly, so automatic two-sided printing is not part of the standard TN bundle. A contemporaneous HP data sheet rates the 4050 series at up to 16 pages per minute. The model is a monochrome print-only legacy device. The historical Amazon association, current driver support, installed options, toner, and condition of any offered unit are not established.
A wired legacy office that wants monochrome output and two paper cassettes, and can verify an optional duplexer if needed..
Avoid it if built-in Wi-Fi, standard automatic duplex, copy or scan functions, or current network and driver support are required without additional verification.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- The exact TN guide confirms a standard JetDirect 10/100Base-TX network card.
- Two 250-sheet trays provide more standard paper reserve than a single basic cassette.
- The optional C4123A duplexer is identified by HP for automatic two-sided printing.
What to weigh up
- Automatic duplex is optional and should not be assumed included.
- The model is a legacy mono printer without copy, scan, or fax functions.
- Current supply availability, unit condition, and operating-system support are unknown.
The key details
| Model covered | 4050tn |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Print only |
| Print output | Monochrome laser; up to 16 ppm |
| Two-sided printing | Two standard 250-sheet trays; automatic duplexer optional |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 10, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
The TN suffix specifies a wired network bundle
HP's User's Guide names the 4050 TN separately and lists its standard 10/100Base-TX JetDirect print server and Fast InfraRed receiver. That is useful for an older office that can keep a wired network queue or a compatible direct connection. Do not treat the N, T, or base 4050 variants as interchangeable: the suffix affects network and paper configuration. HP documents the TN model as a printer, not an all-in-one. Check the rear network slot, product label, and connection plan before buying a refurbished unit.
Two 250-sheet trays are part of the TN setup
The exact TN guide lists two standard 250-sheet trays, in addition to the printer's multipurpose feed path. Separate cassettes can keep common office stock apart and create a useful reserve for a small wired queue. That paper handling is a documented distinction from the N configuration, which has a single 500-sheet tray. Confirm both 250-sheet cassettes and the feed path are present; optional 500-sheet accessories or replacement trays should not be assumed from a family photo or generic listing.
Automatic duplex requires a separate assembly
HP lists duplex assembly C4123A as an accessory for two-sided output, not as standard TN equipment. The base 4050tn therefore should not be matched to a must-have for automatic duplex unless the seller verifies that the assembly is installed. The guide does not establish manual duplex as a separate supported matching feature, so that remains unknown. A two-sided demonstration can confirm the exact unit's current operation, but it cannot change what the base configuration includes or prove the state of a different device in a marketplace listing.
Rated speed does not describe the current machine
HP's 4050 series data sheet gives a maximum print speed of 16 pages per minute. This is a manufacturer rating for a particular test condition rather than a promise about mixed jobs, first-page timing, network load, or an aged machine. The exact guide and data sheet do not establish a comparable recommended monthly range in the reviewed material, so no volume endpoints are assigned. Estimate routine work and seek current maintenance information; do not use a maximum duty-cycle figure or tray capacity as a monthly recommendation.
Assess a legacy printer as a used device
The HP documentation identifies the model's intended configuration but cannot report the page count, fuser state, toner level, roller wear, or service history of a listing. Ask for the TN model label, a printed sample, a network test, confirmation of both cassettes, and a demonstration of any optional duplexer. Verify that the office's current computers can send jobs through a compatible driver and network setup. This model is best considered when a wired legacy workflow is already understood, not as a plug-and-play wireless replacement.
What else to compare
Choose a newer duplex-ready model if wireless setup or current driver support matters more than the TN's wired legacy configuration.
Before you buy
Does the standard 4050tn include Ethernet?
Yes. HP's exact TN guide lists a JetDirect 10/100Base-TX network card in the standard configuration.
Is automatic duplex built into every 4050tn?
No. HP lists duplex assembly C4123A as a separate optional accessory, so verify it on the exact unit.
How many paper trays are standard on the TN model?
HP documents two standard 250-sheet trays for the 4050 TN configuration.
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 LaserJet 4050/4050T/4050N/4050TN User's Guide ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- HP exact 4050 TN User's Guide: standard JetDirect card, two trays, and optional duplex assembly ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- HP LaserJet 4050 series data sheet mirrored by Laser Express: rated print speed and product numbers ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- HP U.S. support page identifying the exact LaserJet 4050tn product ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
The decision
The 4050tn can serve a wired monochrome queue when its exact trays and JetDirect card are present; verify the optional duplexer and current device condition.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.