HP 5438 Ink
Deskjet 5438 Ink Cartridges

HP 5438 Printer Review

The HP Deskjet 5438 is a streamlined and simple photo inkjet printer, and it comes at an affordable price that will fit almost any budget. Draft mode speeds can reach up to 22 pages per minute, but even higher-quality settings offer reasonably good speeds. The included software helps users tweak images for maximum effect, and the 6-color option for Deskjet 5438 printer ink can improve photo output.

The 5438 is very affordable, mainly because it provides only the basics. Users get a USB port for connecting it to a single computer, but options like networking and wireless support are not included. There is a PictBridge port on the front of the device, however, which lets users connect a digital camera and do direct photo prints.

With a weight of less than 8 pounds and a very compact frame, it will be easy to share a desktop with, even in cramped quarters. The 100-sheet input paper tray and 50-sheet output tray are stacked on top of each other, which requires a U-shaped paper path that can sometimes lead to paper jams, but they should be easy to clear by opening the top lid.

The machine mostly operates with one black HP 5438 ink cartridge and one tricolor supply. For the best photo quality, the black supply can be replaced with a Photo Color Deskjet 5438 ink cartridge, which adds two more colors for a total of 6. If OEM prices are too much for small budgets, users can seek out remanufactured HP 5438 printer ink for a lower cost.

The 5438 inkjet printer doesn't offer a lot more than basic document and photo printing, but its speed and quality make that enough, especially given its low price. Add in the low cost of HP 5438 ink, and you have a very inexpensive solution for the home user.