HP Deskjet 3847 Color Inkjet Printer

Introduction

The HP Deskjet 3847 Color Inkjet Printer was designed as a budget-friendly option for home users who require basic printing capabilities. Although it’s a relatively older model, it still offers a range of functions that make it suitable for everyday home printing tasks. This review will explore its design, performance, features, and potential drawbacks to provide a comprehensive understanding of this printer.

Design and Build

The HP Deskjet 3847 features a compact and straightforward design, making it a suitable fit for small home offices or dorm rooms. Its dimensions are designed with space-saving in mind, allowing it to fit comfortably on most desks without occupying too much space. The printer’s aesthetic is minimalistic, with a simple control panel that includes power and cancel buttons, making it easy to operate for users who prefer simplicity over complexity.

Printing Performance

In terms of printing capabilities, the Deskjet 3847 offers reliability for basic color and black-and-white documents. Its color inkjet functionality allows it to produce decent quality outputs for general home use, such as printing photos, documents, and greetings. The print quality, while not on par with more advanced models or professional-grade printers, is satisfactory for casual use, delivering clear text and moderately vibrant colors.

Print Speed and Efficiency

The print speed is relatively modest, as expected from an entry-level printer. It handles tasks at a typical pace for inkjets of its era, which means that high-volume printing jobs might require some patience. However, for those who primarily need to print a few pages at a time, the speed should suffice. The printer’s efficiency is quite standard; while it doesn’t boast advanced features like duplex printing or a significantly large input tray, it performs adequately within the parameters of light-to-moderate usage.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Connectivity is one area where the Deskjet 3847 reflects its age. The printer relies on a USB connection to connect to devices, which means it lacks the wireless capabilities found in newer models. While this might not be an issue for everyone, especially users who work from a single setup, it does limit flexibility for those looking for networked or mobile printing options. Compatibility-wise, it functions well with a range of Windows and Mac operating systems available around its release period, though users with newer systems might require additional drivers or workarounds.

Maintenance and Cost of Ownership

The ongoing cost of ownership involving ink cartridges is a notable aspect to consider. Being an inkjet, the Deskjet 3847 operates with specific HP ink cartridges, which can add up over time depending on the volume of printing. It’s advisable for users to assess their usage patterns, as heavy printing might lead to frequent replacements. Routine maintenance, however, is relatively straightforward, involving typical cleaning and handling as outlined in HP’s manual.