HP DeskJet

HP DeskJet. The HP DeskJet is a long-running series of inkjet printers first introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1988. It represented one of the first commercially successful mass-market inkjet printing solutions for home and office use, helping to popularize the technology. The series is known for its reliability and has evolved through numerous generations, incorporating advancements from HP Labs and competing with products from Canon Inc., Epson, and Lexmark.

History

The original HP DeskJet printer was launched in March 1988, following years of research at HP Labs on thermal inkjet technology. This early model, akin to a successor to the HP ThinkJet, offered letter-quality printing at a fraction of the cost of contemporary laser printers like the HP LaserJet. A key development came in 1994 with the DeskJet 500C, one of the first affordable color inkjet printers for consumers, directly challenging Apple Computer's StyleWriter and models from Epson. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, the line expanded under leaders like Carly Fiorina, with innovations such as the introduction of individual ink cartridges and the integration of Universal Serial Bus connectivity. The acquisition of Samsung's printer division in 2017 further influenced subsequent engineering and manufacturing processes for the brand.

Technology and operation

Core DeskJet printers utilize thermal inkjet technology, where microscopic resistors rapidly heat ink to form a vapor bubble that propels a droplet onto the paper. This method, distinct from the piezoelectric technology used by Epson, was perfected by engineers at HP Labs. Modern DeskJet models often feature the HP Thermal Inkjet system with printheads integrated into the ink cartridge itself. They support various paper sizes including A4 paper and Letter (paper size), and offer resolutions exceeding 1200 x 1200 dots per inch. Connectivity has evolved from legacy parallel port interfaces to include Universal Serial Bus, Ethernet, and integrated Wi-Fi for use with services like Google Cloud Print. Many models also include automatic duplex printing and scanning capabilities, blurring lines with all-in-one printers.

Product lines and models

The DeskJet series has spawned numerous sub-series and generations. Early notable models include the DeskJet 500 and the portable DeskJet 400. The DeskJet 600 series became a mainstream office workhorse in the mid-1990s. Later, the company introduced the F-Series and the 1000 Series as entry-level options. The premium HP Envy and HP Photosmart lines, while distinct, shared core inkjet technology with the DeskJet range. Contemporary lineups are often segmented by use case, such as the "DeskJet Plus" for home offices or the "DeskJet Ink Advantage" series marketed in regions like India for lower cost-per-page. Specialized printers for tasks like photo printing were also developed, competing with offerings from Canon Inc.'s PIXMA series.

Impact and market reception

The HP DeskJet is widely credited with bringing inkjet printing to the masses, significantly disrupting the market dominated by dot matrix printers and expensive laser printers. Its affordability and improving print quality accelerated the adoption of personal computers in homes during the 1990s, a trend noted by analysts like those at International Data Corporation. The printer's success established Hewlett-Packard as a dominant force in the peripheral market, a position it maintained through the split into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. It faced intense competition from the Epson Stylus series and Canon Inc. printers, leading to the so-called inkjet printer war which drove rapid innovation but also criticism over the cost of printer ink. The model's longevity was recognized with awards from publications like PC Magazine.

Comparison with other printer types

Compared to laser printers such as the HP LaserJet or models from Brother Industries, DeskJet printers typically have a lower initial cost but a higher cost per page for text, excelling in color and photo printing. Against dot matrix printers, they offer superior print quality and quieter operation but lack carbon copy capabilities. When contrasted with solid ink printers from Tektronix or dye-sublimation printers, DeskJets are more versatile for general document printing but may not match specialized output quality. The all-in-one DeskJet models compete directly with multifunction printers from Xerox and Ricoh, though often targeting different market segments. The rise of 3D printing technology from companies like Stratasys represents a separate, non-competing technological branch for physical object creation.

Category:Inkjet printers Category:Hewlett-Packard printers Category:Computer peripherals introduced in 1988