HP OfficeJet Pro K850DN ( C8178A#A2L )

• Money-saving solution
• Skip the high-cost print shop: Produce marketing materials yourself for as little as 2.2 cents per page in black, 8.4 cents in color
• Automatic two-sided printing accessory handles paper up to 13 by 19 inches
• Get sharp results with output resolutions up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi color
• Print in volume for less with the four individual ink cartridges; replace only the colors you use and go for longer without switching high-capacity inks (monthly output is 6,250 pages)

We now have three of the K850 printers in use, one with a built in print server, second paper tray, and duplexer. So far, the printers have proved to be reliable, fast, and comparatively inexpensive to operate. Power on, pre-print, and post-print noise may be objectionable to users who are located close to the printer.

Capable of using the same HP 10 black and HP 11 individual color ink cartridges, as well as replacement print heads as the HP Business Ink Jet 1100d and HP Business Ink Jet 1200d, the K850 shares the same low, per page operating cost as the 1100d and 1200d printers. Full page color photographs print in roughly 32 seconds, with a roughly eight second delay prior to the start of printing; similar prints from other printers may require from one to five minutes to print the same full page color photograph. White horizontal lines were present in the full page color photograph, possibly indicating that one or two of the nozzles in the print heads, shipped with the new printer, are defective.

The printer handles paper sizes up to 13" x 19", so it easily handles B size (tabloid, 11" x 17") paper commonly used for small engineering prints and foldable newsletters. The printer software installs without problem, although a reboot will likely be required. For network capable K850 printers, the software install automatically finds K850 printers on the network, and adds a "HP Standard TCP/IP Port" to the computer configuration for communication with the printer. For non-network capable K850 printers, both USB and parallel port connections are supported.

Positives:

* Uses ink that is compatible with other printer models, helping to keep operating costs down.

* Fast printing for full page color, and even faster black printing with spot color.

* Large format color printing, which is helpful for quick generation of engineering prints.

* Nearly idiot proof print cartridge replacement light turns on to indicate the color that needs to be replaced, printing stops automatically, user replaces ink cartridge, and printing continues.

* Separate ink cartridges and print heads means less aligning of print cartridges/heads after ink cartridge replacement, larger capacity ink cartridges, and lower operating cost.

Negatives:

* Minimal install of HP software from the CD requires at least 100MB.

* Low capacity HP 13 print cartridges ship with the printer.

* Power-on, pre-print, and post-print noise, just like the Business Ink Jet 1100d and 1200d. However, there is very little noise produced while printing.

* Cheap plastic cover over the print cartridges, similar to that used on the 1200d.

* Large footprint.

Buy HP OfficeJet Pro K850DN ( C8178A#A2L ) Now

Having read the reviews, I was worried about the duplexer. I called HP and was generally reassured so I bit the bullet and ordered the machine. So far I am very impressed: setup was a breeze, print quality is as expected, and the duplexer works great. I am printing 70 page double sided documents, small volume (maybe 700 pp month) and so far the printer has worked without a hitch.

Read Best Reviews of HP OfficeJet Pro K850DN ( C8178A#A2L ) Here

I like the output from it and the networking is very nice, but the back side of prints are offset about .5 inches from the front side. HP''s support was very bad (although they did send me a new duplexer eventually which still did not solve my problem). After awhile I gave up on trying to get it fixed. All and all I wish I had purchased something else because duplexing is the only reason I got this printer. For someone who does not care that much about the duplexing option, I am sure it would be fine though.

Want HP OfficeJet Pro K850DN ( C8178A#A2L ) Discount?

I bought this printer because I do a lot of 11" x 17" printing. It serves that function well, although as other have reported the duplex unit does not function well (paper jams). The duplex unit works well on legal size. Printing in the "fast normal" and "draft" modes is fast, partially because each new sheet is fed immediately after the previous, so there is no gap in time from printing one sheet to the next. Printing of Letter size in "draft" mode is startingly fast when compared to other ink jets. Ink is easy to replace and the reservoirs are big in the model 10 and 11 cartridges. I previously used an HP 9800 and this is a dream comparitively becasue the ink lasts so much longer and each color can be replaced uniquely rather than the tricolor cartidges of the 9800. I am happy with my 850dn choice and would buy it again. I wish I would have bought the 850 the first time rather than the less expensive 9800.

This is a great printer. We are an architecture firm, and purchased it because it handles 12x18 paper (for half-sized drawings to scale). This printer has proven to be extraordinary at handling the marketing materials, permitting us to print on heavy weight cardstock through the rear flat feed option. Also, when you need to shoot out a 100 page document in a hurry, set this on the fast normal setting, and it simply flies through the job (the draft setting, while still faster, actually shoots the paper onto the floor). We analyzed the per sheet cost, and it works out to less than 3 cents a sheet for the color ink (presentation type) stuff we do, which is competitive. I really do wish I could get a larger paper tray or additional paper trays for the printer though.

I do agree with the other reviewer about the duplexing it really isn''t reliable, but I have yet to find an inkjet that handles duplexing well. While I wish we could save more trees, we just print single side for now.