DeskJet 842C - Refurb.

• Affordable DeskJet printer
• 600dpi, 2MB RAM, PC/Mac
• 8ppm black/5ppm color

My parents bought me this printer back in 2000 after I built my first computer in high school so that I could print my school work. 10 years later, a move to and from Germany, several states, and a couple other printers in between, I still find myself using this for my classwork. Its economical, and dependable.

This thing has never broken, I have never had one problem with it over 10 years of frequent use. It''s a workhorse. One of the greatest features was that this was one of the last HP printers to feature large ink cartridges before they switched to more expensive, smaller ones that frequently run dry and quickly eclipse the cost of the actual printer. HP''s largest profit margins, by a LONG shot, are on their ink and toner sales. I have an F4200 that I got for $40 from a friend, and stopped using anything but the scanner when I found out replacing the ink cost more than the printer.

These cartridges were also easily refilled and reused many times before I bought refurbed ones.

Looking at the used costs for $120-130, I wouldn''t pay that simply because they photo quality has been passed. But if you come across a working used one for $10-25 (considering the low price of new printers), BUY IT.

This is one of the last great HP printers that was truly a great value to the consumer. If I bought another printer, I''d go with another company that had cheaper ink and larger capacity cartridges.

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HP Deskjet 842C Printer

The HP842C inkjet printer is designed for the home or small office. It attaches to a computer via the classic parallel cable or to a USB port. You should connect the USB cable from the printer to the computer before you apply power to the printer. It can be used with Windows 3.1, 95 with an IEEE 1284 parallel cable, or with Windows 98, Me, and XP with a USB cable. The black inkjet cartridge is the #15, the tricolor inkjet cartridge is the #17. The #17 tricolor cartridges is often harder to find. This printer works well for the average user.

HP seems to have a policy of "planned obsolescence" in manufacturing new printers that use new inkjet cartridges. Over time it becomes harder to quickly purchase replacement cartridges. If you bought a used printer you can refer to another HP printer manual for general advice. HP advises against refilling a cartridge but you may find doing this useful.

The HP840C User''s Guide has a Table of Contents that covers the topics in its 74 pages. Be sure to read the warnings in the manual about proper care of inkjet cartridges. Leaving them unused for many months may shorten their useful life. New cartridges have a plastic tape over the nozzles to prevent oxidation of the ink. One user had a problem with the separate power supply. It is probably not good practice to keep the printer powered on when not in use. Be sure the bottom tray is pushed against the printer body, a loose fit can cause printing problems. [If you buy a used printer download the software from HP.]

Read Best Reviews of DeskJet 842C - Refurb. Here

Doesn''t work well with shiny paper photos, other than that, I''ve been using it for over three years and no complaints!

It has never given me any trouble what so ever. It''s well worth your money.

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I do not ask too much out of a printer, just print mostly text and some pictures and this printer the HP842C is quite suitable. The replacement cartridges are easy to replace and paper is easy to load. I have yet to experience a paper jam and that is impressive considering how long I have owned this printer.

I actually got mine new not refurbished. Have printed photos I took with my Canon A70 and from my greeting card software.

Have gotten many compliments on the photos.

Suggest buying Hp paper or other name brand instead of a value brand.