HP Compaq PhotoSmart C5280 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Print on paper, CDs and DVDs with this versatile device

Pros: Versatile print media capabilities ; Well-designed controls ; Good running costs

Cons: Below average text print quality ; Slow print speeds

Verdict: HP has a big range of combined printer-scanners, with the Photosmart C5280 sitting in the middle, both in terms of price and features.

Review summary: There's no way to know what the folks at HP were thinking when they designed the HP Photosmart C5280 All-In-One (AIO) Printer ($149.99 direct), but I'll lay long odds that they weren't focusing on text. The C5280 offers fast performance; typical ...

Pros: Relatively fast. Scans, copies, e-mails through PC. Scans to memory card. Prints on printable optical discs.

Cons: No built-in fax. No automatic document feeder. Text quality is way below par.

Verdict: Clearly designed for home use, the HP Photosmart C5280 All-In-One does a good job with graphics and photo quality (but not text) and prints on optical discs.

Pros: Prints CDs and DVDs, easy control panel, lots of useful software and utilities

Cons: Text looks feathery on plain paper, on-screen manual thorough but disjointed

Verdict: The Photosmart C5280's mediocre speed and sparse connectivity options restrict it to a small or home office. Those users, however, will enjoy a highly capable, easy-to-use device with excellent photo output.

Review summary: The HP Photosmart C5280 shows how good design can tame an inherently complicated machine. This inkjet multifunction printer has a few limitations and a mountain of benefits - for a tidy £99 inc VAT.

Verdict: The HP Photosmart C5280's mediocre speed and sparse connectivity options restrict it to a small or home office. Those users, however, will enjoy a highly capable, easy-to-use device with excellent photo output.

Review summary: HP's Photosmart C5280 shows how good design can tame an inherently complicated machine. This inkjet multifunction printer has a few limitations and a mountain of benefits--for a tidy $150.

Pros: High photo print quality, CD/DVD printing ; generous software bundle

Cons: Speeds are below average

Verdict: This all-in-one offers many features (such as CD/DVD printing) and great photo quality, but its speeds are below average.