HP Photosmart Pro B9180 Printer Features, User Review, Compatible Inks
Features
Professional-grade photo printer
Enjoy up to 4,800 optimized dpi color (up to 4,800x1,200 dpi) when printing from computer
Windows and Mac compatible
Ethernet network compatible
1-year limited manufacturer's warranty
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Price Range:
Amazon: $570.00
Superwarehouse: $629.99
Review 1
Header: Time to Upgrade to a B9180
Reviewed By: James Cooper
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2006
I just got my printer today, so maybe it's a little premature to write a review, but I already know some of the key things I'd look for in a review.
Background: I have an Epson R800 which doesn't get much use. Before that I had an Epson 2000p. The R800 only accepted small (8 ½") paper, and always seemed to require a lot of effort and fiddling to get a good print. The 2000p was a great printer, but preceded the days of separate color cartridges, so was rather expensive to use. For its time, it was a terrific printer.
On to the B9180. It takes paper up to 13" wide, so we're back to a larger format. In fact this printer is a tank. This is my first HP photo printer and I think I picked the right time to switch brands. The HP now uses archival quality inks, which is one of the reasons I had always stuck with Epson in the past. If you're any kind of photographer, you don't want prints that are going to fade over time.
Initial setup went smoothly. Pulling some of the protective caps required a little force so was a bit scary (you really don't want to screw up a $700 printer before it prints something). The quick start guide and LCD panel directed you what to do. Basically you put in the ink, the printheads, and it takes about half an hour calibrating itself. I know the initial setup will use up some ink, but according to the printer, the matte black cartridge was only 68% full after setup completed. Other cartridges were left with between 70% - 85% according to the printers sensors. This printer is supposed to be very efficient in maintaining itself, so it will be interesting to see how much it ends up costing to run.
One thing that does use up ink is printing pictures that don't look like they did on your computer screen. The first print I made (that was particularly difficult to print on the Epson) came out perfectly, and rather quickly, it seemed.
The printer comes with a plug-in for Photoshop that makes printing a snap. If you don't happen to use Photoshop, it's not a big deal, but if you do, the plug-in is a very nice convenience.
So, I give this printer top marks for output quality, ease of use, and speed. How well it performs with only intermittent use, and costs to use over time remains to be seen. But where the Epson R800 falls in the category of "I really wasted my money", the HP B9180 is falling into the "Money well spent" slot. There's also a theory that companies make cheap printers to sell expensive cartridges. When they profit from the printer, they are not as greedy selling the ink. Who knows?
This printer is a great tool to have to compliment the current quality of the 6-12 megapixel dSLRs now available. I use a Nikon D200 currently, and the HP B9180 should show off its output quite nicely.
Supplies:
Remanufactured HP C8767WN (HP 96) Premium High Yield Ink Cartridge (Black)
Premium Refill Kit (Black) to Refill C8767 (HP 96)
Premium Refill Kit (Color) to Refill C8766 (HP 95) and C9363 (HP 97)
Premium Refill Kit (Gray) to Refill C9368 (HP 100)
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Review 2
Header: HP B9180-Fast and beautiful large prints that will outlive you!,
Reviewed By: C. Haymes
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006
I just got the brand new HP B9180 13x19 pigmented ink printer. I had been waiting for it to hit the market since Feb. Well, it was worth the wait. This printer replaced my Epson 2200, which i thought produced beautiful prints.
These prints out of the 9180 are even nicer. So far, in just 2 days of printing, i found that using HP's print management system produces different results from printing from Photoshops print with preview. The colors with HP management are more vibrant and brighter than either the Epson or PS's printing. I used Ilfords pearl and got beautiful results. And it prints fast. Then i printed on a Legion matte paper and got even better results. A night time skyline panorama looked more detailed and brighter on the matte than the pearl paper.
The advanced photo paper -glossy from HP seems to scratch easily. That's my initial impression. I think i will be buying more matte paper for my photos. So far, i like my new printer. The idea of photos lasting 1-2 hundred years is appealing.
The HP software is also more detailed and clearer to use and offers more choices than Epson's. I was able to add ICC profiles of the Ilford paper easily.
One thing not all in place yet is HP's support for this printer. There is no Mac driver for the 9180 on HP's web site-just 3 Windows versions.
Also their email support was not too on the mark. However, when i called a support person, he did try to be as helpful as he could and even called me back the next day to say he would be mailing out a scarce replpacement CD to me. Very nice.
I did get a message from the printer today that i was running out of light magenta ink after not too many prints (maybe 8-11x14's). When checked, it says i have 35% remaining. a bit premature on the warning, but i will get some more ink befor i run out.
Based on my preliminary prints, i recommend this printer to people who want the latest, fastest printer making beautiful archival prints. If this printer is like my other 3 HP printers, it should provide years of service. My Epson 2200 died after 2 months use, and i don't like having to baby Epson printers, i want them to do the work, not me. The HP has replaceable heads, a sophisticated ink system that is an ink miser (so they say), and is built like a tank for long life.
HP PhotoSmart Pro B9180 Driver Download
Resources
HP b9180 photosmart faq
HP b9180 installation software
HP b9180 photosmart photo printers
HP b9180 photosmart printer cartridge
HP b9180 printer computers networking
HP b9180 printer head
HP b9180 printer reviews
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