What do printer model suffixes mean?
There are literally hundreds of printers in production, and when you include models that are no longer being produced, the number of printers we have to index and check cartridge compatibility for here at Ink Factory runs into thousands.
Printer model names and numbers can be quite confusing, often a printer model may differ by only one letter at the end - it's helpful to know what those suffixes mean so you can tell if it's the same as another printer or a different device altogether.
After more than a decade of cataloguing printers, we've compiled a list of what the letters on the end of a printer model signify.
Printer model suffixes
| D | Duplex | Fully automatic double-sided printing |
| C | Colour | Indicates the device is a colour printer |
| LS | Low speed | Often a cheaper reduced speed model of a printer |
| M | Macintosh | The printer has a Postscript module installed |
| MFP | Multi-function printer | The device does more than one function, also known as “all in one”, possible functions include print, scan, copy, fax. Refer to the manual. |
| N | Network ready | Printer has a built-in network card so you can connect it to your network so multiple users can print to it - rather than plugging it into your computer. Printers that are network ready are often called “workgroup printers”. |
| P | Postscript or Personal | Depending on the printer manufacturer, P may denote that Postscript is supported, or on newer (particularly inkjet printers) it most likely stands for “Personal” and denotes that the printer is ideal for individual or very light use by a small team |
| S | Paper stacker or Stapler | The printer includes a paper stacker (for high volume output) or, the device features a stapler – both apply mainly to large volume “enterprise” printers (like Laserjet or other laser printers) and are not likely to apply to a domestic inkjet printer |
| SE | Special Edition | Refers to the marketing or bundling of the product and not the device specification |
| Si | HP large volume printer | Large volume HP printers carry this suffix |
| T | Additional paper tray | An extra paper tray means you can keep your printer loaded with more than one type of paper, e.g. plain paper and letterheaded paper |
| W | Wireless Network ready | Device has a built-in wireless network card so you can connect it to your network wireless for multiple users to access rather than plugging it into your computer. See “Network Ready”. |
| X | Combination of features | This commonly means that the device has multiple features such as duplex and networking. You should refer to the device specification. |