Electronics : HP C7280 Photosmart All-in-One Printer (CC567A#ABA)

Rating: - HP C7280 is excellent...software is not so great
The HP C7280 is fantastic. It's fast, clean and makes very clear prints/copies.

The C7280 is fast and has great range when using wireless printing. I also enjoy viewing the pictures on the small screen prior to printing to make sure I actuall want it or not. It is great. I highly suggest it.

THe only issue, and its a BIG issue is the software. It's terrible. After being on the phone with HP tech support and downloading and reloading the software, it was confusing, frustrating and it was almost enough for me to take it back. It crashed my windows XP where I had to get it reinstalled. This is a MAJOR issue and HP really needs to resolve it. I finally got it to work after downloading other fix it files from the HP site. (I wish I had the link to share). After a week, I finally got it working on one of my computers. This computer would get at least 4 stars out of 5 if the software was easier to install and didn't screw with my operating system.

---

Rating: - terrific features, slow performance, modest quality
I have had my c7280 for several months. My family prints at least 1000 pages per month. I purchased this model for several reasons: Wireless network !!, scan, copy, fax, duplex features, and photo printing. It may be too much to ask in one box.
Printing is not nearly as fast as advertized - the printer pauses between pages to allow ink drying time, and especially so when printing duplex.
Single pages and photos actually do print as fast as advertized.
Print quality is OK. Photos are just not as vivid as I had hoped. My very old G55 model still prints better photos - but much slower. The photo tray for 4x6 prints is convenient, but it cuts the number of sheets you can put in the main tray. Plan on checking and adding paper frequently.
This printer goes through a lot of ink! OK - I print a lot, mostly in fast/draft mode to save ink, but the tiny little cartridges do not last long. Black is oversized and other cartridges vary by a small amount. The traditional 3 colors run out very quickly. The other two - light Cyan, and light Magenta are not used much.
Finally - this printer has a light-weight, cheap feel and sound to it. My first purchase actually did not work - would not feed paper. It was replaced within a few days, no questions.
If you like the features, and don't print too much, this is a good buy. If you need to print thick documents, duplex, or lots of copies... Pay a little extra and keep looking for a better product.

---

Rating: - Horrible software. HP should be embarrassed...
We have one of these printers at home and one at the office. I carry my laptop back and forth between locations. The software is garbage. It never finds the printer on my network and have to rerun the setup wizard every time I go back an forth. Furthermore, their software will not install on our office server. So our office server cannot print to this printer. Printing from multiple machines is the whole point of having one of these networked printers.

Overall horrible experience trying to get these things working. Will never buy HP printer again.

I forgot to mention that the duplexer constantly jams.

---

Rating: - Doesn't Work as Promised
First, let me begin with the positive - This printer does a great job with photographs. There is absolutely nothing else positive I can say about it. I bought it because I wanted a wireless connection, wanted to be able to print on two sides, and wanted to be able to print photographs as well as documents. The fact that it came with a scanner was a bonus (I thought) because I could get rid of my my old scanner and save room on my desk. I have never been able to set up the wireless connection so I must use it with a USB connection. Two sided documents print in gray instead of black and the duplexer unit jams constantly. In fact I can't print a 10 page document without it jamming. Sadly, I donated my old scanner to a charity. I say sadly because the scanner on the C7280 does not do anywhere near as good a job as my 10 year old scanner. HPs customer support has been totally ineffective in solving any of the problems I have encountered. Also, they do not honor their warranty. I have sent several emails asking for information on how I can return the printer and get a full refund (I bought it direct from HP). None of those emails have been answered.

---

Rating: - Run far away from this product
I purchased this all-in-one unit in February 2008 and 5 months later am ready to put it in my driveway with a huge sign that says "free to any sucker who will take it"!

The unit prints fine when it is actually connected to our wireless network but I have to place it so far from my desk because it interferes with my wireless mouse and keyboard. It drops off the network often which is really a hassle.

The thing that makes me most upset is that I bought it primarily for it's scanner which SUCKS!!!! The quality is horrible! So far I am on my 3rd replacement after hours on the phone trying to get help. And now HP tells me that they will refund the $300 I paid but they will pro-rate it?? I have spent hours on the phone plus 3 trips to the UPS store to mail back the replaced units, plus time and money I have spent having a local photo store scan photos for me because this thing is so bad!!

I have absolutely no faith anymore in HP's products or their customer service!!