HP PHOTOSMART PRO B8850 PHOTO PRINTER

Pro-Quality Photos on the Cheap

File this HP photo printer under "pleasant surprises." It has several features that make it one of the best sub-$1,000 photo printers available, most notably fully automated self-calibration and a pigment-based ink system. Although it does not include a network connector, it is still an impressive choice.

The B8850's ink system uses eight inks, with a separate cartridge for each color. The pigment-based inks, as opposed to dye based, go hand in hand with better longevity for prints.Finding a spot for the B8850, however, could be a challenge. The printer weighs a hefty 37.7 pounds and measures a relatively large 9.5 by 26.5 b 16.9 inches (HWD). This printer also has a second paper feed slot for printing up to 13 by 19 inches.

In terms of test results, the B8850's total time on the business applications suite was 15 minutes 30 seconds, the same total as that of our previous Editors' Choice, the HP B9180. On our photo suite the B8850 averaged 1:49 for each 4-by-6 and 3:53 for each 8-by-10. For this class of printers, photo quality is a lot more important than speed, so whatever points it loses on speed is more than made up on quality. The results for both color and monochrome prints were as good as those of any printer I've tested, with realistic color,, appropriately subtle shading, and impressively smooth gradients. Graphics and text output on photo paper is similarly high-quality. Because it offers enough extra over its competition at a good price, the B8850 earns our Editor's Choice for low-end prosumer photo printers.-M. David Stone

PC Magazine November 2008

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