Drinks like a seventies gas guzzler (HP Photosmart 3210 All-in-One)

Name: jamesontheroad

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Product:	HP Photosmart 3210 All-in-One
Date:	11/10/08 (56 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Compact all-in-one design

Disadvantages: Expensive and non-recyclable chipped ink cartridges

I've always steered clear of all-in-one electronic products (TV/DVD units, washer/dryers etc) not because I don't trust the idea of a multifunction appliance that tries to do everything (jack of all trades and master of none) but because I'm fearful of one part breaking down leaving only half a functioning device. So I'm not your normal all-in-one printer user - this one was inherited from a family member who, like me, decided in time to buy a better scanner and a better printer.

My opinion, therefore, is based on this being a free printer, not a £250 investment. Briefly, it's an A4 photo quality printer / scanner with a handy multi format memory card reader. It has a compact design and sits neatly on the floor under my desk - the input paper tray is cunningly designed underneath the unit rather than projecting (although output paper does project forwards) so the overall design appears compact for a multi-function printer.

Basic black and white and colour print quality is fine, although print speeds on most jobs never quite hits the advertised ppm speeds. I've not had much call for "photo" printing, although HP sell a "value" pack of inks that comes with 150 6x4 print papers if you want to try. For the cost of paper and ink though I'd continue to use online photo printing services that can deliver a professional product for a much lower unit cost.

The biggest gripe comes from the six cartridges, which are non-refillable and non-recyclable unless you send them back to HP (freepost bags available to order on the HP website). While your friendly local ink supplier can physcially refill them, HP have designed chips into the actual cartridges so that when the cartridge thinks it's done, it's done. This is big ol' HP sticking their head in the sand and sacrificing sensible economic and environmental practice for making money. Having just one empty cartridge stops all printing, and you can't print anything - no matter what colours are needed and no matter if there is actually some ink left in the cartridge - until the on empty unit is replaced. Each of the seven cartridges are sold separately or in multiple packs. Expect to pay £20 - £40 for that multipack and have one ready for when the colours start to run down.

In summary? A great free printer or cheap second hand buy, but an expensive proposition if bought new. Keen photo printers should just upload and print professionally. Those who want a decent inkjet should ask whether they really need to spend more on a combined scanner or a better standalone printer.

Summary: A reliable second hand buy, but expesive to run