HP 610 Printer Review
One of the first devices released after the merger of Hewlett Packard and Compaq near the turn of the Millennium, the HP 610 is a combination digital copier and inkjet printer. This blue and white machine is eclectic in functionality yet compact enough to fit comfortably in a small or home office. Though the 610 will only work with Windows operating systems and is limited to USB connectivity, its built-in features and optional upgrades keep it relevant in most mid-level work environments.
Speed and quality are the most important characteristics of office equipment, and this machine is above average in both categories. The output rate of 19 pages per minute is considerably slower than most laser printers, but is on the fast end of the inkjet world. A color photograph can be produced in less than 2 minutes, with an impressive maximum resolution of 2400x1200 dpi. Using only black HP 610 ink, the highest possible resolution is 1200x1200 dpi.
There are four colors of printer ink that are used (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), and four accompanying printheads, yet only two HP 610 ink cartridges. One supply holds only the black ink, while the other colors are compartmentalized in the other tank. Replacement HP 610 ink cartridges are readily available online in OEM and compatible form. The compatible version is less expensive but offers the same page yield and can generate the same resolution as OEM HP 610 printer ink.
The base model of the 610 is equipped with a 150-sheet input tray, which can hold various media types including labels and envelopes. It includes 16 MB of RAM, and a relatively advanced control panel. The expandable features include an automatic document feeder, which sits atop the lid of the scanning surface and allows for a continuous feed of paper (up to 50 sheets at a time), a 250-sheet paper tray, and a duplex unit that allows users to print on both sides of the page. Adding these parts will increase the size and weight of the machine minimally, but can increase production exponentially.
As important as it is to have employees that can multi-task, it is equally beneficial to have office equipment that can as well. The 610 can handle printing and copying needs, and do so with quality and efficiency. Though it may be insufficient for fast-paced, high-volume environments, it is ideal for a work space that is on the smaller side.
