HP Deskjet 990cse Printer

Overview

The HP Deskjet 990cse printer, launched in the early 2000s, is a historic inkjet printer that was considered a reliable option for both home and small office environments. It gained popularity for its high-quality printouts and ease of use. Although it is now considered outdated by modern standards, the Deskjet 990cse still has qualities that some users may find worthy of consideration, especially those who appreciate vintage tech.

Design and Build Quality

The HP Deskjet 990cse features a compact and straightforward design that was typical of inkjet printers from its era. The body is built with sturdy materials that lend to its durability, with a functional aesthetic that foregoes any extra embellishments. Its size, while larger than contemporary compact printers, was designed to fit comfortably on most desks and comes with a fold-out paper tray to save space when not in use. The control panel is basic, featuring only the essential buttons for operation, which appeals to users who prefer simplicity over complexity.

Print Quality and Performance

One of the highlights of the HP Deskjet 990cse was its excellent print quality for the time, capable of producing sharp text and vibrant color graphics. It had a resolution of up to 2400×1200 dpi on photo paper, which means that documents and images were rendered in clear detail. The printing speed, particularly for black and white documents, was competitive, offering up to 17 pages per minute. However, color printing was slower, which was typical for inkjet printers of that era. The printer supported borderless printing, an attractive feature for those looking to print photos at home.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Deskjet 990cse is equipped with both USB and parallel port connections, reflecting the technology standards at its time of release. This dual-option enabled it to connect to a wide range of computers, making it versatile for various setups. Additionally, the inclusion of infrared (IrDA) connectivity was somewhat ahead of its time, allowing for wireless printing from compatible devices without the need for cables. In terms of compatibility, it supports a variety of operating systems, including older versions of Windows and Mac OS, though users of modern systems might face challenges finding compatible drivers.

Additional Features

Among its noteworthy features was the automatic two-sided (duplex) printing capability, allowing users to save paper and reduce environmental impact. The Deskjet 990cse came with the HP Real Life Imaging System, designed to enhance photo outputs with improved color rendering and detail. It shipped with software that provided users with tools for tasks such as printing greeting cards and photo layouts.