photo-i Reviews the HP Photosmart 7960 Printer

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/HP%207960/page_1.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/HP%207960/page_1.htm</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/faceplate.jpg" /> <br /><br />"For those of you who can't make up their minds whether to buy a Epson or Canon photo printer, life is about to get more complicated. HP has just launched a new line of photo printers and at the top of the range is the new HP Photosmart 7960 eight ink printer. It's a long time since I have reviewed a printer from HP, but when I saw this printer in action at HP labs, instinct told me that this printer is about to become a major contender in the photo printer market. Over the next seven days I am going to be putting the printer through some exhaustive tests. If you want me to test any particular feature then drop me a line at photo-i. Please be patient through the test as I will be trying out many permutations, I will be looking for the good and not so good points."<br /><br />This article is, I believe, a few months old (very curious they don't date their articles), but I Lee Yuan Sheng was talking about HP Photosmart 7960 in our forums and I wanted to learn more about it. Boy, did I ever! This is one of the most insanely detailed reviews on a printer that I've ever read. I found the pages about B&amp;W printing to be quite interesting - this looks line an amazing printer! I also was shocked at the difference between a six-colour print and an eight-colour print. Great review, worth reading!

[Suhit Gupta]

Wow, that is one crazy review, and an even better printer. I am now very tempted.

Suhit

[ale_ers]

I absolutely love this printer. We use it on our home computer and it does a great job. It is so easy to use that I find myself printing everything in 4x6 then deciding if I want to keep it (a little expensive on the paper, but easier to decide).

The funny thing is, I though I would use the direct print feature all the time. But I mostly load my pix into Adobe Photo Album then print from there. It is handy to have though...if you have people over for a party and take a few pictures you can pop the card in tell it what to print, leave then hand out pictures when everyone leaves.

This printer also does well printing things other than photos...a bit slow, but works fine.

[Suhit Gupta]

I just noticed the price of the ink cartridges, WOW 8O. Maybe I don't want this printer after all.

Suhit

[Jason Dunn]

I just noticed the price of the ink cartridges, WOW 8O. Maybe I don't want this printer after all.

What's the price? Don't leave me hanging...

[Suhit Gupta]

It is in the article on the last page - http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/HP%207960/page_18.htm

HP No. 56 black inkjet print cartridge (£18.99 inc VAT)
HP No. 57 tri-colour inkjet print cartridge (£29.99 inc VAT)
HP No. 58 photo inkjet print cartridge (£23.99 inc VAT)
HP No. 59 grey photo inkjet print cartridge (£28.99 inc VAT)

A bit too much IMO. (prices are in £ but they are almost the same here in US$).

Suhit

[wesley762]

you may think that they are a little pricey but if you break down what they are really costing you to print its very cost effective.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

HP cartridges have always been the most expensive of the 3 big printer manufacturers. I think they last longer though, and you get a new print head too!

[wesley762]

I totally forgot to mention about the print head. that is a pretty big thing.

[Jason Dunn]

I totally forgot to mention about the print head. that is a pretty big thing.

I always hear that, but honestly, with the Epson/Canon printers I've had, I've never seen a decline in print quality, so I don't think it's a very significant factor...for me at least. I sure LIKE the idea though, don't get me wrong, but I have yet to see it make an impact.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

When you finally get a clogged head you will! =P

[Jason Dunn]

When you finally get a clogged head you will! =P

I am feeling a bit stuffed up now that you mention it... :lol: