legar's Full Review: Hewlett Packard P8250 InkJet Photo Printer
Most of my printers have been HP, and except for a $39.00 "bargain" that came bundled with a desktop, I've been happy with the brand. My biggest gripe was that none of my photos ever came out truly borderless or of professional print quality. I didn't, however, see the practicality of buying a photo printer on a tight budget when I use a printer heavily both at home and for school projects. (I teach, and color printers just aren't passed out with room keys!)
Enter the HP Photosmart 8250. I took the plunge about 2 years ago and have patted myself on the back ever since.
The printer works beautifully on digital photos--my children now ask me for prints instead of politely declining. Colors (using the Vivera HP inks--more in a minute) are brilliant, photos are borderless, and printing is a snap, regardless of the camera I use.
The printer plugs in with a USB connection, which means that I've been able to unplug it and take it to school for our Writers' Fair or class projects. Moving it more frequently than is recommended, probably, has had no negative impact at all, so it seems durable.
As mentioned, since I write, do lesson plans, and make a kajillion things for kids, from coloring pages to prints from a kid's camera, I use regular word processing and special graphics printing with the Photosmart, and all are perfectly functional. Even double-sided printing looks great and is easily done with my programs.
My two greatest fears when I bought my Photosmart were that it would be unsound and break down, or that the ink would be prohibitive. As mentioned, I've sort of taken the printer on road trips with no harm done, and the ink has been a pleasant surprise.
With my other printers, buying a color cartridge could hurt. (Hey, teachers get paid once a month in our district!) Looking at those tiny Vivera cartridges I thought I'd need replacements constantly--but they last far longer than I ever thought--and buying only the needed color proves economic for my uses. I've taken photos and made prints (best quality!)of 22 kids and a student teacher without replacing cartridges at all.
The Photosmart may not be for everyone, and I'm sure newer models exist--but if you can find one of these--I'd say you'll probably love it!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 89.00 Operating System: Windows
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.