HP DesignJet T650 36-inch Plotter Review
In-depth review of the HP DesignJet T650 36″ plotter—fast, precise large-format printing with HP Click, Wi‑Fi, and a 2-year onsite warranty.
Introduction
The HP DesignJet T650 36-inch plotter is engineered to solve a common bottleneck in architecture, engineering, and graphics workflows: producing large-format prints that are both fast and precise without a complicated setup or constant maintenance. For teams that rely on crisp line-work, accurate text, and vibrant color posters, this model promises professional results while minimizing the downtime and supply costs that often plague large-format printing.
Whether you’re producing CAD drawings, render-ready posters, or GIS maps, the T650 blends high-resolution output with streamlined software tools and connectivity. It addresses three core needs simultaneously—speed for rapid turnaround, fidelity for technical accuracy, and ease-of-use for busy offices—making it a practical centerpiece for design studios, construction teams, and print-for-production environments.
Overview
Design-wise the DesignJet T650 balances footprint and capability: HP advertises it as one of the world’s smallest plotters in its class, yet it handles rolls up to 36 inches wide and sheets up to 13 x 19 inches with the included automatic sheet feeder. The chassis and included stand are thoughtfully laid out to keep single-operator workflows smooth while the automatic horizontal cutter and media bin automate finishing and reduce manual trimming.
Under the hood the T650 uses HP’s bright office pigment and dye-based inks paired with a high-resolution print engine capable of 2400 x 1200 dpi. Connectivity covers Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB and Wi‑Fi (802.11 b/g/n) with Wi‑Fi Direct for ad-hoc printing. HP bundles HP Click for one-click job submission and poster creation plus HP Smart app support, which makes mobile and remote job management straightforward. This combination makes the T650 ideal for architects, engineers, GIS teams, print shops, and in-house marketing groups who need reliable large-format output without heavy operator overhead.
Features
Precision Line Accuracy & High Resolution (2400 x 1200 dpi): Produces razor-sharp vectors, CAD lines and text for technical drawings and detailed maps. The high dpi ensures that thin lines remain legible at scale and that halftones in posters maintain smooth gradients.
Rapid Large-Format Output (Up to 25–26 seconds per A1/D): Designed to print an A1/D plot in roughly half a minute, the T650 improves project throughput—capable of up to 76 A1/D prints per hour—so teams can iterate quickly and avoid print queues during critical review cycles.
Smart Media Handling with Auto Sheet/Roll Switch & Cutter: Automatic switching between roll and sheet media plus a horizontal cutter and media bin reduces manual intervention. Multi-size jobs and mixed media runs complete without constant operator attention, minimizing workflow interruptions.
Workflow Integration with HP Click & Cloud Apps: HP Click simplifies job submission and auto-nesting while HP Smart enables remote submission from smartphones, tablets and cloud storage. The included software reduces setup errors and waste through PDF checks and true print previews.
Sustainable, Low-Maintenance Design & 2-Year Onsite Warranty: Constructed using up to 30% recycled plastic and engineered to use significantly less ink for routine maintenance, the T650 lowers environmental impact and operational cost. The included 2-year onsite warranty offers rapid support and genuine HP parts for long-term reliability.
Benefits
Faster Project Turnarounds
Print large-scale technical drawings and posters significantly faster than legacy plotters—speed that shortens client review cycles and accelerates project milestones.
Reduced Operating Costs
Lower maintenance ink consumption and efficient consumable use translate to fewer service events and lower total cost of ownership, especially for offices with steady large-format demand.
Simplified Job Management
HP Click’s drag-and-drop workflow, combined with mobile printing, reduces setup errors and paper waste so smaller teams can manage complex print jobs without a dedicated operator.
Consistent, High-Fidelity Output
High line accuracy and rich color gamut deliver predictable results for CAD, render and marketing collateral—eliminating reprints caused by legibility or color inaccuracies.
Peace of Mind with Onsite Support
The 2-year warranty care pack with next-business-day onsite service reduces downtime and protects workflow continuity in mission-critical office environments.
Usages
Perfect for Architects & Engineers
Produce accurate CAD plots, permit-ready construction drawings and large-format plan sets with crisp linework and readable text at any scale.
Poster & Marketing Prints On Demand
Create high-resolution posters, signage and presentation boards quickly with templates in HP Click—ideal for marketing teams working on tight deadlines.
GIS & Mapping Deliverables
Print detailed maps and geospatial overlays with strong color separation and accurate legend reproduction, supporting GIS exports and field documentation.
