Our take
HP's U.S. store identifies the LaserJet 5100tn as product Q1861A#ABA. HP's configuration guide describes a 22 ppm monochrome laser printer with a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, a 250-sheet tray, a 500-sheet tray, 32 MB of memory and a Fast Ethernet Jetdirect print server. It supports paper through 11x17, giving this model a specific role for larger black-and-white office pages. The tn does not include the duplex accessory that distinguishes the 5100dtn, so recurring two-sided work needs manual handling or a separate confirmed configuration. HP marks it discontinued, and the sources reviewed do not establish a recommended monthly workload. Treat it as an exact older configuration to inspect, not as a guarantee about any seller's unit.
A wired office that needs monochrome 11x17 documents and multiple loaded paper stocks, and can assess older equipment and its condition..
Skip it if you need color, automatic duplex as standard, copy or scan functions, built-in Wi-Fi, current product support, or a documented recommended monthly range.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- HP documents support for 11x17 pages, which opens larger monochrome jobs beyond standard Letter output.
- The tn configuration includes 100-, 250- and 500-sheet trays for keeping several stocks loaded.
- A Fast Ethernet Jetdirect server is part of the documented tn build for wired office use.
- The model identity and product number are listed on HP's U.S. store page.
What to weigh up
- The 5100tn is discontinued, so verify the exact machine's condition, installed parts and seller return terms.
- The duplex accessory is included with the 5100dtn, not the 5100tn configuration described here.
- HP's reviewed sources do not provide a recommended monthly page range for workload matching.
- There is no documented built-in wireless connection for this tn configuration.
The key details
| Model covered | 5100tn (Q1861A#ABA) |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Monochrome print only; 22 ppm and supports 11x17 |
| Print output | 100-sheet multipurpose, 250-sheet and 500-sheet trays; no included auto duplex |
| Two-sided printing | Fast Ethernet Jetdirect server; no recommended monthly volume documented |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 9, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
The tn suffix defines a wired large-format build
The LaserJet 5100 family includes base, tn and dtn configurations. HP's U.S. product page identifies the 5100tn and product number Q1861A#ABA; HP's guide describes the tn with three trays, 32 MB of memory and a Jetdirect Fast Ethernet print server. The model can handle media up to 11x17, which matters for larger monochrome charts and spreadsheets. Check the product label rather than accepting a broad 5100 family title, because tray and duplex equipment differ across suffixes. The historical listing's ASIN has not been mapped to this exact HP part ([HP 5100tn page](https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-laserjet-5100tn-printer); [HP 5100 series guide](https://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/bpl11849.pdf)).
Three trays support different paper routines
HP documents a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, a 250-sheet tray and a 500-sheet tray in the tn configuration. Keeping common paper in the larger tray and a less common stock in another can reduce the need to swap paper for every job. This arrangement is useful only when the installed trays match the configuration and are in working order, so check the physical unit and its product label. The broad paper-size support includes 11x17, but the guides' media size and weight limits still apply. The 5100tn is a printer, not a multifunction device, so the trays support output rather than copying or scanning originals.
A 22 ppm rating needs context
HP describes the 5100tn as a 22 pages per minute monochrome printer. The rating helps distinguish its intended document role, but it does not guarantee the time for a specific file or for an older machine. Large pages, driver processing, warm-up and the condition of rollers or other components can change the actual routine. Buyers comparing it with a modern printer should compare the exact page size and job conditions as well as the headline rate. The cited sources do not provide a recommended monthly volume, so the speed figure cannot stand in for workload guidance.
Fast Ethernet is standard, Wi-Fi is not documented
HP states that the tn includes a Jetdirect print server for Fast Ethernet. That provides a wired path for a shared printer queue; it does not establish built-in wireless networking. A wireless print server appears among optional accessories in HP's family materials, so do not assume an accessory is installed just because a seller calls a printer network ready. Confirm the actual port panel and network card if Ethernet sharing is essential. The profile keeps wireless separate from Ethernet because these are different needs and the user should not need to infer them from the tn suffix.
Do not confuse the tn with the dtn duplex package
HP describes the 5100dtn as adding an automatic duplex printing accessory to the tn features. The 5100tn review therefore does not count automatic two-sided printing as a standard feature. People who routinely produce double-sided packets should either plan to refeed sheets manually or choose a configuration whose included duplexer is confirmed. Avoid relying on a generic family listing or a photograph: an accessory may have been removed, sold separately or paired with a different suffix. The available sources do not separately confirm a manual-duplex driver mode for the exact tn model, so that detail remains open.
Plan around an older discontinued printer
HP marks the 5100tn discontinued. That is a lifecycle description, not a claim about current availability or whether a particular unit is sound. Ask a seller to confirm the actual suffix, tray count, network card, print test and page count, and inspect the offered return or warranty terms. The manufacturer guide explains the intended build, but it cannot establish service history for an individual used machine. This model is easiest to evaluate when the buyer already knows why 11x17 monochrome output and separate tray stocks matter. If the requirements are ordinary Letter pages and wireless access, a different printer may be easier to fit.
What else to compare
Compare the 5100dtn only if its duplex accessory is confirmed, or a newer mono printer if wireless networking and current support are required.
Before you buy
What is included with the HP LaserJet 5100tn?
HP documents a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, 250-sheet tray, 500-sheet tray, 32 MB memory and Fast Ethernet Jetdirect.
Does the 5100tn include automatic duplex?
HP says the duplex accessory is included with the 5100dtn configuration; it is not listed as standard on the 5100tn.
Can the 5100tn print 11x17 pages?
Yes. HP's 5100 series guide documents support for media through 11x17 on this printer family.
What monthly workload does HP recommend?
The manufacturer sources reviewed here do not state a recommended monthly page range for the 5100tn.
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 U.S. LaserJet 5100tn product identity and Q1861A#ABA ↗ — checked October 9, 2026.
- HP U.S. LaserJet 5100tn product identity and Q1861A#ABA ↗ — checked October 9, 2026.
- HP LaserJet 5100 series guide: tn tray, Ethernet, speed, media and dtn duplex distinction ↗ — checked October 9, 2026.
The decision
The 5100tn is a wired mono 11x17 printer with three included trays, but no standard duplex accessory or cited workload range. Confirm the exact suffix and physical build.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.