My first printer was an Epson 100. The thing sounded like a grain grinder at the country mill. It was so loud and abnoxious I was tempted to build it it's own sound proof box. The quality was poor but then again it was the poor man's (me) color inkjet. It also took 5 minutes for the darn thing to start up because it had to run it's routine check up each time you powered it up.

Well, look at what we have here, an HP 720C!

I first saw it's twin sibling, the 722C, at my aunt's house and boy was it quiet, smooth, and fast! I looked online and found the 720C and 722C. What's the difference? The 722C comes with a bunch of software while the 720C gives you just the essentials (drivers). The 720C is aimed at the corporate business user, while you guessed it, the 722C goes home. You save more by buying the 720C because it doesn't come with all the expensive software. Trust me, you can live without the software they include. Unless of course, you have a software fetish. ;)

Print quality is very good, even when using Fast Econo mode. It comes with Kodak's image enhancements so digital pictures print nicely, even on mediocre paper. Get some premium photo paper and you can make your own reprints.

The 720C/722C are also a snap to install. Simply plug the printer in and pop the CD into your CD ROM and follow the prompts. It's a no brainer.

Paper handling is superb. I've never had a jam in my 3 years of using this printer. But in case I do there's the security of knowing that there is an access door in the rear to the paper path so taking apart the printer won't be necessary.

As with any inkjet, if you print lots and lots of black and white documents, you're better off investing in a personal laserjet. Black ink cartridges can quickly rack up expenses in your pocketbook without you knowing it.

Bottom line, this is a great personal inkjet. Great print quality, quiet operation and a great value for your money. Not to mention that HP makes good printers too.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 100 (online)
Operating System: Windows