HP Deskjet 950c Printer

Introduction

The HP Deskjet 950c Printer, introduced in the late 1990s, was part of HP’s line of inkjet printers aimed at home and small office use. Known for its reliability and print quality for its time, the Deskjet 950c provided a versatile solution for those needing both black-and-white and color printing capabilities. Although it is now considered outdated by modern standards, it set a precedent for user-friendly design and functionality.

Design and Build Quality

The HP Deskjet 950c features a compact and sleek design typical of printers of that era. Its dimensions allow it to easily fit on a desk without taking up much space, while the durability of its build means it could handle regular use. The paper tray and output areas are straightforward, supporting easy access and handling. The aesthetic is simple, yet robust, making it a fit for a wide array of environments, both professional and personal.

Printing Performance and Quality

One of the standout features of the HP Deskjet 950c was its printing quality, particularly for text and graphics at that time. The printer offered a resolution of up to 2400 x 1200 dpi for color prints, which was impressive for an inkjet printer from the late 1990s. It delivered sharp, detailed, and vibrant color prints, making it suitable for a variety of tasks including reports, presentations, and photo printing at home.

In terms of speed, the Deskjet 950c was capable for its era, but certainly not fast by today’s standards, printing up to 11 pages per minute in black and up to 8 pages per minute in color. This made it adequate for home or small office environments where high-volume printing was not a primary requirement.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The printer supported parallel and USB connections, which were standard for computers during the late 90s and early 2000s. Setting up the printer was relatively easy, particularly with the USB connection, which simplified driver installation and configuration.

As for compatibility, it was supported by operating systems of its time, including Windows 95, 98, and 2000, as well as Mac OS, illustrating its versatility across different user preferences and setups. Given the technological advancements since its launch, modern connectivity such as wireless or network printing were absent, aligning with the era’s common standards.

Maintenance and Supplies

Maintaining the HP Deskjet 950c was straightforward, with easily replaceable ink cartridges. The printer used separate cartridges for black and color, allowing for efficient ink management. Original and sometimes third-party cartridges were available, indicating a relatively low cost of operation. Routine maintenance primarily involved periodic cleaning of print heads and ensuring the paper feed was clear, reflecting the typical upkeep expected in printers to maintain optimal performance.