Which ethernet cable?

[Nikolai168]

I need to buy an ethernet cable to connect my HP Envy 5020 printer to my laptop. Please recommend one (and supplier) for use in the UK. Thank you.

[FrivolousMonkey]

I think it very unlikely that anyone will recommend a supplier. These things are generic. Any store should sell you an appropriate cable.

Do you really need Ethernet? Most folk use USB or hang the printer off a router with a physical cable connection or WiFi

[Nikolai168]

Dear Frivolous Monkey.

Thank you for your speedy reply.

The situation is this:

I recently bought a (new) printer. Unfortunately, after printing about 100 pages (simple printing - nothing sophisticated) the (genuine HP) cartidges run out of ink (or, at least, appear to). This make printing very expensive. In fact, it might be cheaper to buy a new printer rather than new ink cartridges.I contacted HP Support. With my permission, they accessed my laptop and confirmed that everything looked OK  but on the printer I needed to press the screen: Check for Updates, which I did. Two hours later, the printer was still checking for updates. Meanwhile, Support had given up long ago, advising me to call back if/when I needed to. However, the Support guy said that if I had had an ethernet cable, he could have resolved things. 

So, I'm no further forward and I still can't print without investing a small fortune in ink cartdiges.

Before I go back to support (for the 3rd time), i thought I would anticipate their 'excuse' for not resolving the problem by investing in an ethernet cable. 

Hence the question!

Warmest wishes,

Nikolai168

[FrivolousMonkey]

I've taken a brief look (as a fellow user) of the spec of your printer (I think it said Envy 5020 originally). It states only USB as the wired connectivity. 

Your printer seems suitable for the Instant Ink service which will save you a load of ink money. There is a generic link, or you can use mine (disclosure, you and I benefit with a free month if you sign up using that link according to my account page).

I log into my printer's interface via my wireless network and ask it to check for updates there. That might solve your actual problem. I suggest powering the printer down and re-powering it on and start again

[Nikolai168]

I'm not convinced by the HP Instant Ink service. Does it really save money? 

If I signed up to Instant Ink, presumably I would have to wait for the cartridges to be delivered before being able to print again?

Regarding checking for updates via my wirless network, that's what I suggested (not so elegantly) to the Support Agent. He said: from that point of view all is well (i.e. up to date)... Neverthless I need to approach it from the other end, so to speak...

Anyway, I'll still buy an ethernet cable... so, no particular brand/model... just whatever the shop has in store. Correct?

[FrivolousMonkey]

I gave the instant thing a whirl. It works for me. It may not for you. But you get some free time, so nothing to lose.

Check your printer has an ethernet port before buying the cable. Give it a hard stare.

[I-KnowThings]

For Technical accuracy, and clarity of language, your printer Envy 5020,  DOES NOT SUPPORT an ethernet cable network interface. If you buy an ethernet cable, you will not be able to use it to connect your printer.

Your printer, does support a USB printer cable interface which will allow you to connect your printer to your computer. 

Check the spec sheet for your device ( ethernet is not supported):

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-envy-5000-all-in-one-printer-series/14095644/model/14095648/...

Get the a decent quality USB cable; they are very generic devices now a days. You certainly don't need to spend a lot of money for a USB printer cable.  

Instant Ink: yes, it will save you money. 

The cost per page of printing, is much less than the cost per page of printing buying cartridges. 

In $US, you could print 600pgs, full colour, mixed black & colour, for about 12 x $2.99/mos  = about $40.00/ year ( estimated taxes ). 

If using purchased cartridges for that same volume (600 pages) of printing:  HP65 XL cartridges:  ~$28. Black;  $32 CMY Colour =  ~$60 both carts, for approx 300pgs.  Need to replace at least 1, or possibly both cartridges when depleted to print the remaining 300 pages, which could be another $60. 

Instant Ink will print 600 for about 1/3 the cost ( $40 vs $120). *

*Your mileage ( cost/page )  may vary.  🙂 

Using Instant Ink:  your Envy 5020 will need to use its wireless connection to connect to your wifi router, to establish the network connection to HP, to enroll your printer into the Instant Ink service. 

You certainly can use the USB connection to your computer to print your material, in conjuction with the wireless connection needed for the Instant Ink service. 

I hope this adds some clarity. 

[Nikolai168 · Accepted solution]

I-KT - thank you very much for your helpful and clear advice - very much appreciated!

Nikolai.

[FrivolousMonkey]

Please let us know the outcome