( 37 reviews )
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Posted: Aug 14 2009
The reason I bought this was for the wireless. However it regularly loses the wireless connection for no apparent reason; the only way to fix it seems to be to reboot the printer. Rebooting it is a slower process than booting Windows. As this is one of its main selling points, I give it one star.
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Posted: Aug 11 2009
I've had this printer for a week. While it has worked, it has seemed to work well. Print quality is good, fax and copy are nice. I haven't used the scanner. I was a little annoyed by the set-up and lack of a manual, but it went okay. It's a complicated product, so you really need a manual. After one week and about 20 pages, one of the printheads failed. I tried an online support chat. The person was unhelpful and condescending. The chat lasted an hour. He kept repeating questions and implying that I did not know what I was doing. First, he was flustered that I could not print a test page. Told me to consult the manual if I was unable to understand his instructions. I would presume that would be the manual that does not come with the product. Of course, a printer will not print anything if the printhead does not work. Then, he had me do a couple of different resets. That didn't work. He didn't know what to do. I suggested that maybe the printhead really was faulty. He disagreed. They don't go bad on new printers. The problem is firmware or I don't know how to operate. He told me to wait a few minutes while he researched. Then, he told me to clean the electrical contacts between printer and printhead. That did not fix the problem. Again, he put me on hold -- so to speak. Finally, he said the printhead had to be replaced, but to do this, I had to call HP by phone. He gave me ticket number. I call HP and wait about 30 minutes. I give ticket number. It is blank. I explain problem. I am told to repeat same steps as before. I decline. I am told that they cannot help me unless I reset printer, do semi-full reset, and clean printhead. I again decline and ask for supervisor. I'm put on hold. Finally, I'm told they will send me a new printhead -- estimated delivery is 7-10 days, unless I pay $17 for expedited shipping and delivery. I hope this works. If not, I will return printer. Either way, it is doubtful I will use HP again. They were rude, the first guy knew less about printers than I do, and I am now without a printer for over a week. But for those first 20 pages, it is a great product!
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Posted: Aug 3 2009
Recent reviews of the HP OfficeJet Pro 8500 Wireless were critical of noise, vibration, and ink usage. Here are what I have discovered since installing this printer. 1. On most surfaces the noise from the printer is minimal. Movement of the plastic gears on HP, Canon, and Epson are not silent. Perhaps newer versions of the 8500 by HP will address this minor concern. 2. The printer vibrates slightly compared to a laser printer, but not to the extent that it is objectionable. Perhaps HP can reduce or eliminate this in future models but probably by increasing the weight of the printer. Most users, I suggest, would not want a heavier printer. 3. Ink usage is part of the printer expense "game" but with HP you can continue to print in B&W even if any or all of the color cartridges are empty [Verified by HP Support] That may not be the case with some recent offerings from Epson or Canon, although I personally prefer Espon and Canon printers for color prints. 4. The ink cartridges are dated, but they will continue to function even after the "expiration" date. HP prints a date on the ink package, but it does not prevent the cartridge from working. As a matter of fact, ink will remain usable in a SEALED packet for an extended period without concern. This date code is not a rip-off by HP anymore than other companies who print a freshness date. 5. It is certainly less expensive to order color prints online than to purchase OEM ink and paper. For those with a digital camera who need a quick print now and then the quality of the HP is excellent. 6. Setup is easy. I would only add a note to the directions for Step 7 to input your choice of language and then follow the touch screen directions as the printer processes alignment. The directions are not clear on that one point, and you could wait for 30 minutes wondering why it hasn't competed alignment of the print heads. Check this out if you purchase this printer. 7. I am punctilious concerning most purchases and, at least in this case, I feel that this printer is an outstanding VALUE even when other offerings from Canon, Brother, and Epson may be less expensive. I have seen printers on sale for less than $50, but the thin plastic housing and the print quality reflect the price. We wanted Print / Copy / Scan / Fax, although we will seldom use the FAX function. (I will only connect the FAX as needed). 8. Follow the directions CAREFULLY and install precisely and you will enjoy owning this printer.
