Customer Reviews

HP PhotoSmart 2575 All-in-One Printer / Copier / Scanner

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(91)

 

 

Like so many others, my HP printer suffered from the chronic paper feed problems. The tech support people gave the standard suggestions (use a bigger/smaller stack of paper, do a power cycle, clean the roller). Nothing worked (surprise!). But here's something that DOES work:

1) Clean the roller as instructed (remove the back panel, clean the roller with an alcohol swab)

2) Spray the end of a Q-tip with hairspray

3) Dab/wipe the Q-tip gently across the surface of the roller, taking extreme care to not get hairspray on anything else.

4) Allow at least 15 minutes to dry

...and VOILA! Problem solved. Doesn't leave any residue on the paper (and even if it did, it would be on the back of the paper - no biggie). And best of all, no hassle of returning the printer for servicing, dealing with shipping charges, warranty renewals, etc.

And I must say, apart from the paper feed problem (which isn't a problem anymore), this all-in-one printer is totally freakin' sweet!

I bought this printer on a whim after having been a satisfied Canon user for a decade. I learned my lesson and will never buy another HP product. This printer worked well for about one month of light use. After this, it began to have problems picking up paper. I have used only HP Bright Inkjet paper, and the paper is crisp and fresh, so it's not a problem with humidity or curled paper. It's reached a point where every sheet of paper has to be individually coaxed into the feed mechanism. Even then, it jams about half the time.

It's hard to believe that HP did not discover this problem during product development and testing. Yet they have put this piece of junk on the market. I'm having to write mine off as a loss because it's now too late to return it to the store, and HP's only solution is to replace it with the exact same printer with the same problem. I'm hoping someone files a class action suit against HP for the junk they put on the market.

I'll add my voice to the paper feed issue. After about a month it has become intollerable. Either it doesn't feed the paper or it jambs. Everytime you print you have to get up to fix something. Being a network printer, it would be nice if you could print from your computer and go get the printout but it isn't that easy. It isn't a paper thing either, I use very good paper (although I don't think I should have to be wed to HP brand everything to use this.) Stay away from this one.

I had a problem installing the printer. The help from india did not help at all. The person spent 45 minutes to an hour on the phone with me but clearly could do nothing but read from some manual. I ended up not using their software. You can set up a permanent IP address on this printer and use "add printer" in windows to print to it (ironically, choose "local port", then set up an IP port with the address you chose for the printer.)

The software is large and unnecessary, however I did have to install it and uninstall it to get the scanner to work.

If not for the paper feed issue, this is a great printer/scanner/copier.

Overall this machine does the job and seems reasonably priced. I have no problems with scanning and copying. When it comes to printing though, I think there have got to be better options available out there. I agree fully with those who've said they were frustrated with the poor paper handling. From my experience, I'd say this machine mishandles paper about 2-5% of the time. I like to print documents on both sides however, and the rate seems to go up considerably when you reload printed paper in this fashion. This is not to mention the compounded error involved when you load a stack of copies to print the back and all pages are thrown off after the beast sucks up 2-3 sheets instead of one. You won't likely save any trees or money on paper with this machine. Another complaint I have is that the driver software is huge, with even the express install at about 300 MB, and the imaging programs are really nothing special. The print cartridges (HP95/98) are too small and too expensive...I generally have to replace the black and white after about 250 pages of plain text typing. The LCD screen looks impressive, however it is nothing more than a useless decoration in my opinion. I've owned a few HP printers in the past, and I've stuck with them because they've been durable and done a decent job. The performance of this model is not much worse than those I've used before, but its shortcomings are pretty annoying. I will look carefully at what other manufacturers have to offer before buying my next printer, and I recommend you do the same.

A lot of people have had problems with paper feeding on these all in ones. About 2% - 3% of these babies built between summer 05 and winter 06 had bad rollers. I called the help line and got all this info from the rep after some troubleshooting (paper settings, cleaning, etc). The "cleaning kit" they sent is actually an abrasive pad type thing that you put in the printer, and run some software to 'resurface' the rollers. "Cleaning" is misleading; we've all cleaned the rollers, whether or not it works. It actually seems to grind off some of the rubber, and my printer's working like a charm now. Just a tip. Get the 'cleaning' kit.

Have owned this printer for several months now, purchased the 2575xi version at Costco for about $180. We use it with a 5 year old Mac running OS 10.4 via the ethernet connection. No problems with install or any of the features.

