HP OfficeJet J4540 Ink Cartridges

HP J4540 Printer Review

The HP Officejet J4540 can bring multifunction print, scan, copy and fax features to small offices for a low asking price. The J4540's maximum print speeds of 28 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 22 pages per minute for color projects aren't the quickest in its class of inkjet printers, but they should easily support light-duty use. While not the most versatile of comparable models, the J4540 does benefit from easy-to-use features and cost-efficient Officejet J4540 printer ink.

Each function is fitted with its own bundle of features, with automatic redialing and distinctive ring pattern detection for convenient faxing, buttons on the front panel that will allow users to make up to 99 copies and a 20-sheet automatic document feeder for quick continuous scanning. The front panel also incorporates useful features like a number pad for fax dialing, an LCD that displays job progress updates and LEDs to alert users when paper or HP J4540 ink need to be replaced.

The unit has a small media capacity of only 100 pages and a maximum RAM of 16 MB. The J4540 can handle a minimum document size of 3x5 inches and maximum size of 8.5x14 inches, as well as standard media like plain paper and photo paper for support of projects such as school papers and personal images. Since it comes with a single USB connection, users will only be able to print and share documents to and from their PC.

Supply capacities are a little on the small side, with tricolor HP J4540 ink cartridges that have a capacity of 360 sheets. The standard black Officejet J4540 ink supply offers only 200 sheets. The option to decrease the cost per page is available if users opt to purchase the high-capacity black HP J4540 printer ink cartridge that can last up to 700 pages.

With satisfactory print speeds, the option to switch to longer-lasting supplies and a variety of features for easy scanning, faxing and copying, the J4540 is a good solution for small offices. However, those that aren't satisfied with its limited connectivity and minimal media handling may be better suited by the more flexible inkjet printers in its class, even if they do cost a bit more.