Is the print quality on the HP 712 printer just as good as the 800 series?

[steveakaflash]

I was told that they have identical print quality, use the same head, and that both use photo ret technology. The only difference being memory, speed, and usb support on higher models. I dont need speed or fancy stuff, just the good quality printing, and would like to know if the 712 i found new for 139 bucks is the ticket for me http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Steve

[Joel Kleppinger]

I'm a huge fan of HP printers. My uncle had (and still does have) one of the original HP Deskjet 500cs. I currently have a Deskjet 520. My parents and my uncle both have 694cs. So, when I had the opportunity to use the 722c over the summer, I was pretty excited.

At first, I was pleased with the printer - the output is good enough, quite a bit sharper than the 520 I had been using. But once I started to print larger batches of 5-25 pages, it started to feel DOG SLOW. Once, I printed out the AT&T WorldNet list of Access numbers for the states. It's a 25 page document. It took literally an HOUR on this printer (with grayscale only - I rarely ever use color). I was in a rush and was dying at how long it was taking. I almost unplugged it and plugged my 520 back in.

I've also noticed that the driver has an unrealistically high CPU utilization. It's not as bad as the Epson or Canon drivers, but it's definitely not very good.

Even though I like HPs a lot, the 722c isn't my style. The speed is the most annoying problem, but the driver has caused a good deal of hassles. I'm not sure what my next printer will be (I need to buy in the next month or so), but it won't be the 722c. I'm looking at the 895cse (stinking expensive, but a nice feature set) or the one below it (885cse??)

The only reason I mention this is that the 722c and the 712c are VERY closely related (I believe the 895cse is quite a bit further off, but I could be wrong). I caution you to make sure you have a good return policy and then test it out in every condition you will use it in to make sure it fits your needs. It certainly won't fit mine.

[DUSTYRUN]

from what i have found out is that:
the page speed is slower then the 722and it also has fewer fonts.

I jumped from a 722 to a 895 about 6 months ago and the picture quality is definately better and a little faster. the 895 also has a 2 meg cache where the 722 and 712 have 512 k.
IT would help very much if the manufacturers would post the speeds in best quality but hey, anything to make a buck. The best thing about the hp is the front in tray. Hope i helped.

[This message has been edited by DUSTYRUN (edited 07-30-99).]

[Joel Kleppinger]

And the worst thing is they won't print on a labeled CDR - like a Mitsui.