This printer has changed the way we use our digital photos. Previously we connected the cameras via USB and imported the photos to the computer via iPhoto. This printer is equipped with multiple card readers, so now we just pop the card in and transfer/import through the printer. We are also able to view the photos on the card via the printer LCD and/or print any pictures immediately.

We have used all of the printer/scan/copier functions extensively as my wife is responsible for putting together our daughters elementary school yearbook. No problems whatsoever and not a single paper jam. The included cartridges have lasted through about 400 pages of mixed color/BW printouts, with ink still in reserve. Our previous Epson printer would get about 200 pages and a cleaning cycle was required if not used once a week. We have yet to align or clean the HP.

The software is easy to install and use and most functions can be done either via the Mac or directly from the printer interface. Because the printer is connected via ethernet, there are several nice features that one can use to enhance and share your digital photo experience. You may set up Instant Share which allows you to print photos remotely to a friend or family members' Photosmart printer. You can upload photos to an on-line professional photo studio and you can even order the correct cartridges via the Internet (web site will ask if it can query your printer).

The only down-side I have experienced is the limited availability of cartridges. I do not know if this is because the printer is new or because of popularity. Replacement cartridges on-line run $20-$25 each. The printer uses a black cartridge (#98) and a 3-color cartridge (#95) standard. Optional photo cartridges replace the 98 with a gray cartridge (100) and the 98 with a photo 3-color photo cartridge (99). It is my understanding that they are interchangeable in that you can take them in and out as printing needs arise although I have not bought the optional cartridges.

Although we generally use an on-line pro photo service for scrap-booking and the final yearbook photos, the 2575xi is capable of nearly matching the print quality. We use Costco printing services as it is generally cheaper than the paper/ink of any consumer photo printer.

It is worth noting that there seem to be several variations of the 2575 series printer, Bestbuy sells one version and the Costco version is 2575xi. The specs are all the same and I am unsure if the difference is the due to the retailer or included software.

I soon plan to upgrade our PC to Windows XP and hope the printer works 1/2 as well as it does with the old Mac.... another classic example of getting what you pay for! A couple hundred more dollars upfront saves you $ in the long run with less hassle, no pop-ups or spyware and they run the latest software for years and years.

I didn't buy the printer from Amazon. But because I like Amazon and value its readers is my reason for writing this. The HP Photosmart 2575xi that I purchased was a great machine. However, when you discover its little idiosyncrasies it becomes a royal pain in the neck! The paper feed does not work correctly and I am not the only one that has had this problem. It completely destroyed my faith in HP when techs tell you turn it off 3 times and then what? Send it back...............You have to hand feed like a little baby.........then the paper jam error comes up................wonder what HP Tech's go to school for.......to learn to say turn it off 3 times and unplug it for 10 minutes..........then repeat it...sounds like level I techs on the Internet Providers..........Get your act together HP.....................

As with the other reviewers, this printer worked fine for a short while, then I started to get the "out of paper" and "paper jam" errors. I contacted HP, and was told that I couldn't connect the power cord to my surge protector and had to go directly into a wall outlet. When that didn't work, I was told to unplug the printer, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, then repeat 3 times. At this point I decided to just return the printer.

I thought this was a great little all-in-one for about 3 months, then the paper feed problems began. When I tried to print anything the first attempt would fail to pickup the paper. After reloading the paper and tweaking it would print.

I called HP Total Care, and they had me go through what they call a power cycle. That is turn off the printer, unplug the cable, unplug the power cord, wait 30 seconds, plug the power cord back in, turn on the printer, repeat 3 times, on the last time plug the cable back in. I think they forgot the spin around three times, rub your stomach in a clockwise motion, and pat your head step.

They also wanted to make sure the printer was not connected to a surge protector. I can only guess that they are hoping that the printer will be wiped out by lightning, or a power surge, in an attempt to reduce customer calls to support.

I did get it to feed for about 5 minutes after cleaning the rollers with an achohol swab.

So, after 3 calls to support, I finally outlasted their persistant effort to frustrate me with rediculous tasks like power cycling (see above), I have a new unit coming. We will see how long this works.

The only reason I haven't returned the unit, is because the store I purchased the printer, has a 15 day return policy on computer equipment. Too bad...

I am in complete agreement with the rest of you who have had paper feeding problems. The printer was fine at first although difficult to set up (software). Now, a month later, the printer either doesn't take the paper or jams. It has nothing to do with the quality of the paper. I am also surprised that this wasn't discovered in testing. I also noticed that the ink cartridges keep getting smaller. What a rip off. I have had it with HP printers. I will never buy another.