Strengths:Piece of cake to set up and install. Easy-to-use controls. Great price for all you get.
Weaknesses:Paper tray seems like it may break if not carefully used.
Posted Nov 10, 2005 - I have been in the market for a 4-in-1 machine for the last couple months, as my Lexmark 3-in-1 was dying. I wanted to get a 4-in-1 to replace it, so that I could have faxing capabilities. My dad recently gave me an HP printer, which I am superbly happy with, so I decided to look into the HP 4-in-1s. My main purpose for this machine was for printing a small amount of everyday things, such as e-mails and letters, as well as receiving a few faxes a week for my business and a few copying projects a month.
I considered the Officejet 5610, the Officejet 6210 and the Photosmart 2610. After reading horrible review after horrible review on the 6210, I discarded that as a choice, and it was then between the 5610 and the 2610. I read every review I could get my hands on. There were hardly any bad things said about the 5610. There were several bad things said about the 2610, but I was still confident that I could choose that one, if I decided it was best for me.
I finally decided that the only reason to get the 2610 was for its speed, since I wasn't going to use it for pictures. It seemed like a lot more money just for the speed. The only other thing I liked about it was the networking capability, which everyone who reviewed it said didn't work with XP. So I finally decided on the 5610.
This machine is incredibly easy to assemble and install on your computer. All I used to install it was the quick-reference directions that came with the box. The controls are easy to use and very simple to understand on the display. It prints plenty quick enough for the average person's needs, which is much faster than my 12-page Lexmark was. The print quality is very nice and readable even on the fast-draft option. The fax operated properly when I tested it, but I have not yet tried to scan anything.
The only issue I have had was with receiving faxes, which was mainly my fault. The fax machine was picking up all the calls, not just the distinctive ring faxes, like it should, since I only have one phone line. I went on the HP support page and did an online chat with a support person. He was very personable and prompt with his answers. He had me change a few settings and said it should now work perfectly.
I have no real complaints with this machine, other than the paper trays are a bit delicate. I think that a decent knocking of them might break them, so be aware of that if you purchase it. Otherwise, it's a perfect machine for a small business or personal use. I would highly recommend this machine. The ink is less expensive than the 2610's ink, even though the cartridges hold less, and it is usually about $70 less than the 2610. Bravo, HP! If it stays this good from here on out, I will be ecstatic!
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Reviewed by PNAnti on 12-Oct-06
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