Strengths: Solid build, quality prints, excellent software interface

Weaknesses: Expensive ink; problems feeding with paper that has a slight bend or curve

Summary: Can't get a better deal on an 13" wide pigment inkjet printer

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Strengths: Beautiful colors.

Weaknesses: Noisy. A real ink eater. I've had this less than a month and it really uses light gray a LOT. A larger issue is the inability to find this ink at a local retail store, like Best Buy or Staples.. I've only been able to buy it on line and then that takes an extra 2-3 days to get it. In addition, there doesn't seem to be a page counter on it that indicates how many pages are left in a multi-print job--or at least I can't find out how to do it.

Summary: I said it all above. Inks are expensive and hard to come by. I should have looked into that.

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Strengths: Prints all kinds of files well on many different papers.

Weaknesses: Hand-feeding specialty papers is awkward and time-consuming

Summary: Versatile color printer at reasonable price. Don't know about ink consumption yet.

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Strengths: I recently ordered the HP PhotoSmart Pro B9180 from Cost Central and am extremely pleased with the quality of service I received from the company. Not only was ordering through Cost Central easy, but Jeff, the person I spoke with, was helpful, polite and very professional. The printer even arrived earlier than expected. The HP PhotoSmart Pro B9180 printer is a well-built printer with excellent output and brilliant colors (just do a Web search for "hp b9180, pigment-based Vivera ink" for more extensive details). Prior to purchasing, one concern to mention was regarding the multiple Web posts regarding a driver problem that some were having over the last years while using Vista and Adobe CS3, but the problem now seems to have been resolved. This printer shipped with a driver disk for Vista, and fortunately, there have been no problems while using Vista or CS3 with this printer. One of the most versatile things about the B9180 is its ability to print on multiple fine art papers of varied thickness, as well as on canvas. The colors are vivid and the potential to create really stunning artwork is there - provided you use the correct settings and paper/canvas type. One print on canvas actually looked like a beautiful, heavy-duty upholstry fabric sample it was so vivid (again - just make sure you always use the right color management and settings for the material you are printing on, otherwise you will end up with not-so-spectacular results due to user error). There are also several Web sites that review paper performance for this particular machine, just do a quick search for "HP B9180, paper" to read about it. I have also found that Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster works pretty well if you happen to have it lying around -- just use the printer setting for HP Advanced Photo Paper Glossy. Another concern prior to purchase was that a couple of Web posts mentioned that the "noise" the machine makes every day to clean the print heads was something to get used to. Basically, that refers to the recommendation that you leave the printer on every day so that it can do the print head cleaning cycle to prevent the heads from clogging, and while it runs and clicks a bit for a minute or two, it is really not that big of a deal and really not very loud at all. You can just hear the printer running a bit, then its done. Although a nice edition to a studio, this printer is also home office friendly via USB if you have a large table top available. It does not have to be networked, but it can be via Ethernet.

Weaknesses: The manual paper feed for the B9180 can be a bit finicky sometimes, probably due to the guide lines on the side being somewhat short to prevent the paper from going past the edge. Just make sure to line it up precisely to the edge guides. After that, it feeds beautifully and accurately. You will need room behind the printer for the manual feed tray to send the paper out the back before pulling it back in to print. Also, make sure to place this printer on a sturdy table top because when running, it has the potential to shake a bit if the surface it is on is not sturdy enough. A good table or solid desk ought to suffice. A cheaper, rolling computer table may be too unstable to prevent the shaking. Although I don't believe the latter point to be a weakness for the printer, it is worth mentioning for those considering where to place this robust printer. Make sure to set aside at least an hour to set this printer up because, although set up is very easy if you follow the directions, it will take the printer a while to go through its set up cycle once all the components are loaded.

Summary: The HP PhotoSmart Pro B9180 is a well-built, high quality, versatile printer. With multiple printing abilities for paper, card stock, canvas and other fine art papers, you do not have to be a professional photographer to appreciate the potential for producing excellent quality artwork from this machine. Graphic designers, photographers and others who are serious about their craft may want to seriously consider this printer for their studio or home office.

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Strengths: Beautiful prints, especially my photos. Love that it prints on cardstock

Weaknesses: hand-feeding/holding heavier paper through the machine can get tedious. Wish there was a specialty paper tray.

Summary: Really great printer. Coming from a laser jet to a ink jet was a bit of a hard transition, but the quailty on this machine is really worth it.

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Strengths: prints as expected. decent speed. easy install.

Weaknesses: finicky paper handling/paper tray. not convenient swapping between paper types.

Summary: The noise of the daily self-check routine it performs requires getting used to.

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Strengths: Quality Built, Excellent Photo(s), Long lasting ink

Weaknesses: Size of unit. No multiple different size of paper holder, need to swap out paper in tray.

Summary: Excellent Professional Color Printer. If you leave the printer continually on, it reduces the amount of ink used for head cleaning.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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