When HP introduced the 600 dpi LaserJet 5P in 1995, they placed the printer in a very competitive position in the Small Office Home Office (SOHO) market segment by offering increased speed (6 ppm) and improved paper handling over the LaserJet 4L (PX). In 1996, the 6P was introduced with even greater speed (8 ppm) and more options for a price lower than that of the 5P.

The design of the VX cartridge is somewhat unusual as the cartridge sections are held together by 12 holding clips located around the perimeter of the cartridge instead of the more typical screws, pins or springs. While the clips can be unlatched using a flat-blade screw driver, the clips are also easily broken during this process.

The design of the VX cartridge may look almost identical to the PX (LaserJet 4L) cartridge, however there are a few differences: the VX hopper is larger than that of the PX, holding about 35% more toner; the VX is made of a dark gray plastic instead of the basic black; the VX uses a different OPC drum from that of the PX, as well as new gears and it has tighter dimensional tolerances.

HP LaserJet 6P