Prototyping & Client Presentations
Rapidly generate render prints and client-ready boards for visioning sessions, public presentations or bid packages without outsourcing to a commercial print shop.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional line accuracy and 2400 x 1200 dpi detail for CAD and render prints
- Fast A1/D printing—roughly 25–26 seconds per plot—good for high throughput
- Automatic roll/sheet switching and built-in cutter streamline mixed-media jobs
- HP Click software and HP Smart mobile/cloud integration simplifies workflows
- Environmentally considerate design and included 2-year onsite warranty reduce risk
Cons
- Large physical footprint and 125 lb weight require dedicated space and installation
- No built-in scanner or copying capability—print-only device
- Uses OEM inks (HP 712/713) which can be more costly than third-party alternatives
- No duplex printing for two-sided output on sheets
FAQs
Can the T650 handle both roll and sheet media?
Yes. The printer supports roll feed up to 36 inches wide and sheet feed up to 13 x 19 inches using the included automatic sheet feeder. It also switches automatically between sheet and roll for mixed jobs.
What connectivity options are available for networked environments?
The DesignJet T650 offers Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi‑Fi Direct. It integrates with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and mobile devices through HP Smart and HP Click.
Which inks and cartridges does it use?
This model uses HP 712 and HP 713 genuine ink cartridges. HP recommends using OEM cartridges for optimal print quality and printer longevity.
Is duplex printing supported?
No. The T650 is a single-sided large-format plotter tailored for wide and sheet media. For two-sided output, you would need to manually re-feed sheets where applicable.
What warranty and support are included?
The unit includes a 2-year extended warranty care pack with remote technical support and onsite service (as fast as next business day if remote support cannot resolve the issue).
Product Specifications
| Printer Type | Large-format ink-based plotter (HP DesignJet T650 36-inch) |
| Print Speed (PPM) | Up to 2.4 ppm (A1/D ~25–26 seconds per page; 76 A1/D per hour) |
| Resolution (DPI) | Maximum 2400 x 1200 dpi |
| Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T), Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi‑Fi Direct |
| Duplex | No (single-sided output) |
| Supported Media Sizes | Rolls up to 36-inch wide; sheets up to 13 x 19 inches |
| Ink/Toner Type | HP 712 & 713 Genuine Ink (Pigment & Dye Based Inks) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 52″W x 24″D x 37″H (includes stand and media bin) |
| Weight | 125 pounds |
| Memory | 1 GB onboard RAM |
| Control & Software | HP Click, HP Smart, HP Print Preview, HP DesignJet Utility |
| Included Accessories | Automatic sheet feeder, media roll cover, spindle, stand with media bin, starter ink cartridges, printhead |
| Warranty | 2-year Extended Warranty Care Pack (onsite & remote support) |
| Maximum Color Print Resolution | 2400 x 1200 dpi |
| Power Consumption | 6 Watts (standby/nominal listed) |
| Maximum Input Sheet Capacity | Up to 50 sheets (sheet feeder) |
| Number of Trays | 1 |
Ratings
| Print Quality (Color & Sharpness) | 4.8 |
| Ink Efficiency / Yield | 4.5 |
| Connectivity & App Integration | 4.3 |
| Print Speed (Pages per Minute) | 4.1 |
| Build Quality & Design | 4.6 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
Recommendation
The HP DesignJet T650 is recommended for architecture, engineering and marketing teams that need dependable large-format output with strong line accuracy and fast throughput. Choose this model if you require a compact-but-capable plotter with simple network and mobile printing and want the security of a 2-year onsite warranty.
If your workflow needs built-in scanning or duplex sheet printing, consider pairing the T650 with a dedicated wide-format scanner or evaluating multifunction large-format solutions. For teams prioritizing predictable uptime and OEM support, the included HP support package is a compelling value.
Conclusion
The HP DesignJet T650 36-inch plotter strikes a strong balance between precision, speed and workflow simplicity. Its 2400 x 1200 dpi output and exceptional line accuracy make it an excellent tool for CAD, GIS and poster production where legibility and color fidelity are essential. The printer’s automatic media handling, cutter and HP Click integration reduce manual tasks and waste—helping teams move from design to print faster and with fewer errors.
Long-term value is reinforced by HP’s sustainability efforts and the two-year onsite warranty, which together curb operating costs and provide peace of mind in production environments. For offices that need reliable large-format printing without the complexity of heavy maintenance or outsourced services, the T650 delivers professional output, efficient running costs and a user-friendly ecosystem that keeps projects moving.
