Having a reliable and versatile printer is essential for home or small office use, and the HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer aims to provide that with its multifunctional features and wireless capabilities. We’ve taken a closer look at this printer to see if it lives up to the promises.
When shopping for a printer, it’s important to think beyond just the upfront cost. Performance, reliability, and ongoing expenses should all be considered. The HP DeskJet 2855e is marketed as an affordable all-in-one option, but let’s take a closer look to see if it offers real value.
Performance
The HP DeskJet 2855e provides solid performance for its price range. It prints at speeds of up to 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 5.5 ppm in color. While not the fastest on the market, these speeds are more than sufficient for home or light office use. The printer supports automatic two-sided printing, which is a nice feature for saving paper.
Print quality is good for text documents and satisfactory for color graphics and photos. However, it might not meet the demands of professional photo printing or highly detailed graphics work.
Design and Build Quality
The DeskJet 2855e is compact, measuring 15.86 x 11.81 x 6.06 inches, making it a great fit for most home or small office spaces. The build quality is typical for a budget printer—mostly plastic construction that should hold up for light to moderate use but may not stand up to heavy-duty tasks.
The control panel is simple, with basic buttons and indicator lights. It gets the job done, but lacks the convenience of a touchscreen display, which you might find on higher-end models.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Wireless connectivity is a standout feature of the DeskJet 2855e. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi, so you can easily connect it to your home or office network for wireless printing from computers and mobile devices. The printer also works with the HP Smart app, enabling mobile printing and scanning.
However, some users have reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, particularly when connecting to guest networks. This could be a concern for those who need to print in various locations or have complex network setups.
Functionality
As an all-in-one printer, the DeskJet 2855e offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. The flatbed scanner can handle documents up to 8.5 x 11.69 inches, which covers most common scanning needs. The copier function allows for quick reproductions without a computer.
It supports a variety of paper sizes, including plain paper, photo paper, and envelopes, making it versatile for different printing tasks.
Ink and Cost Considerations
The DeskJet 2855e uses HP 67 ink cartridges, available in standard and high-yield versions. It’s also compatible with HP’s Instant Ink subscription service, which can save you money if you print a lot. However, some users have reported that the ink cartridges deplete quickly.
When evaluating the total cost of ownership, it’s important to factor in ongoing ink costs alongside the initial purchase price of the printer.
User Experience
Setting up the DeskJet 2855e is generally straightforward, especially with the HP Smart app. However, some users have found the setup process less than smooth, particularly when it comes to wireless connectivity.
The HP Smart app offers convenience for mobile printing and scanning, but its performance and reliability may not meet everyone’s expectations.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews for the DeskJet 2855e are mixed. Many appreciate the printer’s affordable price and basic functionality, while others have expressed frustration, particularly with connectivity issues and ink consumption.
Positive feedback often mentions the printer’s compact size and the convenience of wireless printing when it works correctly. The print quality for everyday documents is generally considered satisfactory. However, Wi-Fi connectivity problems are a frequent complaint, which can be inconvenient.
Opinions on setup ease vary, with some users finding it simple and others struggling to get the printer working. The build quality gets mixed reviews—some feel it’s fine for the price, while others find it too flimsy.
Ink usage is another concern, with many reporting that cartridges run out quickly, leading to higher-than-expected costs.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Compact design for small spaces
- All-in-one functionality (print, scan, copy)
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Mobile printing via HP Smart app
- Compatible with HP Instant Ink service
Cons:
- Wi-Fi connectivity issues
- Concerns about ink cartridge lifespan and costs
- Slower print speeds for some users
- No touchscreen display
- Build quality may not suit heavy use
- Mixed experiences with setup and reliability
Final Thoughts
The HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer is a solid option for those looking for a budget-friendly, all-in-one printer for basic home and small office needs. Its compact size and versatile functionality make it a good fit for users with limited space and moderate printing demands.
However, connectivity issues and concerns about ink consumption are important drawbacks to consider. While the upfront cost is low, the long-term costs could be higher if you frequently need to replace ink cartridges or deal with connection problems.
If you need a printer for light use and are on a tight budget, the DeskJet 2855e might be a good option. But if you require more reliable wireless connectivity or print in higher volumes, you may want to look at other models, even if they come with a higher initial price.
Score: 3.5/5
The HP DeskJet 2855e offers good value for the price, with decent performance and features. However, its limitations in connectivity and ink efficiency prevent it from earning a higher rating. It could work well for some users, but its flaws make it less suitable for others.
