HP Deskjet 957c Printer

HP Deskjet 957c Printer Review

The HP Deskjet 957c Printer offers a blend of functionality and simplicity, catering primarily to home users and small office setups. Released in the late 1990s, this printer was part of HP’s Deskjet series, renowned for its affordability and reliable performance in inkjet printing.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the HP Deskjet 957c is straightforward yet practical, typical of the late 1990s printer aesthetic. It features a sturdy beige plastic casing, which was common during its time, lending it durability despite its now-retro appearance. The user interface is minimal, with the essential controls comfortably accessible on the front panel, ensuring ease of use. The printer’s compact dimensions make it suitable for small spaces, while its design accommodates a straightforward paper feed system that can handle a variety of media sizes.

Print Quality and Performance

The HP Deskjet 957c excels in producing both text and color prints, making it a versatile choice for users who require quality outputs at home or in small offices. It showcases impressive print quality for photos and graphics, thanks to HP’s color layering technology, which provides vivid and accurate color representation. For black and white documents, the printer delivers sharp and clear text, adequate for everyday document needs. With a maximum resolution of up to 2400 x 1200 dpi, this printer set a reasonable standard for its time. The printing speed is moderate, with an average output of about 11 pages per minute for black text and around 8 pages per minute for color prints, which was competitive at the time of its release.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The HP Deskjet 957c is equipped primarily with a USB connection interface, which was an advancement over previous parallel port models and facilitated higher data transfer speeds and simpler connectivity for most users. Given its period, it may require specific drivers or adapter solutions to function seamlessly with modern operating systems, as software updates from HP might be limited after the early 2000s.

Maintenance and Reliability

One of the highlights of the HP Deskjet 957c is its ease of maintenance. The printer utilizes individual ink cartridges, making it cost-effective to replace only the color that runs out, as opposed to multicolor cartridges that require complete replacement. The printer’s build allows easy access for clearing paper jams and replacing ink, contributing to its reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance. HP’s durable design philosophy for its Deskjet line ensures its longevity, although users today might find difficulty in sourcing parts due to its age.