BiscuitMonster
New Member
Follow up to the review of the HP Photosmart Pro B9180.
I have been researching photo printers for a while and this seems to be a true bargain. At the same time, I am wondering if HP SA can support it with the appropriate consumables considering that that's what really makes or breaks the final printed results. The inks are available alright, but I have only seen some of the nicer papers online. If you ask at specialist photography stores for HP, they laugh at you - and if you as at general computer stores, they generally have no idea as they only carry the home office gear.
So last week I was very excited to see this printer on display at the new HP concept store in Sandton City. I asked a polite assistant if I could see some sample prints from it. As they didn't have any, he said he'll organize something. I returned to the store some 15 minutes later and was presented with an A4 page filled about 1/4" with a photo that looked like it came from a cellphone camera taken inside the store
It was printed on some glossy paper, couldn't tell if it was coated or not but very far from "fine art". I asked about different papers but they had none of the HP-branded Hahnemuhle art media. Sorry guys, but you gotta do better than that! The right product without support is worthless - I understand now why the folks at specialist shops shy away from selling HP.
I think I'll wait until the Epson R2880 launches locally
I have been researching photo printers for a while and this seems to be a true bargain. At the same time, I am wondering if HP SA can support it with the appropriate consumables considering that that's what really makes or breaks the final printed results. The inks are available alright, but I have only seen some of the nicer papers online. If you ask at specialist photography stores for HP, they laugh at you - and if you as at general computer stores, they generally have no idea as they only carry the home office gear.
So last week I was very excited to see this printer on display at the new HP concept store in Sandton City. I asked a polite assistant if I could see some sample prints from it. As they didn't have any, he said he'll organize something. I returned to the store some 15 minutes later and was presented with an A4 page filled about 1/4" with a photo that looked like it came from a cellphone camera taken inside the store
It was printed on some glossy paper, couldn't tell if it was coated or not but very far from "fine art". I asked about different papers but they had none of the HP-branded Hahnemuhle art media. Sorry guys, but you gotta do better than that! The right product without support is worthless - I understand now why the folks at specialist shops shy away from selling HP.I think I'll wait until the Epson R2880 launches locally
Last edited by a moderator: