Printer parts

On the HP7960 I complained that the fold out paper catcher was an awkward design, I used to forget to fold it out and once the print was making an exit you couldn't fold it out. I am happy to say that the 8450 has a new telescopic paper catcher which addressed this problem. The front stop folds flush with the paper tray, the paper stop can be opened out when extended.

Paper catcher folded down	Paper catcher extended (2 sections)

Loading A4 media is simply placing it in the bottom tray, no problems - just make sure the photo media is face downwards. The 6x4 photo tray is an awkward item. The front flap has to be lifted and then there is barely enough room to slide your hand and media in to load the 6x4 sheets. Once loaded you have to push the paper forward with the front grey button and then push the photo tray into the printer (by the top grey lever). Failure to push the paper forward will result in media being loaded from the bottom tray. Now instruct the printer to use the Upper tray, this is automatic if you select the 6x4 Photo Option in the Printer Shortcut menu. Printing a 6x4 image took 1 min 37sec.

Push paper forward first	Next push the Photo tray in
The front tray is removable (for paper jams etc.)	So is the rear cover, an optional duplex unit is available

Generally media handling was very good. I know many people are not too keen on the U turn system, I haven't encountered any problems with this. HP Premium Plus is more than sufficient photo quality at 280g, after this you might as well start printing on cardboard.

Direct printing

This printer caters well for the digital photographer, it has PictBridge and a built in memory card reader. There is also a BlueTooth option so you can print directly from a Photo mobile phone or other devices. I am surprised that no-one has come up with a printer that you can telephone and send your pictures to - rather like a photo-fax machine. Print options can be selected via a built in LCD screen. There is a facility to print out a contact sheet of all the images contained on a memory card. You can then tick off the images you want to print, feed the contact print back into the printer, it is scanned and will print the prints you have ticked - clever stuff. This printer can be used without a computer and will turn out good quality images.

Built in memory card reader	PictBridge port

The controls on the front fascia are well thought out and easy to use, you don't even need to read the instruction manual to get going with this.

Footnote:

I have just found the exact volumes of ink in each cartridge, they are as follows;

HP No. 344 Tri-Colour Inkjet Print Cartridge, 14 ml ink volume, C8766E
HP No. 348 Photo Inkjet Print Cartridge, 13 ml ink volume, C9369E
HP No. 338 Black Inkjet Print Cartridge, 11 ml ink volume, C8765E
HP No. 339 Black Inkjet Print Cartridge, 21 ml ink volume, CC8767W
HP No. 100 Grey Photo Inkjet Print Cartridge, 15 ml, C9368W

The HP No. 338 & 339 cartridges are not supplied with the printer,

The 339 and "Garage"	Storage space for the 339 above the inks