HP Photosmart eStation e-All-in-One - C510a Ink Cartridges

HP eStation e-All-in-One - C510a Printer Review

The HP Photosmart eStation e-All-in-One C510a represents one of the newer additions to its class of home and small office printers, providing users with advanced features to control its 4-in-1 print, scan, copy and fax capabilities. Maximum print speeds of up to 33 pages per minute for monochrome documents and 32 pages per minute for color are relatively quick compared to the rates seen in its class of inkjet devices. In terms of control tools, not many machines can compare to the C510a, but expert tests have revealed that this machine has a few usability issues and bugs to fix before it can become the top pick in its class of all-in-one printers.

Measuring at just 17x17x9 inches, the C510a is remarkably slim and compact considering its range of functions. The unit's build is dominated by its unique user interface, which is a 7-inch Android tablet that can be detached from the machine and used wirelessly for web browsing, emailing, monitoring Photosmart eStation e-All-in-One C510a printer ink levels and editing projects. This interface combines with its ePrint technology to enable wireless PC-free printing. According to expert tests however, a few kinks such its long wireless setup process and occasionally unresponsive touchscreen tablet will hinder performance.

Looking at the rest of the device, the C510a is similar to many other decent multifunction units, providing standard features like double-sided printing and copying and dual paper trays with automatic switching technology. One paper tray can handle a maximum of 125 pages of standard paper, while the second can support up to 20 pages of specialty photo media. This solid capacity, its memory of 64 MB and maximum monthly duty cycle of 1,250 pages make this machine suitable for low volumes.

One feature experts were impressed by was its output, able to print full-color graphics and photos with a crisp resolution of 9600x1200 dpi using color HP C510a printer ink. The device's copier also has a satisfactory output, duplicating near the original document's quality with a maximum resolution of 1200 dpi using black and color Photosmart eStation e-All-in-One C510a ink.

The machine operates with individual black, cyan, magenta, yellow and photo black HP C510a ink cartridges that can each last approximately 300 pages. Users wishing to increase their printing volumes can opt for high-capacity replacements that can last up to 750 pages for each color and 550 pages for the black HP C510a ink cartridge.

While the C510a is making strides to bring wireless use to a whole new level with its detachable touchscreen tablet, experts found too many issues with this technology for it to be efficient. Buyers intrigued with this interface should keep a look out for newer models in the future that have improved on this multifunction inkjet printer's mistakes.