HP PSC 500 Ink Cartridges

HP PSC 500 Printer Review

The HP PSC500 is a triple-threat inkjet printer that is over a decade old. It is designed for home users, targeting families, but can also be effective in a small office environment. It has the ability to scan, copy and print color documents and photos. This unit excels at producing school projects and family photos, which is made even easier by the Creative Photo Projects software provided by HP.

Without the need for a PC, the PSC500 can copy in black and white or color at a resolution of 600x2400 dpi. It can print and scan at a maximum resolution of 600x600 dpi using any color of HP PSC500 ink. Another nice feature is the digital sending option, which allows users to scan a photo or document and immediately load it into an email to share with family or colleagues.

The quality of color image is surprising considered the PSC500 uses an outdated two printer ink tank system. The black HP PSC500 ink cartridge holds a page yield of 500, while the tri-color tank can bang out up to 620 pages. The cost of replacing HP PSC500 ink cartridges from the manufacturer is a little pricey, but compatible printer ink is available from third parties with a much lower price tag.

Due to its old age, the PSC500 has only a parallel port, but does offer an optional JetDirect card for networking. It has only 8 MB of memory, but it allows users to enlarge images up to 400%. It is a little bulky, weighing 26 pound and standing at 18.5x17.2x12.6 inches. However, for the multiple services it provides, it ends up saving a lot more space than it takes up.

This device is priced at a little over $100, meaning HP PSC500 ink may end up costing more than the unit itself within months. However, for a low volume multi-purpose inkjet printer, the HP PSC500 is an option worth considering.