HP Photosmart C5380 Ink Cartridges

HP Photosmart C5380 Expert Review

Maintaining HP’s global reputation for consistent multifunctional printers is the HP Photosmart C5380.

For home users looking for a printer that will perform quickly, the print speeds offered with the C5380 are 31ppm for monochrome documents and 30ppm for colour documents. In terms of photo printing, users can expect results in as little as 18 seconds.

When it comes to ease-of-use, this printer benefits from helpful tools such as HP Smart Web Printing. There is also an option to print without the need for a PC thanks to the C5380 being able to accommodate a memory card.

Versatility is achieved as a result of this device being able to print on varying media types. Users can enjoy the added benefit of being able to personalise their CDs and DVDs by printing directly onto them.

The printer also has an auto-engaging photo tray whilst usability is increased further by a 6.1cm colour display.

HP Photosmart C5380 Review

The HP Photosmart C5380 is an all-in-one printer which is capable of printing, scanning and copying.

Among its features is the HP Smart Web Printing option and as an inkjet printer, this machine also benefits from working off a five ink cartridge system meaning that you only need to replace the cartridge (colour) that has ran out.

In what is a fairly condensed inkjet market, the C5380 is a family printer and its features lend itself to faimilies who vary their printing both in terms of frequency and whether it is documents or photos they print. The printer is a reasonable size and is certainly compact enough to fit on a desktop.

In contrast to the vast number of printers on the market, this predominantly white model still looks a modern machine and even without a touchscreen, the LCD screen looks good, although the styling is perhaps hindered by one too many buttons.

In terms of connections, the C5380 is let down by a lack of wireless connectivity and so a connection to a PC can only be obtained through a USB 2.0 port. This drawback may influence those who are looking for a printer which can be printed from without a direct physical connection to a PC/laptop/tablet.

What the C5380 does have going for it, however, is a very high standard of printing. Documents are sharp and graphics appear vivid but they are surpassed by the excellent quality photo prints this machine can provide. As the name ‘Photosmart’ may suggest, the C5380 has a heavy emphasis on how it can reproduce digital images on a printed page and thankfully, in this regard, it doesn’t disappoint.

Print speeds are also impressive, making this printer a good all-rounder. Unfortunately, at a time when all the talk is of the “internet of things”, wireless functionality is now seen as a standard requirement. Because of that, perhaps this printer would be best suited to someone looking for an excellent document printer and who is quite happy to overlook the lack of connectivity.

Pros

• Affordable base price
• Excellent print quality across documents and photographs
• Individual cartridges mean lower costs for replacement ink

Cons

• No wireless connectivity
• Scanner quality isn’t as high as printer quality
• No touchscreen

Star Rating: 3