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HP Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web All-in-One Printer

HP Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web All-in-One Printer see short title

Product Rating: 
PS Premium Web All-in-One; Ref Guide; HP564 Ink Cartridges -Black, Photo Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow; accessory bag; power cord and supply; USB cable
PS Premium Web All-in-One; Ref Guide; HP564 Ink Cartridges -Black, Photo Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow; accessory bag; power cord and supply; USB cable « short desciption

User Reviews

  1. Review Date: 2009-11-23

    Purchased HP Photosmart Premium TouchSmart Web All-in-One Printer on 11/5, arrived 11/12 not working. After numerous attempts problem solving the error displayed through the online and telephone support, I was told that the print heads and ink would need to be replaced. These products would be shipped by ground service, this is what the warrenty on my BRAND NEW printer covered. Six days later, HP is finally sending the parts. 11/23... no parts, still waiting. My rating is based on the support I received and the time I have lost, as I am still unable to rate how this machine works d/t it's broken state. Good luck.

    User: MAJ
    Rating:
    Summary: Good Luck!
    Helpful Votes: 0
    Total Votes: 0
  2. Review Date: 2009-11-22

    This is an incredible printer from the folks at HP, my favorite printer company. This is loaded with cool features like touchscreen and being wireless web-enabled. The one drawback for some might be the high price tag. The printer is easy to set up and use. And the prints in produces are of very high quality. I will update my review as I use the printer some more. All my printers except for one has been HP's. I like this because it fax capability, no more having to having to fax papers at the printing store up the street, that will save me a lot of money there. This is one great printer!

    User: Jason Pumphrey
    Rating:
    Summary: A powerhouse of a printer!
    Helpful Votes: 0
    Total Votes: 2
  3. Review Date: 2009-11-21

    I wanted to like this, but I just do not think that the Web feature really justifies doubling the price of the prior Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One Printer, Scanner, Copier and Fax. (Model C309a)HP Photosmart Premium Fax All-in-One Inkjet Printer (CC335A#ABA). Since the C309a is the model I am replacing this review is really a comparison of this new model over the old one. The old one is still readily available for about half the price of this - which is a really big difference. Also, the C309a - at half the price - has one feature missing here - an automatic document feeder. Why is that important? It is important if you want to be able to easily scan multi-page PDF documents. I can put a stack of papers on the C309a and they automatically run through the feeder (never once had a jam) and a multi-page PDF appears on my desktop. This new model is missing that.

    The specs between the two printers are exactly the same, except the C309a has the automatic document feeder and this one has the web interface. Also, the old model holds 125 pages of regular paper, but this one is down to 100 - a move totally in the wrong direction. Why can't they just design a printer tray (for a non-commercial printer) that holds a ream of paper (500 pages)? Also, this one is missing the special holder for printing CDs, but I never used that anyway.

    The new model is smaller (good) and black (instead of a creamy white). The new model also has better drivers - which were (and still are) a MAJOR drawback of the old model. You can finally install a basic set of drivers that don't cripple functions, and don't add a bunch of junk software. This is a MAJOR improvement.

    Print quality on both is absolutely amazing. Prints look just like they came from the photomat. Yes. They are that good. (although, unless you use the little flimsy retainer arm, they will drop on the floor once complete.)

    I have mine hooked up through wi-fi and that works great. It is easily seen on all computers on my network that run Win7 and XP.

    One negative (on this and the old version) is that you still need a computer to be on to do scanning - even to a network drive. The scanning software runs on a computer, not locally on the printer. Copying, faxing and printing can be done without a computer.

    OK. What about the web interface? Well, my personal take is that it is a huge gimmic intended to get you to print more and use more ink. Things take forever to find on the touch interface and it would really be about a thousand times faster just to use a computer. Of course, if you - for whatever reason - only have your computer in a far-off room, this might proove handy if the printer is in a more high-traffic area of the house. But is that really a problem? And would you really put your printer far away from your computer? Not likely. I found the touchscreen slow to respond and - although beautiful to look at - I just didn't get the need for the web interface. The only conclusion I can make is that HP wants you to print more stuff and use more ink.

