HP DeskJet 9300

A printer for professionals on a budget, this wide format printer has several features that makes it an attractive investment. It has the capability to print on media ranging from envelopes (A6) to posters (A3+) and on various paper types like plain, glossy and transparencies. Printing resolution is 600 dpi for black prints, and 4800 dpi for optimized color printing. Its rated printing speed is 14 ppm (black) and 11 ppm (color), and a duty cycle of up to 5,000 pages per month. It can be networked using an optional HP JetDirect external print server. Other useful features include a 'low ink' indicator and automatic paper sensing which prevents misprinted pages. 

We tested the print quality of the printer first. The printer was able to print 2-point text legibly in best mode. Print speed is dramatically affected by the quality at which prints are taken. In normal quality setting, the printer is able to deliver its first page in about 40 seconds, and thereafter at a rate of a page every 35 seconds. A3 prints with heavy graphics can take up to 2 minutes to print. But with a printer like this, speed should be less of an issue as compared to quality. So we tried printing several graphics at different qualities using normal as well as special paper. The quality was excellent is all cases, and we had no complaints with the text quality as well. 

S N   A   P   S   H O   T
Price	:	Rs 25,415
Key Specs	:	6A3+ printing, USB, 5000 pages per month duty cycle
Contact	:	HP, Delhi.
Tel	:	26826000.
E-mail	:	nitin_hiranandani@hp.com

At Rs 25,415, this printer is not for the casual user, but is a good deal for professionals who cannot afford more expensive options. The cartridges cost Rs. 1,400 and Rs 1,700 for black and color respectively.

Anuj Jain