HP Officejet Pro 8500 Wireless All-in-One Printer

I thought I would make what is normally the conclusion the beginning section because not everyone may have the time or the disposition to go through all these paragraphs unless actually interested in making a purchase. I am providing more detail that should support my conclusions AFTER the evaluation section.


Evaluation
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The reviewed unit meets the claim of it being a all-in-one solution. While it is not likely that any individual user would take advantage of all its features on a regular basis, it is reassuring to know that the features are there. The supplied software and the printer's own console interface allow for a tremenduous amount of flexibility and customization. Some of the more advanced features will require an above-average level of computer expertise but, even without a lot of customization, this will be a useful, worthy printing/faxing/copying/scanning appliance.

While the superior quality of output would make this...Read more

Recent reviews of the HP OfficeJet Pro 8500 Wireless were critical of noise, vibration, and ink usage. Here are what I have discovered since installing this printer.
1. On most surfaces the noise from the printer is minimal. Movement of the plastic gears on HP, Canon, and Epson are not silent. Perhaps newer versions of the 8500 by HP will address this minor concern.
2. The printer vibrates slightly compared to a laser printer, but not to the extent that it is objectionable. Perhaps HP can reduce or eliminate this in future models but probably by increasing the weight of the printer. Most users, I suggest, would not want a heavier printer.
3. Ink usage is part of the printer expense "game" but with HP you can continue to print in B&W even if any or all of the color cartridges are empty [Verified by HP Support] That may not be the case with some recent offerings from Epson or Canon, although I personally prefer Espon and Canon printers for color prints.
4...Read more

I've had this printer for a week. While it has worked, it has seemed to work well. Print quality is good, fax and copy are nice. I haven't used the scanner. I was a little annoyed by the set-up and lack of a manual, but it went okay. It's a complicated product, so you really need a manual.

After one week and about 20 pages, one of the printheads failed. I tried an online support chat. The person was unhelpful and condescending. The chat lasted an hour. He kept repeating questions and implying that I did not know what I was doing. First, he was flustered that I could not print a test page. Told me to consult the manual if I was unable to understand his instructions. I would presume that would be the manual that does not come with the product. Of course, a printer will not print anything if the printhead does not work.

Then, he had me do a couple of different resets. That didn't work. He didn't know what to do. I suggested that maybe the...Read more