    The ink, by the way, goes VERY quickly. I printed a dozen or so 4x6 photos and a couple of 8x10 and the ink light warning started to go off. Of course, I really think the light goes off WAY too early. It does that on almost every printer I have ever used. I continue printing until I notice a problem with the output. I am guessing that the low ink warning is set to go off when you have used 40% of the ink. I was able to print another dozen photos (after the ink warning) before I noticed any ink deficiency. I could probably print another dozen before it wouldn't let me print anymore.

    Overall, I really like the printer quality and the interface, but I can't get past the elephant in the room - the old model is half the price and has an automatic document feeder that this is missing.

    The printer comes with a standard set of ink cartridges (not just starter inks), every cable you could need (including a massive power brick), and sample photo papers. It is all packaged in an eco-friendly cloth bag.

    Overall, I can only give this three stars. If the old model never existed, I would probably give this four or five stars. The fact that they left off the automatic document feeder is a HUGE drawback for me. The "Touchsmart Web" is fun to play with, but really amounts to nothing more than a flashy gimmic. It fixes a problem that doesn't really exist - everything you would do through that interface is easier and faster on a real computer. Of course, I am also a person who would never just plug a memory stick into a printer and start printing - if you are, this might be a good printer for you.

    User: Just a guy
    Rating:
    Summary: Prior model is better - Missing document feeder - Touchsmart Web is a gimmic
    Helpful Votes: 0
    Total Votes: 0
  4. Review Date: 2009-11-21

    This printer is an addition to the epson workforce 600 that I love Epson WorkForce 600 Wireless All-in-One Printer (Black) (C11CA18201). I'll compare it to that as I feel that for the money and features as well as speed it's one of the best printers out there. The HP gave me a little trouble setting it up. I think it froze or got stuck in the start up loop. It kept saying initializing for 30 min until i decided to unplug it and try again. Once it did its correct boot cycle the setup was actually very very simple. It immediately found my wireless network and set up wireless printing in about a minute.

    Some of the great features are the touch screen. HP eliminated the old keypad style buttons for a very nice looking touch screen that seems to work pretty well. There was a little lag when typing in my wireless password but not that bad. I only know of the lag because I have an iphone. It has some really cool features that use the internet directly from the printers screen like fandango to print tickets and movie times, google maps for directions[...] where you can click the boxes of various coupons and print them out. The interfaces and menu's are very simple and easy to navigate through. One complaint about it was that it doesn't lock into place when you raise the screen to use it and I found that touching it too hard made it move down and had to keep re adjusting it. The epson has a small locking handle under it to keep the adjustment and from moving when touching it.

    A few other features is that it has the capability to print double sides on a paper. There's a little gizmo box on the back that somehow pulls the paper back in and lets it print on the other side. It also has a sliding small door on the front for memory cards for your camera to print directly form it. There are also two built in trays for full size paper as well as photo size so you don't have to change anything out. this printer came with a free box of 100 sheets of 4x6 gloss photo paper and was packaged in one of those reusable shopping bags and had all the wires in another reusable zipper pouch. I thought that was a nice touch rather than plastic and that styrofoam sheet stuff.

    Overall the printer is fast, has 4 ink tanks and isn't as big in size as I thought. The big complaint and i'm spoiled from my epson is that the HP doesn't have the auto paper feeder. You have to manually scan each paper. Since its an addition, when I need to make lots of copies or fax many papers i'll use the epson for its auto feeder. Overall this is a great printer, the touch screen is fantastic and is super easy to use and setup. Ohhh and it comes with a usb cable, network cable and phone cable for the fax. Not that i'll use the usb cause of the wireless capabilities. It also has bluetooth printing but that is super slow and i'll never use it.

    Pros:
    Size
    Touch screen interface
    4 ink tanks
    speed
    print quality
    Dual sided printing

    Cons:
    No auto paper feeder
    touch screen moves if you press it too hard
    scanner paper size only 8 1/2x11 no bigger

    User: Scott
    Rating:
    Summary: Almost perfect all in one printer
    Helpful Votes: 0
    Total Votes: 0
  5. Review Date: 2009-11-11

    This is probably the 30th HP printer I've either personally owned or was directly responsible for purchasing and supporting, and it appears they've outdone themselves on this one.

