HP DesignJet Quick Guide

HP DesignJet Plotter Selection Guide for Malaysian Firms

Confused by T120, T520, T830, Z6, or XL models? This guide helps Malaysian architects, engineers, and print shops choose the right HP DesignJet based on your actual needs—not marketing specs. Skip the confusion, find your match.

Find Your Perfect Plotter

We've simplified the selection process. Whether you need a compact WiFi printer for a home office, a rugged unit for a construction site, or a high-volume production machine, there is an HP DesignJet for you.

Explore our recommendations below to make an informed choice.

Start Selection Tool

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Based on Your Role

🏠
Small Office / Freelancer

You need: Compact, affordable, WiFi printing.
Best fit: T120, T250
Why: Fits under desk, prints from laptop anywhere.
Cost: Lowest entry price.

🏢
Architecture / Engineering Firm

You need: Fast, reliable, A1 daily printing.
Best fit: T520, T650
Why: Proven workhorse, easy maintenance.
Popular in: 90% of Malaysian AEC offices.

🏗️
Construction Site Office

You need: Water-resistant, dustproof, tough.
Best fit: T850, T950
Why: Survives site conditions, prints don't smudge.
Bonus: Monsoon-proof for Malaysian weather.

📄
Need to Scan Old Drawings

You need: Print + Scan + Copy in one.
Best fit: T830 MFP, T2600 MFP
Why: Digitize archives, scan-to-email.
Perfect for: Firms with 20+ year old projects.

🎨
Graphics / Posters / Signage

You need: Color accuracy, vibrant prints.
Best fit: Z6, Z9+ Series
Why: 9-color ink, Pantone matching.
For: Print shops, design studios.

🏭
High Volume Production

You need: 100+ A1 sheets daily.
Best fit: XL 3800, T2600
Why: Auto-stack, dual-roll, 6 A1/min speed.
Users: Main contractors, government depts.

💰
Tight Budget / Startup

You need: Lowest cost entry.
Best fit: Refurbished T120, T520
Why: Save 40-60%, tested & guaranteed.
Ideal for: New firms, students.
View Refurbished →

📱
Print From Anywhere

You need: Mobile, cloud, remote printing.
Best fit: Any WiFi model (T250+)
Why: Print from site, home, client office.
Works with: Phones, tablets, cloud storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between T-series and Z-series?

T-series: For CAD, blueprints, technical drawings. Uses 4-color or 6-color ink. Good line accuracy.

Z-series: For graphics, posters, photos. Uses 9-color ink with spectrophotometer. Pantone matching.

Simple rule: Engineers use T-series. Graphic designers use Z-series.

Do I really need MFP (scan/copy) function?

You NEED MFP if:

  • You have archive drawings from 1990s-2000s to digitize
  • You receive paper markups from consultants
  • You scan-to-email for authority submissions
  • You copy contractor shop drawings for review

Skip MFP if: You only print new CAD files or budget is tight.

A1 vs A0: Which size should I choose?

A1 (24-inch) if: Most Malaysian firms use this. Fits standard drawing formats. Cheaper ink costs. Smaller office footprint.

A0 (36-inch) if: You print master plans, large site layouts, township projects, or work with consultants who submit A0 drawings.

Reality check: 90% of Malaysian AEC firms use A1 daily.

Refurbished vs New: Is refurbished reliable?

Refurbished advantages: Save 40-60% cost. Same print quality. We replace printheads & maintenance parts. Includes warranty.

Best for: Startups, students, home offices, backup plotters.

Get new if: You need latest features (cloud printing, PostScript), want 3-year warranty, or high daily volume.

View Refurbished Stock →

What about ink costs? Which model is cheapest to run?

Lowest ink cost per page: XL 3800 (bulk ink), T2600 (high-capacity).
Moderate cost: T520, T650, T830.
Higher cost: Z-series, T120/T250.
High-volume users save money with XL/T2600. Low-volume users don't worry about ink cost—initial price matters more.

Can I print from my phone or tablet?

Yes, if your plotter has WiFi. All modern models (T250 onwards) support HP Smart app, cloud storage printing, and email-to-print.

Side-by-Side Model Comparisons

T120 vs T250

Same: Compact size, WiFi

Difference: T250 has touchscreen, faster

Recommendation: T250 worth the upgrade for daily use

Compare A1 Models →

T520 vs T650

Same: A1 workhorse, reliable

Difference: T650 has better security, touchscreen

Recommendation: T520 best value for most firms

View Pricing →

T830 vs T2600 MFP

Same: Print+Scan+Copy

Difference: T2600 has dual-roll, PostScript, higher speed

Recommendation: T830 for normal firms, T2600 for production

Compare MFP →

Z6 vs Z9+

Same: 9-color graphics printing

Difference: Z9+ has PostScript, vertical trimmer, production features

Recommendation: Z6 for studios, Z9+ for print shops

Graphics Models →

T850 vs T950

Same: A0 size, water-resistant ink

Difference: T950 has PostScript, faster, MFP option

Recommendation: T850 for site offices, T950 for main office

A0 Models →

New vs Refurbished

Same: Print quality identical

Difference: Refurbished saves 40-60%, shorter warranty

Recommendation: Refurbished perfect for startups & backup units

Refurbished Stock →

A1 vs A0 Size

A1: 594×841mm, most common

A0: 841×1189mm, large projects

Recommendation: Start with A1, upgrade to A0 if needed

All Sizes →

Single vs Dual-Roll

Single: One media type

Dual: Switch media instantly

Recommendation: Dual-roll only for production shops

Dual-Roll Models →

Browse HP DesignJet Models by Category

📐

A1 Plotters (24-inch)

T120, T250, T520, T650, T830

View A1 Models →
📏

A0 Plotters (36-inch)

T730, T850, T950, T2600

View A0 Models →
🔄

MFP (Print+Scan+Copy)

T830, T850, T950, T2600

View MFP Models →
🎨

Graphics Printers

Z6, Z9+ (9-color ink)

View Z-Series →
🏭

High-Volume Production

XL 3800, T2600 (100+ sheets/day)

View XL Models →
💰

Refurbished Plotters

Save 40-60% with warranty

View Refurbished →

Found Your Perfect Match?

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