The BX engine and cartridge were first introduced in 1992. At the time, the BX-based printer was a significant addition to the laser printer market because it was the first affordable (about $3,500) tabloid-sized printer in the 7-10 ppm market segment. The BXII engine was later introduced in the HP LaserJet 4V (1994) which offered 16 ppm, double the print speed of the BX, and enhanced 600 dpi resolution. Both machines were discontinued in 1998 with the introduction of the HP 5000, a 16 ppm, 1200 dpi, b-sized printer.
The design of the BX cartridge is similar to the LX cartridge, but of a larger tabloid size. All of the components are accessible for replacement. The BXII cartridge exhibits the same physical design of the BX cartridge, however, the drum and toner have been upgraded to accommodate the enhanced resolution, higher print speed and the PowerSave option of the new engine.