The DeskJet 812C offers Hewlett-Packard's exclusive PhotoREt II color-layering technology for photo-quality color on any paper. HP ColorSmart II adjusts color automatically so that the colors onscreen match the colors on paper.
To set up the 812C, we followed the quick setup poster for a Windows parallel-port connection. (Posters are also included for Windows USB and Mac USB.) We connected the parallel cable from the printer to our PC, connected the AC power, and turned on the printer. The print heads moved into position so that we could insert the black and color ink cartridges. Finally, we inserted the CD-ROM and followed the HP DeskJet 812C installer wizard. The entire setup took about 15 minutes.
In our tests of the 812C, we printed text in a variety of fonts, sizes, and colors on normal uncoated paper, using three print modes: EconoFast, Normal, and Best. EconoFast samples showed obvious banding, pixelated letters, and faded color, but even the tiniest font (4-point Times Roman) was completely legible. Normal samples showed dramatic improvements, richer color, and sharper text. The Best samples were slightly better than Normal and required close-up inspection to distinguish them from laser-quality print. Similarly, EconoFast printings of photographs were faded; Normal printings were greatly improved; and Best only modestly improved over Normal. The quality of the Best printings was surprisingly sharp, even on normal uncoated paper. Although these printouts are excellent for an inexpensive ink-jet printer, referring to them as "photo quality" overstates the case.
In our speed tests, the printer produced seven pages of EconoFast text in 76 seconds (5.5 pages per minute), seven pages of Normal text in 107 seconds (3.9 ppm), and seven pages of Best text in 223 seconds (1.9 ppm). A single, 8-by-10-inch color photo required 48 seconds (1.25 ppm) in EconoFast mode, 125 seconds in Normal mode (0.48 ppm), and a slow 280 seconds (0.21 ppm) in Best mode.
Overall, we think the 812C's performance was very good--this is a great little printer for general-purpose color printing. --Mike Brown
Pros:
- USB and parallel-port connections
- Mac and Windows documentation included
- Good quality even on ordinary paper
Cons:
- Slow printing in Best mode
This review was originally written for the nonrefurbished product.
Amazon.com Product Description
Built-in photo quality means no swapping of ink cartridges. And with HP's exclusive PhotoREt II color layering technology, you'll see amazingly vivid photo-quality color no matter what paper you print on--whether it's the plain, inexpensive paper you use most, card stock, envelopes, banner, or photo paper. Get results at print speeds of up to 6.5 ppm in black and 4.5 ppm in color. In addition, you can grab your projects off the printer as soon as they're done with HP's exclusive fast-drying inks.
You'll love how small and compact the HP DeskJet 812C is--it's ideal for small or shared workspaces. And its quiet printing means one less interruption. Best of all, whether your computer is a PC or a USB-connect Macintosh, you can get started today, because the HP DeskJet 812C is compatible with both.
Factory-Reconditioned HP DeskJet 812c Color Inkjet Printer (PC/Mac)