HP DeskJet 2742eB Review: Affordable Home Printer
Review of the HP DeskJet 2742eB all-in-one printer. Learn about its features, print quality, and value for money. Perfect for home offices and students.
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, the need for accessible and affordable printing solutions is paramount. Many home offices and small businesses struggle with high ink costs, slow printing speeds, and the complexity of modern printer technology. The HP DeskJet 2742eB aims to address these challenges, offering a compact and versatile all-in-one printing solution at a budget-friendly price point.
This renewed HP DeskJet 2742eB offers a practical answer for those seeking a dependable printer capable of handling everyday document and photo printing tasks. Its wireless capabilities and user-friendly design make it suitable for various home and small office environments, effectively minimizing print-related frustrations.
Overview
The HP DeskJet 2742eB is a compact, all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home and small office use. Featuring a sleek Sequoia finish, it combines printing, scanning, and copying functionalities into a single, space-saving device. Built around HP’s reliable printing technology, this printer prioritizes ease of use and affordability, making it an excellent choice for users with moderate printing needs.
Connectivity is key with this model, offering both wireless 802.11n and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 options. The printer integrates seamlessly with mobile devices through the HP Smart app, enabling convenient printing from smartphones and tablets. Pre-installed with original HP 67 ink cartridges (black and tri-color), the DeskJet 2742eB is ready to print straight out of the box, offering a refreshed, ‘like new’ experience thanks to its renewed status.
Features
Simple and Guided Setup: Getting started is a breeze. The printer guides you through each step of the setup process, ensuring a quick and hassle-free experience, even for those less familiar with printer technology. This easy-to-use system minimizes frustration and gets you printing quickly.
All-in-One Functionality: The HP DeskJet 2742eB isn’t just a printer; it’s a complete solution, offering print, copy, and scan capabilities within a single device. This versatility eliminates the need for separate machines, saving space and simplifying your workflow.
Original HP Ink Cartridges: Pre-installed with original HP 67 Black and Tri-color ink cartridges, this printer ensures exceptional print quality right out of the box. HP’s genuine ink technology delivers vibrant colors and sharp text, providing reliable results for all your printing needs.
Wireless Smart Connectivity: Print effortlessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop with integrated wireless connectivity and the HP Smart app. The app simplifies setup, enables mobile printing, and provides access to printer status updates and ink level monitoring.
Benefits
Space-Saving Design: The compact footprint of this printer makes it ideal for small desks, home offices, or any space where room is limited.
Hassle-Free Operation: The guided setup and user-friendly HP Smart app simplify the printing process, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Convenient Mobile Printing: Print directly from your smartphone or tablet, freeing you from being tethered to a computer and enhancing workflow flexibility.
Reduced Printing Costs: The all-in-one design and compact size help lower your overall printing expenses compared to multiple devices.
Excellent Print Quality: HP’s original ink cartridges ensure crisp, clear text and vibrant, true-to-life colors for all your documents and photos.
Usages
Ideal for Small Businesses: Provides a cost-effective printing solution for small businesses with moderate printing needs, offering reliable performance and essential features.
Great for Students and Frequent Document Printing: Its reliability and ease of use make it an excellent choice for students who need to print assignments, research papers, and other academic materials.
Perfect for Home Offices: Ideal for home users who need to print documents, scan receipts, and occasionally print photos.
Useful for Basic Photo Printing: While not a dedicated photo printer, it’s suitable for producing everyday photos and snapshots with acceptable quality.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Compact and space-saving design
- Wireless connectivity and mobile printing
- Easy setup and user-friendly operation
- Includes original HP ink cartridges
Cons
- Printing speed is moderate
- Not ideal for high-volume printing
- Ink cartridge yields may be lower compared to high-end printers
- Functionality limited to basic printing, scanning, and copying
FAQs
What is the warranty coverage?: This renewed printer comes with a 90-day limited warranty, providing peace of mind and protection against potential defects.
How easy is the wireless setup?: The wireless setup is simplified through the HP Smart app, guiding you through the connection process step-by-step. It’s designed for ease of use, even for those with limited technical experience.
What is the printing speed?: The HP DeskJet 2742eB offers a print speed of up to 7 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white documents and up to 5 ppm for color documents. This is a standard speed for an entry-level inkjet printer.
What kind of paper can I use?: The printer supports a wide range of paper types, including plain paper, photo paper, matte paper, and glossy paper, in sizes up to 8.5 x 14 inches. Check the printer specifications for exact paper weight limits.
What is the estimated ink cost?: HP offers a range of ink subscription services (HP Instant Ink) that can significantly reduce ink costs. Individual cartridge yields vary, but generally, you can expect a reasonable cost per page with proper usage and potential subscription options.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | Original HP 67 Ink Cartridges |
| DPI Resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi |
| Print Technology | HP Thermal Inkjet |
| Print Speed (Black) | 7 ppm |
| Warranty | 90-day limited warranty |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, 802.11n Wireless |
| Dimensions | 16.7 x 21.5 x 9.8 inches |
| Duty Cycle | Up to 1000 pages per month |
| Print Speed (Color) | 5 ppm |
| Page Yield | 100-150 pages (black), 30-50 pages (color) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs |
Ratings
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
| Overall Performance | 4.2 |
| Print Quality | 4.3 |
| Ease of Use | 4.7 |
| Connectivity & Features | 4.1 |
Recommendation
This printer is an excellent choice for home users and students seeking an affordable and reliable all-in-one printing solution. Its compact design, wireless connectivity, and easy setup make it a perfect fit for small spaces and simple printing tasks.
Ideal for small businesses needing occasional document and photo printing, the HP DeskJet 2742eB offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing essential features. Its moderate speed and print quality are suitable for everyday office tasks.
Conclusion
The HP DeskJet 2742eB provides a compelling combination of affordability, functionality, and ease of use. It’s a reliable option for those seeking a basic all-in-one printer for home or small office use, offering acceptable print quality and convenient wireless connectivity.
With its compact design, user-friendly operation, and inclusion of original HP ink cartridges, this renewed printer offers excellent long-term value. It’s a worthwhile choice for individuals and small businesses seeking a dependable and cost-effective printing solution that simplifies their workflow.
