HP Deskjet F380 Printer Reviews

HP Deskjet F380 Printer Review

Background

The HP Deskjet F380 is one of HP's entry level models, combining multiple functionality in a form that can easily be used for the home or office user. As an HP, this model has its natural followers over Epson and its other rivals, for the supposedly superior print quality and all-round operational improvements on similarly priced competing models. However considering the sheer affordability of the F380 compared to other printers in its range, how could this possibly compare in terms of print quality across all of its functions, and how well does it rank in the usability stakes in comparison to some of its sister models?

Key Features
The HP Deskjet F380 is designed for the sort of day to day printing tasks that arise now and again, such as school projects and letters. However one of its most significant features is the three-part functionality - providing both printing (in black and in colour) alongside copying and scanning functions (again in both black and colour ink). Combined into one manageable unit, the three part functionality is one of the key selling points of the HP Deskjet, making it ideal for more advanced users and those with more discerning printing needs.

Probably one of the HP Deskjet F380's main selling points its in fact the value for money it represents. As an entry level model, the combination of functions can be quite appealing to the home office user or small businessman, as well as for the whole family's printing needs. Whilst there are models cheaper than this out there, in terms of the functionality this HP tends to rank well for its price.

However, one of the most significant downsides of the F380 is that in photocopying the quality tends to be somewhat lacking. Additionally, if you're printing high resolution images such as photos in colour, the F380 can tend to use up ink fairly quickly, which can leave you with an expensive recurring consumables bill. If you can see past these problems, however, there's no reason the F380 couldn't serve well as a home printer or second office model.

Choose The HP Deskjet F380 If...

You have a family computer and don't require much more than decent quality printing at an affordable price. Alternatively for the small businessman this might prove a useful tool, although watch on quality if you're sending business letters or graphics which might not reproduce clearly or crisply as your needs demand.

Not For You If...

If you require consistent, accurate quality in photocopying along with fast print speeds and infrequent refills, this probably isn't the model for you. Having said that, if these are your requirements you probably have a bit more money to spend on buying a more solid unit which can handle your more advanced printing requirements.

Conclusions

Whilst the HP Deskjet F380 does have its problems, for the money there really is no need to complain. As a family-friendly unit, this will stand you in good stead for the day to day printing activities of your household - from printing out your household budget to allowing the kids to work on school projects.

John Pickering writes articles on printer ink cartridges for eezytrade, find out more information about the HP F380 printer and HP printer cartridges in general.