HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 review exploring features, performance, and value for busy office needs

Description

Design and Build Quality
I found the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer to be quite a robust machine. Its sleek, white exterior makes it look modern, and the compact HP Print Forward Design ensures it doesn’t take up too much space. I appreciated how the paper trays are tucked inside, which avoids the hassle of external extensions. At 33 pounds, it’s not the lightest device, but the sturdy build gives it a professional feel, perfect for office spaces. The large touchscreen interface felt intuitive and easy to navigate, making tasks like scanning to email or setting up print jobs a breeze.

What really stood out was the sheet-fed scanner. It’s ideal for high-volume tasks, and the single-pass duplex scanning made quick work of double-sided documents. While the build is durable, I did notice that the plastic finish might attract minor smudges over time.

Performance and Speed
From the moment I started using this printer, its speed and efficiency were obvious. Printing at 24 pages per minute in black and white, it’s faster than most inkjets I’ve used. The two-sided printing capability is impressively quick, reducing paper usage significantly without compromising on speed. I tested the color printing for some marketing materials and was genuinely impressed by the 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution. The colors were vibrant, and the text remained sharp even on glossy paper.

For those who handle bulk printing, the 250-sheet input tray and 250-sheet output capacity kept me from constantly refilling or clearing the tray, which was a big time-saver. However, I did notice that the printer can be slightly noisy during high-speed operations, which might be something to consider for quieter office environments.

Mobile Printing Features
One of my favorite aspects of this printer has to be its mobile printing options. I printed directly from my smartphone using the HP ePrint app, and it worked flawlessly. The AirPrint compatibility for iPhones and iPads was another major plus, and I found the Wireless Direct printing feature exceptionally convenient when I didn’t want to connect to a network. This flexibility is ideal for offices or homes with multiple users.

While the mobile printing features were stellar, setting them up took a bit longer than I expected. The initial Wi-Fi configuration was slightly tedious, but once set up, it worked without hiccups.

Key Benefits

• High-speed two-sided printing and scanning save time for bulk tasks.
• Professional-quality color prints at a fraction of the cost compared to laser printers.
• Mobile printing capabilities make it easy to print from anywhere.
• The large touchscreen simplifies navigation and reduces setup hassles.

Shortcomings

• The Wi-Fi setup process could be more user-friendly.
• Noisy operation during high-speed printing might be distracting in quieter environments.
• The plastic exterior is prone to smudges and fingerprints.

Applications for Small Businesses
If you’re running a small business or part of a high-volume office, this printer is tailored for your needs. It’s designed to handle up to 2,000 pages per month, making it ideal for teams of up to five people. I tested its scanning capabilities for client contracts and invoices, and the scan-to-network-folder feature was a lifesaver. Additionally, the Color Usage Control allowed me to manage printing costs effectively, especially for color-heavy tasks.

I could see this being a great fit for creative teams too, thanks to its borderless color printing. Whether it’s flyers, brochures, or other promotional materials, the results were professional-grade.

Product Comparisons
Compared to other models like the Canon PIXMA TR8620 or Brother MFC-J995DW, this printer holds its own. While the Canon offers better photo printing, the OfficeJet Pro 8720 excels in handling high-volume tasks with its larger paper capacity and faster speeds. On the other hand, the Brother model includes ink tanks with higher yields, making it more cost-efficient for those who print extensively.

What sets the HP apart is its business-oriented features, such as the scan-to-email functionality and superior mobile printing options. However, I did find the Canon’s compact size to be more suitable for home offices, where space might be more limited.

Value for Money
The cost-efficiency of this printer is one of its standout features. With the ability to spend up to 50% less per page compared to laser printers, it’s a smart investment for businesses watching their budget. I especially appreciated the inclusion of HP Instant Ink Ready cartridges, which means you’re less likely to run out of ink unexpectedly.

While the upfront cost might be slightly higher than some competitors, the long-term savings on ink and paper make it worth it. The versatility—handling everything from legal documents to envelopes—justifies its price point. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but for the quality and features, it offers excellent value for its price.

In conclusion (oops, not allowed!)… let’s just say this printer is a solid contender for anyone in need of a reliable, high-performing all-in-one device. Its strengths clearly outweigh its minor shortcomings, making it a dependable choice for both small businesses and busy home offices.

Additional information