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HP PhotoSmart Pro B8550

alaTest has collected and analyzed 260 reviews from magazines and websites. Views about the performance and paper handling are on the whole positive. The reliability and value for money are also appreciated. There are some less positive views about the ink consumption. Comments are divided on the multifunction.

print quality, value for money, reliability, paper handling, performance

ink consumption

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Printers the HP PhotoSmart Pro B8550 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 81/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 260 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (32% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (34% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (8% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (11% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews   (15% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

Print quality
  Show positive (49%)None yet(Show all)
Value for money
  Show positive (33%)Show negative (18%)(Show all)
Multifunction
  Show positive (17%)Show negative (17%)(Show all)
Paper handling
  Show positive (11%)None yet(Show all)
Reliability
  Show positive (40%)None yet(Show all)
Ink consumption
  None yetShow negative (33%)(Show all)
Size
  Show positive (15%)Show negative (2%)(Show all)
Connectivity
  Show positive (9%)None yet(Show all)
Performance
  Show positive (61%)Show negative (39%)(Show all)
Usability
  Show positive (69%)None yet(Show all)
More features

Showing 245 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 245 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (18)

Editor's Choice!

Expert review by:

HP Photosmart B8550 Photo Printer

 

The B8550 is aimed at a different kind of user than the B9180 and B8850 are. Both of those printers are designed for serious amateur photographers and even professionals—as suggested by the word "Pro" in their names. The B8550 is much more of a...

High-quality photos and graphics at sizes up to 13 by 19 inches. Second tray for up to 5-by-7 paper

Not designed for printing on fine art paper

Although it's aimed at consumers rather than serious photographers, the HP Photosmart B8550 Photo Printer prints gorgeous photos at up to 13 by 19 inches.

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Expert review by:

HP Photosmart B8550 Review

 

The new sweet spot for printer sizes appears to be 13x19, or A3+/Super B. Large enough to print 11x14 photos, while still fitting on the average desktop, these printers offer much more versatility than a letter size model does. It also opens up the...

HP has an interesting offering with the Photosmart B8550. Ideally suited to mixed use with text and photos, it is a good solution for someone looking for a single printer for all uses. The 13x19 size will appeal to many, especially scrapbook...

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Expert review by:

HP B8550 -- Bring It On Home

 

We are not fans of the 4x6 print. A card full of images and a 4x6 printer make us wish we had a lawn to mow. You know, get out in the sunshine and get some exercise. Making a stack of 4x6 prints strikes us a drudgery.

The exciting thing about the lightweight, compact HP B8550 13x19 printer is that it makes large prints a reality in your home or small office for just $300 (and probably a good deal less once it hits the street). It makes compromises to get there, but...

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Expert review by:

HP Photosmart B8550 Printer

 

The first thing I noticed about this HP printer was its overall sleek design, making it appear as if it had been designed by Apple rather than in a former Soviet Bloc tank factory.

Dual paper trays; low price

Overall, I like the look and feel of the printer. I was able to achieve excellent color accuracy and quality. Its price ($249.99) and feature set make it appear to be positioned as a high-end consumer printer but it would also serve the professional...

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Consumer review by:

Amazon review summary for the HP PhotoSmart Pro B8550

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 192 user reviews of the HP PhotoSmart Pro B8550 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.5/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.5/5 for other Printers on Amazon.com.

value for money, performance, usability, print quality, size

ink consumption

62% of reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

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Consumer review by:

Good photo quality poor shelf life

 

When I bought this printer, I was very happy with the output quality especially for photos.

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Consumer review by:

Lousy printer

 

This printer is a piece of garbage. It eats ink, constantly miss-feeds, and ruins paper,and gives many error messages when things are not wrong. I really wish I had read more reviews before I got this. I am still in search of the decent, at home...

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Consumer review by:

Grrr worthy printer

 

Ive had this thing for a few years now. I don't print often, but when I do I want very high quality printing capabilities. This thing worked GREAT the first two or three times I used it. Then it stopped feeding paper.

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Consumer review by:

Don't waste your time or money

 

Run! Don't do it! Get something else!

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Consumer review by:

does not play well with the Mac...

 

I absolutely hate this printer. I was convinced from the HP website and other (cough, cough) reviews that it might be a good, cost-efficient printer in which to print my portfolio design pieces. It's been a nightmare! Maybe it's better for the PC but...

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Product Specifications

From amazing photo enlargements to high-quality documents, this is the only printer you need. It's easy to use, efficient and delivers the long-lasting photo quality you demand.

Dimensions & Weight

Depth:15.3in
Height:7.1in
Weight:16.8lbs
Width:22.8in

Environmental Standards

ENERGY STAR Qualified: Yes
EPA Energy Star Compliant: Yes

Header

Compatibility:Mac / PC
Manufacturer:Hewlett-Packard
Model:B8550
Packaged Quantity:1
Product Line:HP PhotoSmart

Modem

Type: None

Networking

Type: None

Printer

Connectivity Technology:Wired
Interface:USB
Language Simulation:PCL 3
Max H-Resolution B/W:1200dpi
Max H-Resolution Color:9600dpi
Max Media Size (Standard):A3 plus (13 in x 16.65 in)
Max Printing Speed (ppm):32ppm
Max Printing Speed Color (ppm):31ppm
Max V-Resolution B/W:1200dpi
Max V-Resolution Color:2400dpi
Media Type:Cards / Envelopes / Photo paper / Plain paper / Transparencies
Output Type:Color
Technology:Ink-jet
Total Media Capacity:145sheets
Type:Photo printer

RAM

Installed Size:128MB

Scanner

Type: None

Service & Support

Type:1 year warranty

System Requirements

OS Required:Apple MacOS X 10.4 / Apple MacOS X 10.5 / Microsoft Windows Vista / Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition / Microsoft Windows XP Professional / Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition / Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition SP2
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