A flawed masterpiece

This printer is an excellent example of what a printer should be, and at the same time can be so frustrating that you want to run over it.

First, the photo output is amazing. Photos printed on HP's photo paper really do give lab prints a run for their money. Speed is acceptable as well. Black text isn't quite black, but isn't so bad that it distracts. All output is very sharp, and color blends usually show little or no dithering.

This printer is loaded. It has both wired and wireless networking, so it's easy to share with other users. An optional Bluetooth module adds that capability. It has memory card readers for all common card types, PictBridge, and a clear touch screen. In addition to prints, it can print a few types of ruled and specialty papers, should you really need them. The screen can also set up defaults for non-computer activity and help print pictures straight from the card. It also has a 4x6 photo paper try to make printing photos easier. No need to load or unload the plain paper. The screen can also show ink levels and assist in ordering more. Considering there's no scanner, this unit's pretty big. Keep that in mind if you planned on stashing it in a cosy nook. On full-tilt, it will also rock a flimsy table around something fierce.

HP's 02 inks are in use here. They do an excellent job with photos and graphics, and are supposed to be archival on HP's photo papers. The papers themselves do a great job of mimicking the look and feel of photos. There's a bas-relief effect to the pictures until they've had a day to dry. Be careful with them for a couple of days. The printer leaves easy to feel and hard to see (but not invisible) track marks on HP Premium paper (their next-to best). I don't recommend that combination. The output on Premium Plus is visibly better, and Advanced looks nearly as good. Neither of those had track marks.

Two things that don't bode well: from new, mine left tractor marks on HP Premium paper (mentioned before). It didn't harm Premium Plus or Advanced paper, so I just use those. The feed rollers have to be cleaned frequently or it won't feed right. I once had a Lexmark printer which never jammed. The output was lousy, but it never jammed. This one is sort of the reverse. Plain paper and flimsy (off-brand) photo paper often won't feed without a roller cleaning. HP's own paper always feeds right (Premium Plus has a roughened back and is always grabbed on the first try). I hate to accuse them of sabotaging the use of other papers, but it sometimes seems that way.

Printing on max dpi results in rapid consumption of light magenta, yellow, and light cyan. It's not unanticipated, though. The 4x6 photos on HP Premium Plus would cost about US$.36. That's quite a bit more than lab prints, but it's convenient to print at home this way. Aside from the brand of the paper, you would be hard-pressed to tell a lab print from a D7460 print. Colors are deeply saturated, and details are sharp. Shadow detail is probably the best way to pick D7460 print from lab prints.