HP DeskJet 3050 Ink Review

The HP DeskJet 3050 is the second least expensive model in HPs latest all-in-one assortment.

The appearance of the DeskJet 3050 incorporates a high-gloss very dark brown top surface. The paper feed tray support flips upwards from its resting point on top of the printer. The control panel uses a column of seven flexible-strip buttons to switch the wireless transceiver off and on, to scan a document, to print quick forms and to terminate an active job. There are three soft buttons, linked to the Liquid crystal display, which will undertake different tasks according to the menu context. In addition, you will find indicators with respect to each of the inkjet cartridges, one just for errors, one to indicate wireless activity and one fixed in to the round power button. The 60-sheet paper tray feeds to a large output tray in front. This folds down and telescopes out to take printed pages. In the unit is a further pull-down cover, and lurking behind this you will find carriers for the two ink cartridges. The sole sockets located at the back are intended for the low-voltage power cable from the little, block power supply as well as for a USB cable.

Setup is straightforward and provides WPS single-button connection. The two cartridges, black and tri-colour, slip in and clip up to their individual holders plus software with respect to Windows or OS X installs from the provided CD. There is a copy of HP's Photo Creations accessible for download, also, which offers you simple photo manipulations as well as print-based projects. Pre-programmed forms for home office and also leisure are obtainable directly from the control panel.

Under examination we were treated to 5.5ppm for our five-page document, ascending to 6.4ppm on the 20-page one. The five-page black text and colour graphics assessment offered only 2.3ppm, though a single-page colour copy finished in a comparatively nippy 28s.

The text prints we obtained from the device were substandard, due to visible blurring round a number of characters, fade out on several slim strokes as well as mislaid ink dots at several spots in various pages. Draft mode pages endured identical print problems. Colours are vibrant as well as clean, however including slight banding plus a little blurring in text over solid colours. A colour copy was quite near to the original in colour tone, although textures within solid areas became more apparent. A colour photograph upon HP Advanced glossy paper is definitely nicely detailed through a range of diverse shades, however certainly not as bright as we have observed from various other machines within the range.

The black and colour HP DeskJet 3050 ink cartridges can be purchased in just two capacities.

This is another serviceable, cheap all-in-one, that you pay only around a fiver extra for the Liquid crystal display, which is actually a helpful extra giving beneficial feedback. Rates of speed and working charges are both okay for this style of appliance, but the print quality from our own test sample definitely wasn't there. Even though this might be a problem from this particular assessment sample, the simple fact that the same engine could vary between models might cast doubt on quality control in the range.

HP DeskJet 3050 printer cartridges are to be found here.