I needed a printer with an option for performing automatic 2-sided scanning via a document feeder. The product description for this printer on the HP web site states, "Fax, scan and copy unattended, and handle two-sided documents, using the 50-page automatic document feeder." After unpacking and assembling the printer, I searched the animated help that comes with the software for a description of how to perform a 2-sided scan, and sure enough it described the procedure. Great, only the software doesn't support this feature. (The menu options described in the animated help don't exist.) HP telephone and email support was abysmal. After several days, I eventually got through to someone who understood the problem, but they flatly refused to accept a return, saying that it was an issue for the retailer. Fortunately, Beach Camera (via Amazon) accepted the return, and $35 lighter (for shipping), I got a refund.
I ended up buying a Canon MX870 with which I'm very happy. HP Photosmart C410a Premium Fax Wireless e-All-in-One (CQ521A#B1H)
I had my doubts - usually one part of a multiple-task machine will go south but so far, this one is excellent. I did figure a half hour to set it up but it took most of a day...but then, you have the four tasks (copy, scan, print and fax) plus the online set ups. So it is understandable. The online e-print option is excellent; you can send an email to an online email address from anywhere, with an attachment, and it will be forwarded to the machine, printed. This machine has everything advertised.
There was one small minor inconvenience. The five ink cartridges came taped together so I removed the tape and stuck them in the machine in the order they were taped - my bad. Don't forget to just match the cartridges up with the colors as indicated...save yourself a few minutes.
Good value for the price. I also like the wireless feature.
As a Mac user, I have used HP printers in the past with mixed results. I scoured printer reviews to find a printer that would work reliably and intuitively with Apple products but none of the reviews really convinced me that it would do what I needed. Apple's website said this particular printer supported AirPrint and it seemed like a step in the right direction. After taking my chances and buying this printer, I can say that I am pleasantly surprised. I tested each of the following scenarios and everything worked perfectly:
1. The printer is set up on my home wireless network and was very easy to set up. No need to connect it to a computer via USB.
2. It prints wirelessly from an iPhone or iPad using AirPrint with the latest versions of iOS on the iPhone or iPad. Requires iPhone 3GS or later apparently. I have a 3GS and I get a print option. My wife has an iPhone 3G and she does not have a print option even with the latest iOS update.
3. It prints wirelessly from a Mac (software update will install new drivers when you set up the printer in preferences). This always worked well for me with the old printer, but the new drivers add some extra options to the print preview window.
4. I can now (FINALLY) scan wirelessly from the printer to my Mac using Preview. I had to experiment a little with the settings in Preview, but it took about 5 minutes to figure out and I got the results I was after. This is a HUGE plus for me. Before with my HP 3300 I had to scan to a memory card, then put the memory card into my Mac and the scans were usually chopped up in some weird way.
5. I can print wirelessly from iPhoto directly to the 4x6 photo paper in the photo tray. Again, I had to play with the print settings on the print preview window to select presets and paper size, but on my second try it worked perfectly. Previously, I had to dump the photos to a memory card on my Mac, put the memory card in my HP 3300, then print from the memory card to the photo tray. This printer saves me quite a few steps.
So, for everything I do, this printer has delivered flawlessly. Finally a printer that "just works" for Mac users. So far I have not had any paper feeding issues, which was a constant headache with my old printer. I have not tried scanning or copying from the feed tray or using the FAX option yet since I do not currently have a land line, but I do intend to use those features in the future. In addition, this printer prints WAY faster than my old 3300.
Hopefully this review will be helpful for other Apple folks out there who need a printer that will work for them.
I have now had the printer for about a month. Wireless connections are good and the pictures I have printed are photo quality. I recently purchased a little over $100 in ink for the printer to last for quite a while, I hope. Problems I had originally experienced seems to have disappeared. For some reason, the printer has used Fax mode several times to try answering incoming phone calls, but that may have happened when we were not at home. I hope the printer does the job two years from now that it is doing for the family now. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. - Wireless Printer - Hp - Printer - All In One Printer'
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