The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 has been a popular choice for home offices and small businesses for its versatility and performance. But a common question arises: is it an inkjet printer? Let’s delve into the specifics of this printer to understand its technology, capabilities, and what makes it a suitable option for various printing needs.
Understanding Inkjet Technology
To determine whether the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is an inkjet printer, we first need to understand what inkjet technology entails. Inkjet printing is a method where tiny droplets of ink are sprayed onto paper to create images and text. This technology is widely used in consumer-grade printers due to its affordability and ability to produce vibrant colors.
The process involves a print head that contains numerous tiny nozzles. These nozzles eject ink droplets onto the paper with great precision. Different inkjet printers employ various methods for ink ejection, such as thermal inkjet technology and piezoelectric inkjet technology.
Thermal inkjet technology, used by HP in many of its printers, utilizes heat to vaporize the ink, creating a bubble that forces the ink out of the nozzle. Piezoelectric inkjet technology, on the other hand, uses an electric charge to deform a piezoelectric material, which then pushes the ink out.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720: An In-Depth Look
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is indeed an inkjet printer. It utilizes thermal inkjet technology, specifically HP’s proprietary print heads and ink formulations, to deliver high-quality prints. The printer is designed to handle a variety of tasks, from printing documents and photos to scanning, copying, and faxing. Its all-in-one functionality makes it a versatile addition to any office environment.
Key Features and Specifications
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 boasts several features that contribute to its performance and user-friendliness.
Print Quality and Speed: It offers a print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi for black prints and up to 2400 x 1200 optimized dpi for color prints. It can print at speeds of up to 24 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 20 ppm for color in draft mode. In ISO standard mode, it prints up to 22 ppm for black and 18 ppm for color.
Paper Handling: The printer has a 250-sheet input tray, allowing for extended printing without frequent paper refills. It also includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) that can hold up to 50 sheets, making it convenient for scanning or copying multi-page documents. It supports various paper sizes including letter, legal, executive, and envelopes.
Connectivity: The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 offers multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and NFC. This allows users to connect the printer to their network or directly to their computers and mobile devices. It also supports mobile printing through HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print.
Ink Cartridges: The printer uses HP 952 and HP 952XL ink cartridges. The XL cartridges offer a higher page yield, reducing the frequency of cartridge replacements and lowering the cost per page. The printer uses four individual ink cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow).
Other Features: The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 has a 4.3-inch color touchscreen that allows users to easily navigate menus and settings. It also supports automatic two-sided printing (duplex printing), which saves paper and reduces printing costs.
Performance in Different Printing Scenarios
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is designed to perform well in various printing scenarios.
Document Printing: The printer excels at printing text-based documents. The black ink produces crisp, clear text, making it suitable for printing reports, letters, and other professional documents. The fast printing speeds also ensure that large documents can be printed quickly.
Photo Printing: While not a dedicated photo printer, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 can produce decent quality photos. The color inks are vibrant and accurate, and the high print resolution ensures that photos are detailed. However, for professional-quality photo prints, a dedicated photo printer might be a better choice.
Graphics and Marketing Materials: The printer can handle graphics and marketing materials well. The color accuracy and print resolution make it suitable for printing brochures, flyers, and presentations. However, for high-volume printing of marketing materials, a laser printer might be more cost-effective.
Inkjet vs. Laser: Understanding the Differences
While the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is an inkjet printer, it’s worth comparing inkjet technology to laser technology to understand the differences between the two.
Inkjet Printers: As mentioned earlier, inkjet printers use liquid ink that is sprayed onto paper. They are generally more affordable to purchase than laser printers and are better at printing photos and documents with vibrant colors. Inkjet printers tend to have a lower cost per page for color printing compared to laser printers.
Laser Printers: Laser printers use toner, a powdered ink, that is fused onto paper using heat. They are generally faster than inkjet printers and produce sharper text. Laser printers tend to have a lower cost per page for black and white printing, making them ideal for high-volume document printing.
The choice between an inkjet and laser printer depends on your specific needs. If you primarily print text-based documents and require fast printing speeds, a laser printer might be a better choice. However, if you need to print photos and documents with vibrant colors, and don’t print as frequently, an inkjet printer like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 could be more suitable.
The Advantages of Using an Inkjet Printer like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720
There are several advantages to using an inkjet printer like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720:
Affordability: Inkjet printers are generally more affordable to purchase than laser printers. This makes them a good option for home users and small businesses on a budget.
Color Printing: Inkjet printers excel at printing photos and documents with vibrant colors. This makes them suitable for printing marketing materials, presentations, and family photos.
Versatility: The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is an all-in-one printer that can handle a variety of tasks, including printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. This makes it a versatile addition to any office environment.
Compact Size: Inkjet printers tend to be smaller and more lightweight than laser printers, making them easier to fit in smaller spaces.
Potential Drawbacks of Using an Inkjet Printer
While inkjet printers offer several advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
Print Speed: Inkjet printers are generally slower than laser printers. This can be a disadvantage if you need to print large documents quickly.
Cost per Page: Inkjet printers tend to have a higher cost per page for black and white printing compared to laser printers, especially if you are using original HP ink cartridges.
Ink Smudging: Inkjet prints can be prone to smudging if they are not allowed to dry completely. This can be a problem if you handle the prints immediately after they are printed.
Ink Cartridge Replacement: Ink cartridges need to be replaced more frequently than toner cartridges, which can be inconvenient and costly.
