HP PhotoSmart 1115

I haven’t been on here for a few days, socialising and all that, so I have decided to do an op on a colour printer for your computers. The one I have decided to do is on my new one, well about 6 months old, but I like to give credit where credit is due, and to check it out first. So here goes.

The Hewlett Packard 1115 photosmart.

First of all I have to say that your choice of printer depends very much on your needs. We all have very different needs for printers. Some of you only want a printer that will just print paper and the quality doesn’t matter too much. Others will want a printer that can do a lot more. Things like printing high quality photographs or high quality paperwork. I wanted a printer that had a few extras, one that printed photographs itself, by way of a smart card that fits into the printer independently of the computer. This means that the printer will print photographs without even turning on your computer. Its a completely independant action. There are two different formats for these cards so check before buying. It all depends on your digital camera. I have a Kodak DC215. I also wanted something fast and reliable. After doing my usual research I decided on the Hewlett Packard.

The printer I had originally was a cheap and cheerful one by Lexmark and the paper was always jamming. Printing photographs was a nightmare and paper loading was horrendous.

First of all this printer doesn’t come cheap. However I believe you have to pay for quality and reliability and it has to fill your needs.
I paid £250.00 for this printer although it varies slightly in price depending on where you buy it. I bought mine in PC world.

DESCRIPTION.

Dark grey in colour with a lighter grey paper loading bay.
Front loading with spacers to adjust for paper size.
Dimensions are 7in high x 16in across x 7in deep.
The paper loading area protrudes by 6in.
To the left of the paper loading area at the top right hand corner of the machine is a digital readout that tells you the machines status at any given time of use. This has a grey background with black readout.
Below this are the controls. This consists of nine buttons.

PACKAGE.

The package consists of the printer, mains cable, direct port cable, (this connects to the computer) two sets of instructions, one in quick simple mode and the other more detailed.
Two ink cartridges, one black, and one colour.
1 sticker to attach to the front of the printer, with the ink cartridge numbers. For this printer it is number 45 for black and 78 for colour. Hewlett Packard has a colour system for the ink replacement cartridges.
This is a really simple way of replacing the cartridge and knowing what one you need.
1 CD-ROM for loading the software which includes all the applications in one simple application. This disc also includes the drivers.

COST.

All printers use very little electricity. Not even worth mentioning.
Black ink replacement cartridge costs about £18.00; a double pack is manufactured and can be purchased for about £30.00.
The colour cartridge which includes all colours costs about £32.00.

CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Hewlett Packard is worldwide distributors and they have very efficient back up. Type in Hewlett Packard on your internet connection and hey presto you will find all the help you need.

FEATURES.

Nine buttons feature on the front of the machine. These are the applications.
1. On/off
2. Copies. How many copies of the photograph do you want?
3. Choose options. The choices of printing.
4. Photo size. Gives you several choices of size of photograph for printing.
5. Cancel button.
6. OK Yes. This button confirms any conflicting messages you give to the printer.
7. Save. Saves to printer memory.
8. Print. Exactly what is says. (Go ahead and print.)
9. Tools. Diagnostic tool for any problems. The printer usually tells you what’s wrong and you adjust accordingly.

Three printing settings for quality.

1. Low. Quick fast low quality printing for draft copies. (This is still excellent quality.)
2. Medium. Slower printing but with better quality, for letters and subject matter that does not matter too much.
3. High. This is printing shop quality that has to be perfect for displays etc.

There are numerous other settings for colour quality, copies, fax, scanning, to much to list here.
There are settings for photographs using different computer programs for special effects and different colours.

PRINTER IN PRACTICE.

I have not had any problems with this printer since I have owned it. The photographs are top quality as is all the printing on all the settings.
It is simple to use and very fast in application orders. It holds about 100 sheets of A4 paper. It warns you at all times of any status alerts. Low paper, low ink, etc.
It also tells you of any problems downloading photographs or problems with the photographic smart card.
It automatically reads what paper you are using, i.e., cardboard for displays, photographic paper, normal A4 copying paper, and many others.
The ink cartridges are very easy to load. Lift the lid and its all in front of you. Lift the bracket, take the old cartridge out, replace and shut the lid. The printer re-calibrates itself and tells you, ready to go.

CONCLUSION.

Not being a computer wizard although quite learned on computers, I have found this printer to be faultless. It has fulfilled all my needs and more. The price may sound expensive but I have found this product very good value for money.
On thing I do find expensive but then this applies to a lot of other printers is the cost of the ink, although another plus in this printers favour is that there is only one cartridge for black, and one cartridge for colour. Some printers need a different cartridge for all the prime colours.
All the spares are easy to get.
I have seen ink available to buy at, Curries, Staples, PC world, and loads of other outlets.
I think this is a very worthwhile investment if you have the same needs as me from a printer.

Regards……….Tony.