The HP Deskjet F4180 All-in-One Printer/Scanner/Copier is hated by few and loved by many. It’s another one of those love/hate relationships that has become more than common for HP DeskJets. In this case, the hatred is because of one specific reason, which will be discussed below. The love is there for many reasons.
This printer has many more features than the average all-in-one printer, but some feel as though it has too many features. People love simplicity and this machine can lead to more confusion than simplicity. One thing that is simple and easy to understand is that it offers printing, scanning and copying.
Click Here For Full Feature List and User Reviews
HP has discontinued this model but it is still easily obtainable. The HP F4180 can be found for less than $35 for a used model on Amazon. If you buy new it can be found for under $40.
Features
[easyazon-image-link asin="B000QY6S74" alt="HP Deskjet F4180 All-in-One Printer/Scanner/Copier (CB584A#A2L)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AR0lhmJHL._SL160_.jpg" align="left" width="160" height="160"]It can print up to 20 pages per minute black and 14 pages per minute color. This is slightly above average for an all-in-one. You will see better speed and quality with scans. Scans will also reach resolution up to 1200 x 2400 dpi.
The scanner is of the flatbed type and has HP’s PhotoSmart Essential software where you can enhance scans up to 19,200 dpi. Scans will also have 48-bit color depth, allowing for excellent definition. If you want to scan thick materials, you can remove the cover.
It is compatible with windows and Mac and can accommodate Vista operating systems. Dimensions are 16.76 x 14.5 x 7.11 inches (WxDxH) and weighs a reasonable 9.5 pounds.
As far as copies go, due to integrated memory, you can make up to nine at once. You will also be able to shrink and enlarge copies from anywhere between 25% and 200%. An added benefit is that you don’t need a computer to make copies.
You can use the printer directly. For photos, you can enlarge and resize documents and photos. By taking advantage of HP’s Smart PhotoSmart Essential software, you will be able to edit, print and share photos.
Other features include input capacity of 100 sheets and output capacity 50 sheets. It handles the usual media sizes of Letter, legal, executive, cards and A2. Unfortunately it is not capable of duplex printing
The Down Side
There are a few negatives for the HP Deskjet F4180. The first and most important negative – and the reason it’s hated by some – is that ink consumption is extreme. It’s painfully obvious that hp made the ink cartridges small so you will buy more ink.
They don’t care about the printer. They’ll give it away. The money is made on the ink here, as is the case with so many other printers on the market. Whether you’re able to sacrifice high ink consumption for a good quality all-in-one printer is up to you and what your circumstances will allow.
Another negative is that installation will take a long time, often as long as one hour. As mentioned earlier, there’s a lot going on with the F4180. If you can afford the ink and have good knowledge of printers, then this could be an excellent option for you.
HP still provides help and support providing software and driver downloads, problem solving and help with the complicated set up. Manuals are also available through this link.
User Perceptions
User Review #1: I know this printer has a lot of features, but the one that benefits me most is that the edges don’t get cut off my photos. HP’s Smart Web Printing guarantees this and so far it has delivered as advertised. I take my photos seriously. Some might say I shouldn’t use an all-in-one if I’m looking for high quality photo prints, but when you’re a freelancer trying to make a living, you’re also going to need scanning and a copier if you want to do it right. If I could afford two printers, I would. For now, the F4180 works just fine.
User Review #2: I bought this printer recently and I have been pleased. The ink is absurd, but everything else about this machine is good. I especially appreciate that I can scan large items. This has helped save me A LOT of time and energy.
The HP Deskjet F4180 is an all-in-one printer that is best suited for home or small office use. Aside from ink being expensive, everything else about this printer is above average. That’s hard to find. Taking into consideration the high expense with inks then $40 is not a high price.
Purchasing ink on Amazon, HP 21/22 Ink Cartridge in Retail Packagings, Combo Pack, may prove to be a help in reducing your costs.
[easyazon-image-link asin="B0040XYTIW" alt="HP Deskjet 3050 All-in-One Printer (CH376A#B1H)" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Y4Y2S5cpL._SL160_.jpg" align="right" width="160" height="136"]Another selection from HP for all-in-one printers of a similar range is the HP Deskjet 3050 All-in-One Printer available through Amazon for less than $65.
If the price of the ink is of concern to you then this is an alternative to consider. For lower volume users the HP Deskjet F4180 is a good choice but if you’re a high volume user with ink being on the expensive side, an alternative may be a better idea.
This is a good dependable robust all in one printer that can be used in any room and simple to use. Price wise, it’s hard to beat.
Watch this post in video format
loading...
About James Wikkee