Performance
HP advertises two sets of print speeds for the Pro K5400: 36 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 35ppm for color, in draft mode; 12ppm (black) and 10ppm (color) in best-quality mode. HP calls the best-quality mode "near laser." In CNET Labs' tests, black text printed at best quality scored 10.16ppm, which isn't too far from HP's advertised speed. For comparison, the $150 Canon Pixma MP510 multifunction printed text at a rate of 6.37ppm, and the $180 Samsung SCX-4200 multifunction laser printed text at 13.42ppm. The Pro K5400 cranked out a PowerPoint presentation at a rate of 6.11ppm and a page of graphics at 6.21ppm. When printing a single 4x6 photo, it scored 1.42ppm, but when printing a job of 10, 4x6 prints, it averaged a higher 1.84ppm (processing time is split among the photos). The Pixma MP510 printed a single 4x6 photo at a rate of 1.26ppm. We were impressed by the K5400's print speeds, quite fast for an inkjet printer.
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Text print quality was very good for an inkjet printer. At first glance, we noticed that the text was a rich black and characters were formed well. Upon closer examination, we noticed some minor jagged edges and barely noticeable wicking. "Near laser" is an appropriate description; the K5400's text prints were better than those of nearly all the multifunction inkjet printers we've reviewed. The graphics print revealed smooth color gradients along with pleasing color saturation and accuracy. The photo elements were a bit washed out but otherwise showed nice detail. The printer had some difficulty with barcode-style patterns. The color photographs were serviceable, but nowhere near display quality. We saw obvious graininess, particularly in color blocks and skin tones, and the color had an overall dullness to it. Again, this is an office-oriented printer, not a photo printer, so it's understandable that it produces less-than-stellar photos. That said, this printer is good for the occasional photo that may serve as a reference, perhaps for a small insurance company or a real estate agent.
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Service and support
HP backs the Officejet Pro K5400 with a standard one-year warranty, which is on par with the competition, though you can also pay to extend the warranty. While under warranty, you can get toll-free phone support 24-7, at no cost. HP's Web site has downloadable drivers, software, and manuals; e-mail and online chat tech support; FAQs; and a troubleshooting guide.
