HP Deskjet 3550 Ink Cartridges

HP 3550 Printer Review

While the HP Deskjet 3550 seems to be a good value considering its very low asking price, it's among the lower end models in its class of entry-level photo printers because its basic design leaves out many standard features. The 3550 is also less desirable than other budget photo inkjet printers because it prints at slow maximum speeds of 14 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 3 pages per minute for full-color projects. There are benefits to this device, such as its lab-quality photos and sharp text output, but due to its limited features and low-yielding Deskjet 3550 printer ink it can only be recommended for light-duty personal printing.

Users that don't have an abundance of spare desktop space will enjoy the 3550's ultra compact size of only 7x5x4 inches, which will allow it to be easily tucked out of the way when not in use. Since its software and drivers are compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems, this unit should be able to work with the majority of computers. To edit and print a project from their computer, users must connect it to the printer via its rear USB port. More advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi and memory card reader slots can be found in the top models of its class.

The front panel doesn't feature an array of control buttons or an LCD to track job progress, instead going for simplicity by including a single button to turn the 3550 on and off. Protruding from the bottom of the device is a 100-sheet input tray that should handle low-volume daily needs and can be conveniently folded up for storage. Supported media includes cards, envelopes, plain paper, photo paper and labels.

Consumers agree that this unit's best feature is its photo output, with tests showing that it can consistently print sharp color detail and a lab-quality resolution of 2400x1200 dpi using HP 3550 printer ink. The device can also handle standard text projects like addressing envelopes and school papers, printing dense black characters with a crisp maximum resolution of 1200x1200 dpi.

Packaging cyan, magenta and yellow Deskjet 3550 ink into a single supply means users will need to replace it whenever one color expires. Each tricolor tank can last approximately 190 pages and the separate black HP 3550 ink cartridge has a maximum yield of 220 pages. To minimize running costs users can purchase inexpensive remanufactured HP 3550 ink cartridges over pricey OEM replacements.

Although its simplicity may turn some buyers off, the 3550 should be incredibly easy to use once users have its software installed on their computer. The device offers an affordable solution to printing personal family photos, but its slow speeds and lack of flexible connectivity options keep it from being one of the better budget inkjet printers in its class.