HP Deskjet 3745 Ink Cartridges

HP 3745 Printer Review

The HP Deskjet 3745 is the type of affordable single-function unit that is too basic to handle anything but light-duty home office printing. Slow speeds are just one of the reasons it should be limited to infrequent personal use, printing a maximum of 14 pages per minute for monochrome projects and 10 pages per minute for color. As all-in-one inkjet devices are becoming increasingly more cost efficient and flexible, machines like the 3745 don't hold the same appeal despite its affordable Deskjet 3745 printer ink. However, buyers that are looking for a simple color printer to handle their low-volume text, graphic and photo projects might benefit from this unit.

The 3745 can support an estimated maximum monthly duty cycle of only 500 pages, which means users with printing demands that exceed this capacity will quickly wear this device out. The machine's small media capacity of only 80 pages is also indicative of its low-volume printing capabilities. The unit's media handling flexibility will allow it to address envelopes, print on specialty 4x6-inch photo paper and on plain paper with a maximum size of 8.5x14 inches.

This inkjet device's small size of only 16x17x5 inches will allow it to share a crowded desktop with a user's computer. A light weight of only 4 pounds also means users will easily be able to transport the 3745 from one space to another. The device doesn't quite qualify as a mobile printer, however, because it has to be plugged in to run and doesn't have alternative printing options like USB flash drive or Wi-Fi support. Instead, the printer includes a rear USB port that connects to a user's computer directly.

This unit's biggest redeeming quality is its output quality, which is tested to print standard monochrome projects like school reports with sharp characters and a resolution of 1200 dpi using black HP 3745 ink. The device can also print personal photos with lab-quality detail and a resolution of 4800x1200 dpi using color Deskjet 3745 ink.

The printer uses one black HP 3745 ink cartridge that can yield up to 220 pages, while cyan, magenta and yellow printer ink is combined into a single tricolor supply that can last 190 pages. These low yields may mean users will have to frequently replace supplies, but the option to purchase inexpensive remanufactured HP 3745 ink cartridges instead of OEM replacements will help cut running costs.

Describing the 3745 as outdated would be accurate, considering it can't print wirelessly, has slow output speeds and lacks ample support for paper. These limited features are the reason it's available at such a low price. Fortunately, users don't have to sacrifice a flexible design for affordability any more thanks, to the variety of inexpensive multifunction home office printers flooding the market.