In today’s digital age, having a reliable and versatile printer at home or in a small office is crucial. The HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer aims to meet these needs with its multifunctional capabilities and wireless connectivity. At Online Computer Tips, we’ve taken a close look at this printer to see if it delivers on its promises.
When it comes to printers, it’s important to consider factors beyond just the initial price tag. Performance, reliability, and long-term costs are crucial aspects to evaluate. The HP DeskJet 2855e is positioned as an affordable all-in-one solution, but let’s dive deeper to see if it truly offers value for money.
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Here’s what you need to know about the HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer.
Performance
The HP DeskJet 2855e offers decent performance for its price range. It can print up to 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 5.5 ppm in color. While these speeds are not the fastest in the market, they should be sufficient for home use or light office work. The printer supports automatic two-sided printing, which is a nice feature for saving paper.
Print quality is generally good for text documents and acceptable for color graphics and photos. However, it may not meet the standards required for professional-quality photo printing or detailed graphic work.
Design and Build Quality
The DeskJet 2855e has a compact design (15.86 x 11.81 x 6.06 inches) that should fit well in most home or small office spaces. The build quality is typical for printers in this price range – mostly plastic construction that feels adequate for light to moderate use but may not stand up to heavy-duty demands.
The printer features a simple control panel with basic buttons and indicator lights. While functional, it lacks the convenience of a touchscreen display found in some higher-end models.
Connectivity and Compatibility
One of the key features of the DeskJet 2855e is its wireless connectivity. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect it to your home or office network for wireless printing from computers and mobile devices. The printer is also compatible with the HP Smart app, which enables mobile printing and scanning.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, particularly when trying to connect to guest networks. This could be a significant drawback for those who frequently need to print in different locations or have complex network setups.
Functionality
As an all-in-one device, the DeskJet 2855e offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. The flatbed scanner can handle documents up to 8.5 x 11.69 inches, which is suitable for most common scanning needs. The copier function allows for quick reproductions without needing a computer.
The printer supports various paper sizes and types, including plain paper, photo paper, and envelopes. This versatility is useful for handling different printing tasks.
Ink and Cost Considerations
The DeskJet 2855e uses HP 67 ink cartridges, available in standard and high-yield versions. It’s compatible with HP’s Instant Ink subscription service, which can potentially save money for users who print frequently. However, some customers have expressed concerns about ink cartridge longevity, reporting that they run out quickly.
When considering the total cost of ownership, it’s important to factor in ongoing ink expenses alongside the initial purchase price of the printer.
User Experience
Setup process for the DeskJet 2855e is generally straightforward, especially when using the HP Smart app. However, user experiences seem to vary, with some finding it easy to set up and others encountering difficulties, particularly with wireless connectivity.
The HP Smart app adds convenience for mobile printing and scanning, but its functionality and reliability may not meet everyone’s expectations.
Product Review:
Customer Feedback: User reviews for the HP DeskJet 2855e are mixed. While some users appreciate its affordable price point and basic functionality, others have experienced frustrations, particularly with connectivity and ink consumption.
Many customers praise the printer’s compact size and the convenience of wireless printing when it works correctly. The print quality for everyday documents is generally considered satisfactory. However, a significant number of users report ongoing issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, which can be a major inconvenience.
Opinions on setup ease vary widely, with some finding it straightforward and others struggling to get the printer connected and working properly. The build quality receives mixed reviews, with some feeling it’s appropriate for the price and others finding it flimsy.
Ink consumption is another point of contention, with several users reporting that cartridges run out quickly, leading to higher-than-expected operating costs.
Pros:
- Affordable initial purchase price
- Compact design suitable for home or small office use
- All-in-one functionality (print, scan, copy)
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Mobile printing capabilities via HP Smart app
- Compatible with HP Instant Ink service
Cons:
- Reported Wi-Fi connectivity issues
- Concerns about ink cartridge longevity and cost
- Print speeds may be slow for some users
- No touchscreen display
- Build quality may not be suitable for heavy use
- Mixed user experiences with setup and reliability
OCT’s Final Thoughts
The HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer offers a budget-friendly option for basic home and small office printing needs. Its compact design and all-in-one functionality are appealing for users with limited space and diverse printing requirements.
However, the reported connectivity issues and concerns about ink consumption are significant drawbacks that potential buyers should carefully consider. While the initial price may be attractive, the total cost of ownership could be higher than expected if you find yourself frequently replacing ink cartridges or dealing with connectivity problems.
For users with very basic printing needs and a tight budget, the DeskJet 2855e might be worth considering. However, those who require more reliable wireless connectivity or have higher-volume printing needs may want to explore other options, even if they come at a higher initial cost.
As with any printer purchase, we recommend carefully assessing your specific needs and usage patterns. Consider factors like print volume, the importance of wireless functionality, and long-term costs when making your decision.
Score: 3.5/5
The HP DeskJet 2855e earns a middle-of-the-road score due to its mixed performance. While it offers decent functionality at an affordable price point, the reported connectivity issues and concerns about ongoing costs prevent it from scoring higher. It may be suitable for some users, but its limitations make it hard to recommend universally.