    Over the years, HP has put out some very nice units...and in contrast, some complete dogs, as well. That being said, I'm happy to report that this, along with last years Photosmart Premium (C309a) are pretty much the best AIO/MFPs HP has ever made with the OfficeJet Pro 8500 following very closely. There ARE, however a few things I wish HP would have carried over from the C309a to this years model, such as the ADF and the direct CD/DVD printing mechanism, especially for this price point, but since I still have the C309a, and find the touchscreen a complete joy to use I'm not too terribly upset about it.

    Setup was a breeze and by far THE easiest install I have ever done. First off, HP put a lot of thought into the packaging, making it easy to remove the AIO from the box. The printer is wrapped in a big nylon bag with large straps, making it easy to remove. The idea is that you keep the bag and reuse it for other things to help cut down on the amount of plastic and paper bags floating around in landfills. Pretty thoughtful. Although it does have a big flower on both sides which could be a turnoff to those who prefer more "manly" carrying devices.

    Once removed from the bag and after removing all the plastic protection, I plugged it in, inserted the ink carts, turned it on and let it do its pre-charging and setup. From opening the box, to it finishing it's initialization took about 15 minutes. I then had it connect to my 802.11g network, using WPA2 security, which went off without a hitch and was ready to install the drivers. I NEVER, EVER use the drivers on the included disc, as they're usually out of date and filled to the brim with crapware. Instead, I downloaded the "lite" version of the drivers for my OS (Windows 7, 64bit) and proceeded the installation. Once again, this went off without a hitch. It searched my network automatically, found the new AIO, and installed the drivers for it. Easy peasy. The lite driver pack, only weighs in at about 45mb vs 140+mb for the full version. I am able to do everything one would want (i.e. scan, print, fax, etc) via the network and dont have any crapware to eat up resources.

    Print and picture quality is top notch. It's pretty darn fast, as well. I have an HP Color LaserJet and used the same source (Word doc with graphs and pictures), along with the same 105+ gram paper and did a comparison test. Although the laser is clearly better for prints such as these, the Photosmart definitely holds its own with text as small as 6 point still readable. Where it REALLY shines, however, is printing photography. Pictures up to 8.5x11 are simply breathtaking. I detected absolutely no banding or other artifacts. Do NOT let the fact that this unit is "only" a 3 color printer (CMYK) deter you. I printed the same photo on both this, and my main 6 color "photo workhorse", the Epson Stylus Photo 1400 (The only good thing Epson has put out in a long while) and had a hard time making out any discernible difference. Its really that good.

    The touchscreen is simply amazing to use. There is a *slight* delay, but definitely nothing to get in a twist over and it makes configuration much easier than on previous models. Although the new web powered "widgets" are it's primary selling point, I find, for my use at least, they are more of a gimmick than a must have. They are definitely neat however and fun to play with.

    Actually, come to think of it, The Fandango movie ticket widget may come in handy from time to time.....

    Now for the negatives, although there aren't many:
    ----------------------------------------------------
    The first, is the price. I realize it's a first of it's kind and thus can generally demand a higher asking price, but even with everything it does, I still think $400 is a bit high.
    And my last real complaint is the lack of an ADF. I really would have loved to see an ADF on this as on last years model and am a bit puzzled as to why they left it off, but no biggie.

    I would also like to point out that as much effort as HP put into making this more "earth-friendly", I find it humorous that they provide an app to print out news, weather reports, calendars, etc. All of which can be done online without the need to waste any paper. But seeing as I will rarely use the widgets, it makes no difference to me either way.

    ---------------------------------------------------
    In summary, I would have no problems recommending this to anyone. This is a very capable AIO/MFP with an amazing touchscreen and complete ease of use. Just make sure your wallet can handle the sticker shock. :)

    User: Method2Madness
    Rating:
    Summary: HP FINALLY got it right. Albeit at a "not so wallet friendly" price.
    Helpful Votes: 9
    Total Votes: 9

Product Details

  1. Print, scan, copy and fax from a single, energy-efficient device with 4.33-inch touchscreen for printing directly from variety of Web partners
  2. Connections include Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Ethernet networking, Bluetooth, USB, PictBridge and phone (fax)
  3. Rotate and crop, adjust brightness, or apply color effects before printing with TouchSmart control panel--no PC necessary
  4. Up to 33 ppm black and 32 ppm color print speeds; scans up to 4800 x 4800 dpi (8.5 x 11.7 inches)
  5. Borderless photo printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches; 100-sheet input tray and 20-sheet photo tray

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