The little printer that COULD...chug...chug
Written: Apr 10 '03
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Pros: Sturdy, reliable, good-quality printer.
Cons: Envelopes may jam. Software could be more user friendly. Bulky.
The Bottom Line: I love it and can't wait for the color-coordinated versions to come out so I can ditch my 842C and get another k80!
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| austinandie's Full Review: Hewlett Packard OfficeJet K80 All-In-One InkJet Pr... |
Prelude to a GREAT printer:
Last summer I was looking for a new printer that had multifunction capabilities. That means a fax, copier, maybe-scanner, and of course, printer. I read many reviews before settling on the OfficeJet K80. This will be my fourth printer. My first was a HP. Black and White, reliable, I made many copies before "donating" it to my mother. My next was a Canon BubbleJet. This was a step up, since it was color. But I went through three printer heads (at 50-60$ each)in a couple years. I guess this is a common problem with Canon. While the ink cartridges are a little cheaper, you have this added expense (if you can figure the problem out). My aunt had the same problem with Canon...figure the odds.
I donated the Canon and got another HP (the ink cartridges are high, but I sometimes refill...). I bought the 842C based on reviews (not here, but CNET). It was a good little printer. I then found out I needed to have fax and other office capabilities from home. Enter the K80.
The purchase:
This was LAST summer (2002), so they were still a bit high and I got it from an Internet merchant. It was about 180$, I believe I got a rebate or coupon. It was packed well and had all the parts (without the printer cord that most don't have anyway).
The software:
As with alot of printer software, it loads a bunch of CRAP on your computer that you will NEVER use and takes up memory. It does load a little less crap than Canon does and is easier to disable. Like most users, I like to "plug it in" and "go". I hate reading instructions. It came with big color connection diagrahms! Can't miss that. The HP director is the main program that asks you if you want fax/print/scan/copy. The copy/scan works without the computer being on. Figuring out the best quality is harrowing if you are not so technically proficient. Perhaps they all need a "dummies" edition of software! It has worked great with my Win98SE.
The size:
I personally don't like the size/design of this printer, but I don't know if they could have done as much with another design. I am so happy with it, it could look like a artichoke and I would be happy (and why can't we now get printers in different colors like other things?).
The jobs:
I have printed (ad nauseum), faxed (lord, how easy can this get?), copied (could we have a better catch tray than the floor?), and scanned (this is the hardest to "tweek").
The printer functions great. I have printed thousands of sheets (I got to freeinkjets) and I get hundreds of sheets to each cartridge (sorry, I haven't tried refilling with this one). It is sometimes tempermental and when it runs out of one ink and keep trying to print, it may stop and tell me. I have also selected B&W and color still may come up (software or hardware?). But that has only happened when my color is empty. Colors are great and comparable with other Office/Bubble Jets in this category.
Scanner:
Works good, but may be the weakest component. Takes some tweeking and I believe it is the software that is at fault. You have to constantly adjust depending on the job. It is NOT a flatbed so that is not an option. Just a sheet-at-a-time.
The Fax:
Great. Just great. Has phone memory options (I have not used) and the plug/phone jack hookup is on the back and easy to get to.
The copier:
Works well. I have not copied much color. Mostly B&W. It works great. Nice and just like the original. Works with the computer on or off.
My Hookup:
I ran this printer to a USB port. Easy. I have my HP842C on another (regular) port. If one runs out, I use the other. They work great, and no big technical hookups. I have two printers, a zip and flash device on my ports. No problem. No conflicts.
The Setting:
I use this printer at home (where I do all my work/office). It has more than matched my expectations.
Jams:
It has jammed a few times, and it directly related to the paper I use. I always use the cheapest and it sometimes bends or gets a little frayed. That won't go. The envelope slot is poorly designed and I quit using (I use #10 envelopes). I just use the paper tray and it has worked fine for envelopes.
Summary:
This is the best of four printers I have purchased. For the price, certainly worth it. It is a great little work-horse and with the price where it is now...a great buy.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 180
Operating System: Windows
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Epinions.com ID:
austinandie
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Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I support our troops and am anti-war without UN sanction. They are not mutually exclusive.
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