HP Photosmart C3183 Ink Cartridges

HP C3183 Printer Review

While the HP Photosmart C3183 is designed to primarily handle photo printing, the inclusion of additional copy and scan functions make it a suitable choice for home offices. The C3183's maximum prints speeds of 22 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 20 pages per minute for color aren't the quickest in its class of inkjet printers, but it is capable of supporting light-duty use. Although this unit offers multifunction capabilities for a low price tag, its more basic design omits a number of popular elements typically seen in the top models of its class.

The lack of an LCD is the C3183's biggest setback because it is a frequent and useful feature found in photo printers that will allow users to preview images prior to printing. Instead, the simple control panel incorporates a monochrome LCD and an LED that will alert users when Photosmart C3183 printer ink needs to be replaced. The unit also leaves out an automatic document feeder that enables users to continuously scan larger jobs.

The machine does benefit from a compact design of only 17x6x23 inches, which makes it small enough to fit on the same desk as a user's computer. Another one of its positive attributes is a card reader slot, which can be easily accessed on the front of the device and provides users with direct photo printing from popular flash memory like CompactFlash. As mentioned, however, the lack of an LCD for previewing images makes this a bit more cumbersome.

A maximum media handling capacity of 100 pages is standard among comparable models and makes the printer suitable for low volumes. In addition to specialty 4x6-inch photo paper, the C3183 can also support standard media like plain paper, labels and transparency film. When using photo paper the device can print images with sharp detail and a maximum resolution of 4800x1200 dpi using color HP C3183 ink. Users can duplicate projects that mirror the quality of the original document with a resolution of 600x600 dpi using black Photosmart C3183 printer ink.

The unit comes with one black supply and one tricolor HP C3183 ink cartridge, which can each last up to 220 pages. Those looking to print the highest quality photos can purchase the optional photo color HP C3183 ink cartridge that can last up to 130 pages.

The C3183 belongs to a group of inexpensive home photo printers that also have the ability to handle the occasional copy or scan project. Due to its more basic design, however, buyers looking for a more office-centric device with greater versatility should check out the higher-priced models in its class of inkjet printers.