Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The printer was packaged in a light weight tote bag in the box, so I could just easily pull out the printer. In the box, there was a complementary 4x6 glossy photo paper (100pack) with a set of ink. A power cable and a brick came in a reusable cloth pouch, and I thought that was very nice idea since it's less trash and easily recyclable.
Setting up the printer couldn't be easier, even with wifi set up. I took about 15-20 minutes to set up everything: wifi, hp software, and the first time printer warm up. I also did not need to connect any USB cable to set up; instead, I was able to connect to my wifi network without any hassle. This printer alone acts like a computer, and it included a step by step set up assistant on the main screen, which was great. The instructions might show only WEP for security option, but I was able to connect to WPA2 with no problem, even in the closed network (airport extreme.) And since this printer has wifi connectivity, I didn't need any extra equipment to buy, and I figured that's why the printer didn't come with a USB cable.
Printing was also as easy as pie. I was satisfied with the sharp and fast printing result in both b/w and color documents. What was more satisfying is photo printing. I tried professionally prepared images on this printer (4x6 photo glossy, in photoshop with proper setting) and the result was better than my expensive Epson photo printer. I was surprised how accurate the color was, although de-saturated black and white photo print showed a bit of green cast.
Scanning and copying also do their job very well. I was able to scan easily with or without HP software on Mac. Copying is another simple and cool feature. I didn't even need my computer on. All I needed to do was press one button. If you need to change setting on any features, you can do that as well with no effort on its easy UI screen.
Apps! I never knew printers had apps. Yes, why not? As I mentioned, this printer acts like a computer, and it's connected to the Internet. Applications included: Yahoo and MSNBC, PBS Kids (great for coloring sheets!!!), Sudoku, Disney, USA Today, Quick Forms, Dreamworks, recipes, Nickelodeon, weather, and coupons. It's just amazing what printers can do now. My three old son saw me printing a coloring page from PBS Kids app, and now he can just do that by himself, similarly as if he was navigating an Iphone. (Actually the screen looks like a big Iphone.) Also, I can manage these apps from the HP website that my printer is connected to (registration required.)
Snapfish is another nice feature about this printer. There is a SD/MMC card slot that this printer can read photo files for printing and uploading/sharing to snapfish. With this HP photo smart printer, I really don't need a computer to print photos and share online with friends and family. I only wish this printer had a USB slot instead of a SD/MMC card only slot. I know SD/MMC cards are kind of standard these days, yet there are also people with CF cards and other types.
The most advanced feature this printer can offer, I think, is the ePrint. This printer has its own email address, so just by sending an email to the printer, it will print out documents and photos. This is really useful if you have a smart phone and don't want to buy a printing app which usually isn't cheap. When I emailed a word file for testing, it printed immediately. Also, attached a jpg photo file to the email printed the attached photograph on the photo paper pulled from tray. The printer automatically decided where to print (between regular paper and photo paper) depending on the file type I sent to the email, which I can also manage in the setting.
Finally, if you have an iphone, you will love this feature. There is a photo printing app (HP iPrint) from HP in the app store for free. I was able to print photos from my iphone instantly(under same wifi network). I was so happy with this that I printed more than 50 photos, and the results were just wonderful. One thing I noticed was the photos were slightly lighter than what I see on my Iphone screen.
There are a couple of things I'd like to mention. This printer has a speaker somewhere so it makes button sounds. Since the buttons on the touch screen are pressure sensitive (I might be wrong), it's neat to hear that button sound when I press something. I didn't have to wonder whether the button was really pressed when touched. And this printer falls asleep after idle time; the illuminated power button will then start breathing (Mac computers do this during sleep mode. However, when the printer receives email or jobs, it wakes up instantly and starts printing. This may not be very important, but I could tell that HP paid attention to details when they made this printer.
Overall, this printer is most definitely worth the purchase. I have not stopped fiddling with this printer since I received it. I guarantee consumers will be happy with HP (finally!).
UPDATE
HP just updated their iPrint iphone app as universal binary some days ago, so it works beautiful on my iPad as well. Great for printing my kid's iPad art work !!!!!
Click Here to see more reviews about: HP Photosmart Plus Wireless e-All-in-One Printer (CN216A#B1H)
HP Photosmart Plus B210A Multifunction Printer CN216A#B1H 74
Click here for more information about HP Photosmart Plus Wireless e-All-in-One Printer (CN216A#B1H)
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