This HP Photosmart C8180 All-In-One Printer is everything you'll need!

About a year and a half ago my husband and I were in need of a printer/scanner/copier because the printer we had was about 9 years old. So, in the world of technology we were badly out of date. It was a pain in the neck trying to get anything we needed printed out and we desperately needed something. After doing some window shopping and talking to some people who were more up on technology than us it was highly recommended to go with an HP and this was the new one that was out last spring. Since it was new, there were sales on it at Circuit City which only made our decision that much more confident to go with this wonderful printer. We have loved every minute with this.  

The printer is meant to work with a computer that uses windows. The laptop that we use it with is the HP Pavillion dv6775us Entertainment Notebook PC. The notebook uses Windows Vista.

The main features
This All-in-one series printer is not only a printer but also a copier, a scanner, and photo printer. This HP is easy to use because it has a touch screen on the front that walks you through everything. Unless I need to print something directly from my computer or off the internet I can just go to the printer and do most of what I need right there. This all-in-one can also help you to save your photos on a CD/DVD and then label the disc.  

All-in-one is All included
This printer/copier scanner comes with everything you need to get going except for multi-purpose paper. It came with all the wires and cables you need, 5 color cartridges, one black ink cartridge, a couple sheets of photo paper, a CD for the set up, and a CD to make labels onto CDs and DVDs that you burn.  

A couple more specifics
This printer measures 8.5 inches high, 17.6 inches in width, and 15.3 inches in depth. The weight is 25 pounds. The power consumption is up to 25 watts. The recommended operating temperature range is 59-90 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Our experience on each of the modes:
Printing from the computer- In this mode it is necessary to have both your computer and printer to be recognized by your internet source. In our home we use NETGEAR because we have a laptop and we roam all over the house. We have never had a problem with NETGEAR not recognizing the printer and have always had a smooth transition printing from the computer. The quality and the color of printing is very good and the printing speed is fairly quick.  

Scanning- There have been a few times in which my hubby and I have used the scanner for my husband's art work. Sometimes he has a picture that is too big or too small. So, we use the scanner to help get the right size to help my husband get the correct proportions when he is drawing. My husband has said he is always impressed by the results of this function. All of the steps to fix the sizing are found on the touch screen which walks you through it.  

Copier- This function is extremely easy to use. You lift up the top, place the paper down on the tray, place the cover on, and then press either "black only" or "color" and then it copies accordingly. My husband and I have our own business and we have found that sometimes we need something copied quickly and this always does a great job. 

Photo printing- This function I spend the most time with this machine. On the front of this printer is a place in which you can load a memory card, memory stick, disc, or CD. Then the printer loads all of the pictures. From there you have the option of viewing the pics, printing, create, share, or save. Typically I don't print out most of my pics off the printer (so I don't go through a ton of ink and photo paper is expensive- around $10 for 20 sheets), but from time to time I will print out my favorites to give to relatives or to post around the house. My usual process is to view the pictures, pick out the one I am interested in, then I can edit the photo (and there are options such as reduce red-eye, zooming in, adjusting the brightness), and from there print. The only thing I am not impressed with is the speed in which the photos print. Sometimes it is fast, but many times it is slow (like the printer is thinking). But, if you can wait for the result it is worth it. The picture quality is fantastic! It is bright, vivid, and very crisp and clear. I always get a ton of compliments on the ones I have printed out. The size of the photos that you print are 4 x 6.  

Under the "Create" option there are some more ways of printing out pictures. The choices include album pages (in which you can print 5 x 7 pictures), CD/DVD project, panorama prints, wallet photos, passport photos, and video frame prints. I have only used some of these options but the printer walks you through the process on each one and it is very simple to understand and use.  

Another interesting tidbit
This printer can also print out notebook paper, graph paper, task checklists, or staff sheets (music paper) by using the control panel. This printer is really everything you need. I think back to when I was in college and I could have really used this! 

How long does the ink last?
We have had this printer for 15 months and I have only replaced two of the color cartridges (the blue in the fall, and the yellow last weekend). I did see that another one was low and that will need to be replaced soon too. The color cartridges are only $11 per cartridge so they aren't a big deal to replace. The black is a little more (around $20-$30 depending where you shop) but it isn't a big deal. Neither my husband or I are in school anymore so we don't use our printer as much as a college student, but we do use it some for our business. How quickly you use ink is of course in direct proportion to how much you use it.  

Overall
This all-in-one series has been wonderful and we have gotten our money's worth out of it. We find ourselves quite often being thankful that we have this printer because it has been so good for us. We highly recommend this printer whether you are in school or not because this printer has so many great features for all.