Maintenance Tips for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720
To keep your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 running smoothly, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips to help you keep your printer in good condition:
Clean the Print Head: Periodically clean the print head to prevent clogs and ensure optimal print quality. The printer’s software usually provides a utility for cleaning the print head.
Use High-Quality Paper: Using high-quality paper can help prevent paper jams and improve print quality. Avoid using paper that is too thin or too thick.
Keep the Printer Clean: Keep the printer clean by wiping it down with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents.
Update the Printer’s Firmware: Regularly update the printer’s firmware to ensure that it has the latest features and bug fixes.
Use Genuine HP Ink Cartridges: While third-party ink cartridges might be cheaper, they can sometimes cause problems with the printer. Using genuine HP ink cartridges can help ensure optimal print quality and prevent damage to the printer.
Conclusion: The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is Indeed an Inkjet Printer
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is undeniably an inkjet printer. It leverages thermal inkjet technology to deliver quality prints for a range of needs. Its strengths lie in its affordability, color printing capabilities, and all-in-one functionality. While it has some drawbacks compared to laser printers, such as slower print speeds and a potentially higher cost per page for black and white prints, it remains a solid choice for users who require versatile printing solutions. Understanding the technology behind the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 allows you to make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your specific printing requirements.
Is the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 definitively an inkjet printer?
Yes, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is indeed an inkjet printer. It utilizes inkjet technology, where liquid ink is sprayed onto paper to create text and images. This contrasts with laser printers, which use toner and a laser to fuse the image onto the page. The OfficeJet Pro 8720 is a common example of a business-focused inkjet that prioritizes color printing capabilities and affordability.
The printer leverages thermal inkjet technology, where tiny resistors heat the ink, causing it to vaporize and form a bubble. This bubble propels the ink droplet onto the paper. HP’s inkjet printers are known for producing vibrant and high-quality color prints, making them suitable for a variety of office tasks.
What type of ink cartridges does the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 use?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 employs individual ink cartridges for each color: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMYK). This allows users to replace only the color that is depleted, rather than replacing an entire multi-color cartridge, potentially saving money. The specific cartridge numbers vary depending on the region, but typically include HP 952, 956, 953 or 957 series cartridges in both standard and high-yield versions.
These cartridges utilize pigment-based inks, which are known for their durability and resistance to fading and smudging. Pigment inks offer superior archival qualities compared to dye-based inks, making them suitable for printing documents that need to last. The individual cartridge design also contributes to a more efficient use of ink resources.
What are the key features that make the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 a suitable inkjet printer for office use?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 boasts features tailored for office environments, including automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides of the page), which reduces paper consumption. It also offers wireless connectivity, allowing multiple users to print from their computers or mobile devices. The printer has a built-in Ethernet port for wired network connections and supports mobile printing technologies like HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print.
Furthermore, the 8720 includes a large-capacity automatic document feeder (ADF) for scanning, copying, and faxing multi-page documents quickly and efficiently. Its fast print speeds, particularly in draft mode, help to improve productivity. The large touchscreen control panel provides intuitive navigation and access to various printer functions.
Does the inkjet technology in the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 affect print quality?
The inkjet technology in the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 contributes to both high-quality text and vibrant color images. The printer’s ability to precisely control the placement of ink droplets results in sharp, clear text and smooth color gradations. This makes it suitable for printing documents, marketing materials, and photos.
However, it’s worth noting that inkjet prints can be susceptible to smudging if exposed to moisture immediately after printing, although the pigment-based inks in the 8720 provide better resistance than dye-based inks. Paper quality also plays a role in the final print outcome, with premium paper enhancing the sharpness and color saturation.
How does the print speed of the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 compare to other inkjet and laser printers?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 offers competitive print speeds compared to other inkjet printers in its class. It typically prints at speeds up to 24 pages per minute (ppm) in black and white and 20 ppm in color, based on ISO testing standards. These speeds are suitable for most office printing needs.
While some laser printers might offer faster print speeds, especially for high-volume monochrome printing, the OfficeJet Pro 8720 provides a good balance of speed and color printing capabilities. Its duplex printing feature can impact overall throughput, but it remains a generally efficient option for a variety of office tasks.
What are the benefits of using an inkjet printer like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 over a laser printer for office purposes?
One significant benefit of using an inkjet printer like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is its superior color printing capabilities compared to many laser printers, especially in the same price range. Inkjet printers generally excel at producing vibrant and photo-realistic images, making them well-suited for marketing materials, presentations, and graphics-intensive documents. The initial cost of inkjet printers and their supplies is often lower than comparable laser printers.
Another advantage is that inkjet printers typically consume less power than laser printers, which can lead to lower energy bills over time. Inkjet printers are also generally smaller and lighter than laser printers, making them easier to accommodate in smaller office spaces. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 offers a good balance of print quality, speed, and cost-effectiveness, making it a practical choice for many office environments.
What factors should I consider when choosing an inkjet printer like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 for my office?
When selecting an inkjet printer like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720, consider your printing volume. Inkjet printers are generally better suited for moderate printing needs. If your office prints a high volume of documents daily, a laser printer might be a more cost-effective solution in the long run due to lower cost per page.
Also, assess your color printing requirements. If your office frequently prints photos, marketing materials, or documents with extensive color graphics, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720’s vibrant color output makes it a strong contender. Evaluate the printer’s features, such as automatic duplex printing, wireless connectivity, and mobile printing support, to ensure they align with your office’s needs. Finally, factor in the cost of ink cartridges and their yield to estimate the total cost of ownership.