HP Deskjet 3050A Review

This budget inkjet suffers from several problems, according to expert HP Deskjet 3050A reviews, most notably with its print quality. CNET's review reports that the print speed may be faster than average, but the quality of photo and graphics output isn't up to snuff; color in graphics, for example, appears faded and blotchy. Trusted Reviews describes some banding in graphics prints and says colors in photos look dull. Users, on the other hand, are mostly pleased with the color and print quality of the printouts although many are exasperated by operational snafus. Numerous HP Deskjet 3050A reviews on Amazon complain about paper jams and problems maintaining the wireless connections with the home network. Experts also grouse about the meager 60-sheet input tray (most inkjet printers in this price range come with 100-sheet trays) and say the small ink cartridges can mean high ongoing cost, especially with heavy use.

The HP Deskjet 3050A (starting at $70, Amazon) includes print, copy, and scan functions, with print resolution up to 4800x1200 dpi; the built-in flatbed scanner supports resolutions up to 1200x1200 dpi. There's a 2-inch monochrome LCD and support for several common paper sizes, from 4x6 inches to 8x10 inches, as well as legal- and letter-size paper and envelopes. You can connect the Deskjet 3050A to your network via the wireless 802.11b/g/n connections or choose the USB 2.0 port for a wired hook-up. It has a footprint of 16.8Wx16Dx9.8H inches and weighing just 7.7 pounds. . There's an Energy Star affixed to this model, which also comes with the standard one-year warranty.

Although most HP products are pretty solid, the Deskjet 3050A seems plagued by a few quality and design issues. There are definitely better printers available in the budget price range.