HP Deskjet 6980 Printer

Overview

The HP Deskjet 6980 Printer is an inkjet printer designed for home office and small business use. It offers a blend of versatile functionality and innovative features which cater to a variety of printing needs. Released in the mid-2000s, this printer was part of HP’s effort to provide more network-capable devices to consumers, a move that reflected the growing trend towards wireless connectivity in home and office environments.

Design and Build

The HP Deskjet 6980 comes with a fairly compact and sleek design, making it suitable for small office spaces or home environments where space might be limited. Its durable construction ensures longevity, and its silver and gray finish gives it a professional appearance. The paper tray can handle up to 150 sheets, accommodating different types and sizes of media, which makes the printer versatile for printing everything from regular documents to photos and labels.

Connectivity and Network Features

One of the standout features of the HP Deskjet 6980 is its network capabilities. The printer supports wireless printing through both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections, which was somewhat advanced at the time of its release. It allows multiple users to print simultaneously over a network, facilitating seamless integration into a multi-user environment. This feature makes it a suitable choice for small offices where several people need access to the printer.

Print Quality and Performance

This printer offers respectable print quality, especially considering the technology available at its time of release. It supports resolutions up to 4800 by 1200 optimized dpi, producing sharp and vivid color outputs, which is excellent for printing photos and detailed graphics. The text quality is above average for business purposes, delivering clean and crisp documents. The HP Deskjet 6980 is also reasonably quick in terms of printing speed, with outputs of up to 36 pages per minute for black and white and 27 pages per minute for color, making it efficient for high-volume printing tasks.

Ink and Cost Efficiency

The printer uses HP’s Vivera inks, known for their color accuracy and longevity, which helps reduce frequent ink replacements and ensures reliability. However, like many inkjet printers, the cost of replacement cartridges can add up, especially for color printing. Users who primarily print documents may find it a bit more economical since the printer does allow for a black ink-only mode, extending the life of the cartridges.

Software and Ease of Use

HP provide a robust driver suite and software package with the Deskjet 6980, which facilitates straightforward installation and setup on both Windows and Mac systems. The software includes basic photo editing features and maintenance tools to keep the printer running smoothly. The control panel on the printer itself is intuitive, with buttons and indicators that clearly display the printer’s status and allow users to perform basic functions without computer intervention.