Duplex adapter for HP LaserJet 4[M] Plus: user experience?

[Jonathan Sachs]

My HP LaserJet 4M Plus is ancient, but it still works well and I'm happy
with it except that I'd like to be able to do duplex printing.

I see that I can get a duplex printing attachment for the printer on eBay
for about $120, including shipping. That looks like a much better deal than
$1500 or so for a new printer with duplex capability built in.

My question: how robust are these gadgets? If I buy one in good condition
and treat it well, is it going to last as long as my printer, or is it
likely to need an adjustment in a few months that would cost more than it's
worth?

 

[Bob Eager]

I see that I can get a duplex printing attachment for the printer on eBay
for about $120, including shipping. That looks like a much better deal than
$1500 or so for a new printer with duplex capability built in.

My question: how robust are these gadgets? If I buy one in good condition
and treat it well, is it going to last as long as my printer, or is it
likely to need an adjustment in a few months that would cost more than it's
worth?

I have two of them, and they've both worked fine for 1 and 2 years
respectively. They look as rugged as the rest of the printer.

 

[Paul Rubin]

I see that I can get a duplex printing attachment for the printer on eBay
for about $120, including shipping. That looks like a much better deal than
$1500 or so for a new printer with duplex capability built in.

You can get a used HP duplex printer for $300 or less. You can get a
new HP 2300D for $600 or so and it's around a 20 ppm printer with a
266 mhz processor, way faster than the 4M. There are some even less
expensive duplex printers from Minolta and others, but I'm not
familiar with specific models. I bought a used HP 2200D for $300 and
I'd say it's less heavy-duty than a 4M, but it's much smaller and for
my light-duty usage, it's great.