- Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 30 reviews Back to product review
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Full user review
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17 out of 18 people found this review helpful
4.0 stars
"An All-In-One Device...Almost"
Pros: Built-in lightscribe, great wireless support and setup (802abg, bluetooth), touch-screen interface, compact size, fantastic photo-printing, simple cartridge management
Cons: Expensive photo-printer, expensive and small ink cartridges, no ADF, No Photo-Lightscribe printing w/o USB connection
Summary: I purchased this printer last week, and I'm impressed with what it's done so far.
Without any issues, I can snap a picture on my cell phone (3MP) send it to my printer (when within range) and it will automatically print a full borderless 4x6 print with excellent resolution - two clicks, no PC needed, no printer interaction required: Impressive.
This is just one of the many triumphs of this printer. I've had a plug-and-pay experience so far. Setting it up on my wireless network was a breeze. I use WPA encryption, and getting the printer to join the network was no problem. Software setup from my PC was even easier. I didn't need to know the IP and it only upgraded existing drivers and software I already had - it didn't require a full install of new HP software; this was another big point in HP's favor.
My biggest surprise was the Over-The-Air scanning capability; I configured what 'ScanTo:' buttons I wanted to show up on my printer, placed an item to be scanned on the glass and hit scan - a preview automatically popped up on my PC and asked to me confirm and set resolution for full scan - NICE.
To my surprise though, the printer offers no OTA support for photo-lightscribe printing. So while you can imprint basic Header and two sub-titles onto a disc, you'll need to be connected via USB to be able to print a full resolution greyscale image to the CD (which can take up to 15 minutes).
This is my first light-scribe device/experience and I'm a bit disappointed. The images I've printed so far, and even the simple text, looks faded and a bit washed out. While the laser burning feature is amazing (and should have been the standard years ago) I'm disappointed at the contrast resolution; the blacks aren't as truly black as they should/could be.
On the ink side, while I LOVE the new pictographic, simply front-loading ink setup, I certainly don't like the small size. This means more replacement with high-volume color printing for a cartridge that costs about the same as it's larger predecessor.
My last gripe is the lack of full functionality. I feel that the lack of an ADF as opposed to the simple flat-bed was a poor choice. Instead of making the device more versatile, it pivots it toward dedicated photographers; since it is removable, I feel HP should offer an ADF option instead of the Negatives scanner.
All-in-all, a great device that's worked very well so far. While not for the faint of pocket book, it's a definite recommend for the basic AND advanced home user.
- 2 replies to this review
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What a great review. Thanks!
I too found out that I could not use LIGHTSCRIBE without USB. Why have Wi-Fi then...
Printer is all to S L O W.
Most of all, where is the FAX?
Appreciate your review. One of the best. -
If the light scribes aren't black enough, I heard that you can put it in a second time and it will write over what is already on the CD making it darker. You have to use the same design.
Where to buy
HP Photosmart C8180 All-in-One:
$184.37 - $458.75
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$399.99 | Yes |
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$399.99 | Yes |
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$249.00 | Yes |
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$259.96 | Yes |
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$259.96 | Yes |
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