I wanted a white 20-pound paper (8 1/2" x 11") that not only looked good but also worked in all my office machines. That’s where HP MultiPurpose Paper by Hewlett Packard comes into play.


Description

The HP MultiPurpose Paper that I buy comes 500 sheets to a package. Each ream of paper is packaged in a plastic-coated wrapping that resists ripping. If a full case of paper is purchased, there are ten reams in the carton.

Each smooth sheet of paper measures 8 1/2" x 11". The paper is a “bright white” with a brightness rating of 96. (The brightness rating is a scale of 1-100 and is determined by how much light is reflected from the paper’s surface under a special blue light.) This paper is acid free, meaning that it has a neutral pH reading of 7.

The paper weight is 20-pound. Typically, paper that feeds through a copier, fax machine or printer has a standard weight of 20-pounds. The higher the pound number, the thicker, heavier and more opaque the paper is. To give you an idea of paper weights, cardstock for greeting cards has a weight between 60-65 pounds.


My Experiences

I have used this paper in laser printers, inkjet printers, photocopiers and fax machines. In every instance, the paper has performed well. It feeds smoothly through the machines. Occasionally (infrequently) there is a paper jam, but I blame the equipment rather than the paper.

Since this paper has a high brightness, the sheets always look professional. The black toner comes out crisp and sharp on the page. When I use this in the inkjet printer, the colors are rich. Inks dry quickly, too. The print is easy to read, and graphics look great.

The paper also performs well in photocopiers and fax machines. I have filled the photocopier paper bin with this paper and run multiple copies, sorting them with the photocopier’s document sorter. The paper feeds through the machine with smooth precision. It doesn’t crease or crumple as it travels through the machine.

I’ve been using this paper for years with consistent results. A benefit of this paper is that it does not yellow with age. I have documents dating back at least ten years that were printed on this paper. The paper is white and looks great. Handling it is easy, too. Even ten years old, the paper shows no brittle qualities.

I use this HP MultiPurpose Paper for a variety of print jobs. Not only do I use it for correspondence, but I print my manuscripts on this paper. I also use it to produce book dummies which include text and black-and-white illustrations. When I take classes on the internet, I print web pages and notes. I’ve also printed master documents on this paper, and then used this paper in the copy machine to make duplicates.

Before loading a machine with paper, I make sure to fan the edges of the paper stack. This flushes a layer of air between the pages and makes for easier, more even feeding through the machine. The movement also helps to discharge any static electricity.

If the entire ream of paper does not fit into the machine, I make sure to seal the package again ... or keep the ream in a closed cardboard box (such as the carton the reams of paper are packaged in). This storage method helps prevent humidity from entering the paper. Humidity can curl the paper and adversely affect print quality.


Purchasing

This paper is widely available. I have purchased it in a case of ten reams, or a half case of five reams, and sometimes a few reams at a time if I find a good sale. Staples sells a case for $40.99 and one ream for $4.49. OfficeMax sells a half-case for $23.99 and one ream for $4.99.


Summary

I will continue to use HP MultiPurpose Paper. I like the way it consistently performs well in my various office machines. The paper is a bright white that presents a professional image for my documents, whether they are printed with a toner or inkjet cartridges.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews

Avery File Folder Labels for both inkjet and laser printers

Avery Mailing Labels #5160

Avery Shipping Labels #5164

Avery White Multi-Purpose Labels

Avery Labels – When Small Labels are Needed

Avery 1 1/4" Round Labels

Avery Fluorescent Rectangular Labels

Avery Blank White Business Cards

Quality Clasp Envelopes 9"x12"

Stanley Heavy-Duty Stapler for up to 120 sheets

Swingline Electric 3-Hole Punch

Staples.com (Online Store)


Copyright 2006 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes