Officejet vs Envy

[ThomCrown]

I'm looking to replace my dying 501C. Is there a basic difference between the Envy line and Officejet printers.  I can't seem to find anything that makes this clear. I'm not looking for line by line on the spec sheet. Does anyone know or know where I can find out? Thanks

[Bob_Headrick · Accepted solution]

The Envy printers are more focused on home use.  The inks are generally pigmented black and dye based color, which provides better photo printing.  The Envy printers may have a photo tray for loading photo paper and the Envy printers are more likely to support borderless printing. The Officejet models are more focused for office use.  They may use pigmented ink for black and all colors.  Depending on the model there may be options on the Officejet printers for extra paper trays.  The Officejet models are more likely to have Automatic Document Feeders for scanning or copying a stack of papers more easily.  Some of the Officejet models will do automatic two sided scanning.  Both the Officejet and Envy models typically have two sided printing capability.  The Officejet models often include Fax support.

About how many prints per month do you expect to make?  Do you need to print photos?

[ThomCrown]

Thanks Bob,

    I don't make many prints, just occaisonally. I do more printing text, copying and scanning with the odd fax here and there.  I'd also prefer not to go bankrupt paying for printer cartridges. I use draft/black only most of the time to save ink but... I've heard the newer printers are more economical. I can only hope.

    Considering what I use it for an Officejet may be all I need. I don't need document feeders and all of the extras - i've had that stuff in the past but I'm just looking for a basic reliable printer. 

    My 501C needs work which I cannot justify. It pains me that a new printer can be purchased for the cost of the 5 printer cartridges the 501C uses. I almost wish I still had the huge HP laserjet I had 30 years ago. It didn't do anything but print black, but it did it quickly, cheaply and the output was spectacular. Not practical anymore....

    I appreciate your feedback. I think I have a much better handle on this now.

    I can get an Officejet 4655 for $75.  Can't beat the price. Any reason to avoid this model?  Thanks again, TC

[Bob_Headrick]

The Officejet 4655 has the dye based color, so it will do a fine job of printing photos.  

• The HP 63 cartridge this printer and others use is a bit on the small side -  190 /165 rated pages for the standard black/tri-color cartridges and 480/330 for the XL versions.
• The Officejet 4655 is eligible for Instant Ink, which may reduce printing costs significantly. 
• The Officejet 4655 does have an automatic document feeder for copying, scanning or faxing.
• The Officejet 4655 has an automatic duplexer for printing two sided automatically.
• Unlike printers with separate ink supplies and printheads the Officejet 4655 allows printing with one or more colors out of ink, or with the black or color cartridge (but not both) removed completely.

Another option you might consider would be the Officejet Pro 8610.  This is a higher end unit that has been replaced by the Officejet Pro 8710, but may still be found at closeout prices under $100, for example from Staples (sold out online, but may be available at a local store.

Compared to the Officejet 4655 the Officejet Pro 8610:

• Has larger ink cartridges, 1000/700 for standard black/color, 2300/1500 for the black and four color cartridges.  The cartridges are significantly more expensive, but a better overall cost per page.
• The 8610 has separate ink supplies and printheads.  As a result all cartridges need to be present and have ink to allow printing, even if you want to print in black only.  
• The 8610 uses pigmented black and color inks, it is less suitable for photo printing.
• Both are eligible for Instant Ink, have a duplexer for automatic two sided printing and Automatic Document Feeder.

[DivaDahlia]

Oooh, not to butt into your conversation here - but I've been using the HP instantink program to purchase my ink for the past three years or so and I absolutely LOVE it.  I do a newsletter once a month (about 300 copies x 4 pages) and I have two HPs.  The savings has been great and it's SOOOOOO nice never to have to make sure I have enough ink.  It it just always there... like magic!!  Just a thought.

Thanks for explaining the difference between the two printers, by the way!