HP 2840 All-In-One.... One Year Review...mixed
Pros:
Print quality, Scan feed & simple networking setup
Cons:
Extremely expensive ink and imaging drum. Bloated software package... Multiple All-In-One Problem
The Bottom Line:
Great print quality, but expensive ink & imaging drum. Good for single printer use, but software fails with multiple models.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
We purchased this model for one of our branch offices a year ago. I set it up as a network install, and the physical installation of the machine was easy. If you have read any of my other reviews, I try not to get into every function, like a manual or sales presentation. I try to stick to things that were either exceptional or annoying.
High Cost Ink
As with any printer, there are things that annoy you and things you like. I like the printer, but only up to a point. The imaging drums are HORRIBLY expensive ($180), as well as the ink. I miss being able to shake a cartridge and get a little more use out of it while your new one is being delivered. They give you a warning, but not enough time. I now hold a back stock of ink due to a lag in availability.
Horribly Bloated Software Package
The second thing I can't stand is the software package that HP provides with this printer. Bloatware to the max at 540MB. Thats larger than an operating system, and honestly, it isn't that great. You have to patch it as it immediately starts generating errors upon install. It also likes to change all your format settings, so if you have any other picture or rendering software, watch your install closely.
There Can Be Only One
To continue with the software negatives: If you own an HP ALL-IN-ONE, the software balks if you try to install an additional ALL-IN-ONE as well. There can be only ONE they say.
Multiple Printer Problems
This has turned out to be a huge problem, as I have staff that travels with their laptops to various offices, each with a different ALL-IN-ONE. You get basic driver functionality, but anything above and beyond print functionality will not work except on the very first ALL-IN-ONE you install. This is a HUGE problem if you have small offices scattered about and have different HP ALL-IN-ONE models, but I guess HP thought... who'd own more than one?
Scan Feed is a High Point
The scanner scans just fine, but you have to have your own software to get it to a PDF format. I like the ability to top load multiple pictures or documents, and the feeder is great, as it doesn't hang up on a stack.
It Prints...It Faxes...It's Durable
The fax works like a fax should. It's what you paid for.
The print quality is why you buy HP products. The color is great, and the machine is pretty quickly on long print runs. It's not laser printer fast, but fast enough for a small office.
After 30,000 copies/faxes/printouts, its plugging along nicely. No service problems at all.
Decent Printer, Bad Software
In summary its a decent machine, but don't faint when you see the ink/imaging drum costs. If you have more than one ALL-IN-ONE watch out for the install problems. Its very annoying to have to constantly install/delete printers on the road, especially with a 45 minute install package.
I don't recommend this printer at all for businesses with multiple offices.
