HP Deskjet 3650 Color Inkjet Printer

Overview

The HP Deskjet 3650 Color Inkjet Printer is a compact and cost-effective printing solution aimed primarily at home users and small offices. Released in the early 2000s, this printer is part of HP’s Deskjet series, known for their reliability and ease of use. Although an older model, the Deskjet 3650 was popular for its balance of quality and affordability, making it a valuable option for basic color and monochrome printing needs.

Design and Build

The HP Deskjet 3650 features a sleek, minimalist design typical of early 2000s technology, with a sturdy gray-and-silver plastic casing that houses its compact and space-saving frame. This printer is designed to fit easily on a desk or small tabletop area, making it suitable for environments where space is at a premium. With dimensions that make it neither too bulky nor too delicate, it offers a practical aesthetic that complements a home office or small business setting.

Performance and Print Quality

In terms of performance, the HP Deskjet 3650 delivers satisfactory results for everyday printing tasks. The printer supports a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi when printing from a computer on select HP photo papers and 1200 input dpi, which allows for detailed and vibrant color prints. While it may not match the speed and efficiency of today’s high-end inkjets or laser printers, it holds up well for its intended use with moderate print speeds. Typically, it can produce up to 17 pages per minute in black and white and 12 pages per minute in color, which was quite acceptable for its time.

The printer utilizes HP’s inkjet technology, which ensures that text documents are clear and legible, while photographs and graphics are rendered with decent accuracy and brightness. It requires two cartridges, one black and one tricolor, which simplifies maintenance and ensures consistent print quality.

Features and Connectivity

One of the defining characteristics of the HP Deskjet 3650 is its simplicity. This printer does not boast an extensive array of modern features like Wi-Fi connectivity or mobile printing capabilities, as it was designed for a different technological era. However, it does offer USB 2.0 connectivity, which was the standard for direct computer-printer communication at the time, ensuring a reliable connection for transferring print jobs.

The Deskjet 3650 supports a variety of media types, including plain paper, photo paper, and envelopes, making it versatile for different printing needs. This versatility makes it suitable for users who require occasional photo printing alongside everyday document production.

Ease of Use

HP designed the Deskjet 3650 with user-friendliness in mind. Setting up the printer is straightforward, with a simple plug-and-play installation process facilitated by the drivers provided on a CD. The front panel features easy-to-understand buttons for basic functions, such as power and paper feed, which cater to users who prefer hassle-free operation without the need to navigate through complex menus or settings.

Cost and Value

One of the major advantages of the HP Deskjet 3650 is its affordability. It was positioned as an entry-level printer, making it accessible to users who required basic printing functionality without breaking the bank. The replacement ink cartridges are moderately priced, though finding them might be more challenging today due to the model’s age. Nevertheless, for light to moderate usage, the Deskjet 3650 offers a good balance of quality and cost-effectiveness.