I wanted it to work so bad...
Written: Jan 19 '03 (Updated Jan 29 '03)
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Pros: Does everything, great print quality
Cons: Connection Problems
The Bottom Line: Probably a great printer, but it wouldn't work with my computer. :(
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| rdhoss's Full Review: Hewlett Packard OfficeJet D135 All-In-One InkJet P... |
I was recently blessed with the ability to work from home. I knew that I needed a new printer, and decided to go ahead and get an "all in one" type of machine to take care of scanning, copying, faxing and printing.
I researched the various options and decided on the HP based upon HP's reputation for quality printers. I bought mine from Best Buy.
I got the machine home and unpacked it. I needed to move things around in my office because of the size of this new printer. Setting it up was pretty easy. In the box was the printer, software, manual, some sample paper, and the ink cartridges and print heads. There is a nice poster that details the set up instructions. First, I installed the software on my computer. I then installed the ink cartridges and print heads and plugged the printer into my computer. (BTW-USB cable is NOT included in the box).
There was some final software set up that occured with the computer detected the printer. I stepped through everything and all seemed well.
I printed some test pages, and the software displayed an error saying that the printer was not connected. I verified the cables were connected and retried, but with no luck.
I went to the HP support web site and stepped through the lengthy document they had detailing connection problems. Nothing worked. I uninstalled the software, reinstalled it and still no luck.
I was wondering if there was an issue with my Windows installation, so I went ahead and rebuilt my machine and reinstalled Windows XP. I installed the printer, and it still didn't work.
I then thought that maybe I had a defective unit, so I took it back and got another one. I brought it home and had the same result.
I've since bought an Epson Stylus CX3200, which seems to be working great. It doesn't fax, but it also was $250 less than this HP (and it included a USB cable!).
I think the HP would have been a great product for me, but I guess my machine just doesn't like it. If you have a Gateway computer that is about 2 years old, and you're running Windows XP, maybe you should try a different printer.
For the record, the system I am trying to connect the printer to is a Gateway Select with Athlon 850MHZ processor. The computer is about 2 years old. I tried connecting the printer directly to the USB port on the back of the computer as well as to a powered USB hub. I got the same results either way.
Update - 1/29/2003
After dealing with various printers for the last few weeks, I've finally determined that the problem is with my computer. I've tried several USB printers, and they all had the same problem. The d135 disconnected much quicker than the other models I tried (Epson Stylus CX3200, for example), but all did disconnect eventually. I think this printer is an excellent product, I just have a defective USB port on my computer. I would recommend this printer to anybody who can use USB to connect their printers.
I've since found an HP OfficeJet k80 that is similar to this printer, but it has a parallel port that I am now using. It's a great printer, but has been discontinued by HP.
My original rating was "Below Average," but now I've decided to upgrade it to "Above Average," based upon my experience with the printer - my computer problems not withstanding.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 399
Operating System: Windows
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Epinions.com ID:
rdhoss
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Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 1 member
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