HP Photosmart C3140 Ink Cartridges

HP C3140 Printer Review

The HP Photosmart C3140 is a photo printer first, but an all-in-one design enables it to handle the basic copying, scanning and text printing needs of home office users. One feature that separates the C3140 from more robust small office models is its slower print speeds, which can reach a maximum output of 20 pages per minute for monochrome and color jobs. A handful of other elements limit this simple multifunction inkjet device to handling light-duty needs, from its small range of features to low-yielding Photosmart C3140 printer ink.

Some multipurpose devices have a bulkier size due to their versatile design, but the C3140 is able to bundle its 3-in-1 capabilities into a compact build of only 18x7x13 inches. This is possible because the unit lacks a few standard multipurpose features, such as an automatic document feeder for unattended scanning or dual paper trays to handle different types of media at once. Instead, the machine only provides a single 100-sheet input tray that can support both plain 8.5x11-inch paper and specialty 4x6-inch borderless photo media.

Several features hint that the C3140 is targeted towards personal photo printing, including its memory card slots that support devices like CompactFlash and Memory Stick duo to enable partial standalone use. Since the unit omits a color LCD for previewing images, users who aren't sure about the quality of their photo might want to first use their computer to make quick edits and manage color settings. Users can connect the printer to their computer via the rear USB port, as well as install the provided photo software and drivers on Mac or Windows operating systems.

Output quality is one of this unit's high points, especially considering it can print full-color photos that won't fade for decades with a sharp and detailed resolution of 4800x1200 dpi using HP C3140 printer ink. Text output is also satisfactory enough to handle school papers and online recipes, while the device can copy documents that closely mirror the original's quality with a resolution of 600 dpi using Photosmart C3140 ink.

In order to function, the device needs one black supply and one tricolor HP C3140 ink cartridge, but those printing primarily images can swap out the black for the optional photo color supply. Both the black and tricolor supplies can last around 220 pages and the photo color HP C3140 ink cartridge yields a total of only 130 pages, making this unit most cost-efficient when used for low volumes.

For its fair price tag, the C3140 is a bargain for home offices because it can print photos and text documents with excellent detail while also offering users the option to occasionally send a scan or make copies. While there are other inkjet models in its class that benefit from a more flexible media input and control panel features, this machine is worth a look for built-in memory card slots and its compact 3-in-1 design.