Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Printer Output | Color |
| Printer Type | InkJet |
| Printing Technology | HP Thermal Inkjet |
| Resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 (1200x1200 black) |
| Mobile Printing | HP Smart app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria |
| Duplex Printing | Yes, automatic |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Operating Systems | Windows, macOS, ChromeOS |
| Dimensions | 439.3 x 342.5 x 278 mm |
| Weight | 9.29 kg (20.5 lbs) |
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Unboxing and Setup
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e package includes:
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e Printer
- HP 963 Setup Ink Cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
- Power Cord
- Setup Poster and Reference Guide
Setup Process
Setting up the HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e is straightforward, although installing cartridges may present minor challenges. The HP Smart App aids in the setup, guiding users step-by-step from initial assembly to wireless connectivity. During cartridge installation, each must be securely clicked into place, and the app provides a user-friendly interface for testing and troubleshooting any installation issues.
Design and Build Quality
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e has a compact and minimalist design, with dimensions that make it suitable for home office spaces. The overall build is robust, featuring a 6.86 cm (2.7 in) touchscreen for intuitive navigation of the printer’s functions.
The printer includes a 250-sheet input tray and a 35-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), supporting automatic duplex printing. However, the printer lacks additional trays specifically for photo paper, which may be a limitation for users frequently printing images.
Features and Connectivity Options
The OfficeJet Pro 9012e offers comprehensive connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB host support for direct printing. For those needing fax capabilities, the printer provides RJ-11 modem ports to handle faxing directly. Mobile printing is streamlined via the HP Smart app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria certification, and Wi-Fi Direct for seamless printing from mobile devices.
HP Smart App Integration
The HP Smart app provides an intuitive platform for managing print jobs, scanning documents directly to cloud services, and checking ink levels. Users can also set up Instant Ink and HP+ subscriptions through the app, enabling automatic ink reorders when levels are low. For some, these subscriptions offer cost savings, although users should assess their actual printing needs before subscribing.
Print Quality and Performance
We tested the HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e across various document types, including plain text, mixed graphics, and high-resolution photos. Below is an overview of its performance across key areas:
Monochrome and Color Printing
- Monochrome Prints: Text output is crisp and clear, ideal for business documents.
- Color Prints: Colors appear vibrant for basic documents, but photo quality on glossy paper tends to lack sharpness, especially on smaller-sized prints (10x15 cm).
Speed and Efficiency
The OfficeJet Pro 9012e offers competitive printing speeds for its class:
- Color Pages: Approximately 14 seconds per page
- Monochrome Pages: Around 12 seconds per page
The printer efficiently handled both single and double-sided printing tasks, with reliable duplex functionality that simplifies large-scale printing jobs.
Scanner and Copier Capabilities
Equipped with a high-quality scanner and auto-alignment features, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e offers easy-to-use functions for scanning and copying:
- Copy Quality: Maintains original document clarity, though there may be slight graininess around colored text.
- Preview Options: Users can preview scans or copies on the touchscreen to ensure proper alignment and avoid misprints.
The scanner is capable of detailed document reproduction, with options to adjust settings for resolution and file format.
Ink Management and Cost Considerations
Ink cartridges for the HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e include HP 963 Black and color cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow). Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
| Ink Cartridge | Price (Approx.) | Yield (Pages) |
|---|---|---|
| HP 963 Black | £31.99 | 1000 |
| Color (Each) | £23.99 | 700 |
Instant Ink Subscription
HP offers Instant Ink, a subscription service that delivers ink cartridges to your doorstep when levels run low. The service is priced based on monthly page usage, and it may result in long-term savings for users with predictable printing volumes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Reliable print quality for standard documents
- Intuitive HP Smart app integration
- Supports automatic duplex printing
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons
- Limited photo printing quality
- Cartridge installation can be challenging
- Subscription prompts may be intrusive
- Higher cost per page compared to eco-tank printers
Conclusion: Is the HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e Worth It?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e serves as a robust AIO solution for home offices, excelling in document handling and connectivity. While it may not be ideal for high-resolution photo printing, it offers reliable monochrome and color document output, efficient scanning and copying, and seamless wireless integration. For users prioritizing productivity and ease of maintenance, especially with HP’s Instant Ink service, this printer presents a valuable choice.
For those focused on budget-friendly, high-volume color printing, exploring eco-tank alternatives might be prudent. However, as an overall AIO solution, the OfficeJet Pro 9012e remains a strong contender in its category.