Before I got my hands on the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer, I was truly struggling. My old printer was on its last legs, constantly jamming, printing faded documents, and refusing to connect when I needed it most. It’s a familiar frustration for anyone who relies on a printer for daily tasks, whether it’s for work, school, or personal projects. Without a dependable solution, productivity plummets, deadlines become harder to meet, and the sheer inefficiency can be incredibly stressful.
- Main functions of this HP color photo printer: copy, scan, fax, wireless printing, AirPrint, two-sided duplex printing, color touchscreen, Instant Ink ready so you'll never run out of ink, and more
- Mobile printing: print from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet with the free HP ePrint app, easily print from your iPhone with AirPrint
- This full-featured all in one wireless color printer delivers professional-quality color for up to 50% lower cost per page than lasers
Key Considerations Before Investing in an All-in-One Printer
When you’re in the market for a new printer, especially an all-in-one, you’re looking to solve a host of common office and home challenges. These devices are designed to streamline your workflow by combining printing, scanning, copying, and often faxing into one convenient unit, crucial for anyone juggling multiple tasks. The ideal customer for an all-in-one like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 is typically a small business owner, a home office professional, a student, or a busy household that needs a versatile workhorse capable of handling various document types, from school reports to invoices, all with the flexibility of wireless operation.
However, this category isn’t for everyone. If you have extremely limited desk space, its larger footprint might be a deal-breaker. Similarly, if your primary need is strictly black-and-white text documents and cost-per-page is your absolute top priority, a monochrome laser printer might be a more economical choice in the long run, even with higher initial outlay. Those seeking professional-grade photo lab prints might also find a dedicated photo printer more suitable. Before committing to a purchase, consider factors like the printer’s physical size, the types of connectivity it offers (Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet), its print speed and quality for both text and color, the ongoing cost of ink, and essential features such as an automatic document feeder (ADF) and duplex printing. Evaluating customer support and overall reliability from user reviews is also paramount to avoid future headaches.
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Introducing the Versatile HP OfficeJet Pro 8710
Let me introduce you to the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer. This inkjet powerhouse promises affordable, professional-quality color printing, along with the speed and efficiency needed to tackle jobs quickly, all while offering robust mobile printing capabilities to keep your business covered. When you unbox this printer, you’ll find the unit itself, a set of HP 952 setup ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow), a power cord, a phone cord, and a setup poster, along with a CD-ROM for software installation, though online drivers are also available.
Positioned as a significant step up from its predecessors like the HP 8610, the OfficeJet Pro 8710 brings improvements like simpler two-sided copying, enhanced iPhone photo printing, and more straightforward envelope printing. It’s ideally suited for home offices and small businesses that require a full suite of functionalities – print, scan, copy, and fax – with reliable wireless connectivity. It might not be the best fit for those with extremely tight spaces due to its size, or professional photographers demanding gallery-quality prints.
Here’s a quick look at its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Comprehensive all-in-one functionality (Print, Scan, Copy, Fax)
* Fast print speeds for both color and monochrome (22 ppm)
* Automatic duplex printing and a 50-sheet auto document feeder
* Versatile connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB)
* Excellent for specialty pigment-based ink labels
Cons:
* Can be quite large and noisy
* Inconsistent photo print quality compared to some older models
* Software/driver can be frustrating and unintuitive
* Occasional paper feeding issues and double printing
* Ink cartridges sometimes feel flimsy and can pop out
Unpacking the Core Features and Their Real-World Advantages
Comprehensive All-in-One Functionality
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 truly lives up to its “All-in-One” moniker, seamlessly integrating print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities. This comprehensive suite of functions is a massive space-saver and workflow enhancer for any small office or busy home. Having all these tools in one device has been incredibly convenient, eliminating the need for multiple peripherals.
For copying, the performance is particularly commendable. The integrated 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) makes light work of multi-page documents, allowing me to quickly copy stacks of papers without manual placement. The printer’s clear touchscreen guides you through options like “Document” or “ID” copy, and the machine efficiently processes and delivers clean results. While scanning can be a bit slow compared to dedicated units, it’s reliable, and the ability to scan directly to digital formats or cloud services is a useful modern touch. The fax function, though less frequently used, is available and handles basic needs, although some users note a lack of advanced multi-job queuing and detailed confirmation sheets found in some competitor models. Overall, the breadth of capabilities within this single unit is a significant benefit to productivity.
Flexible Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Modern productivity demands flexible access, and the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 offers a robust suite of connectivity options. It supports Ethernet for stable network connections, a USB port for direct linking, and Wi-Fi for untethered printing from various devices. I primarily rely on the Wi-Fi, allowing me to print from my desktop, laptop, smartphone, and tablet with ease.
Initial wireless setup is straightforward, guided by the printer’s touchscreen. However, my experience with mobile printing, especially through apps like AirPrint or even HP’s Smart Print, has been inconsistent. I’ve frequently encountered issues with pages being cut off, content not fitting correctly, or even inexplicable double printing. This can be incredibly frustrating, and while the HP Smart dashboard is helpful for managing some functions, the mobile printing experience definitely has room for improvement in reliability and intuitiveness across various applications. Some users also report the printer randomly waking up or shutting down at odd hours, disrupting programmed schedules. While the hardware offers excellent flexibility, the software side of wireless printing can occasionally fall short of expectations, leading some to prefer a direct USB or Ethernet connection for critical tasks.
Print Performance: Speed, Quality, and Pigment Ink Advantage
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 delivers impressive print speeds of 22 pages per minute for both color and monochrome documents, a definite advantage for high-volume tasks. For everyday text, the quality is generally sharp and legible, suitable for professional use. The maximum print resolution of 1200 DPI also promises good detail for both black and white and color outputs.
However, the overall print quality, particularly for photos, has been a mixed bag for me. While some find photo output acceptable, I’ve noticed that images often lack the vibrancy and contrast of older HP models. Colors can appear muted, blacks may seem grayish, and an occasional reddish cast can affect photos, making it less ideal for high-quality photographic reproductions. More critically, an unpredictable “double print” anomaly has been reported by users, where text or images are repeated slightly off-kilter, rendering pages useless and wasting resources. This issue, along with sometimes faded or blurry general prints, points to inconsistencies in the print engine.
Despite these drawbacks, there’s a specific area where the print quality excels: specialty labels. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 uses pigment-based ink, which is crucial for durable, permanent prints. I’ve been extremely impressed with its ability to precisely print high-quality, oil-resistant, waterproof, and UV-resistant labels, such as Avery UltraDuty GHS Chemical Labels. The precision and permanence for these specialized applications are outstanding, providing a significant cost-saving by avoiding misprints. This unexpected strength makes the printer invaluable for certain niche business needs.
Productivity Enhancers: Automatic Duplex and Paper Handling
A key productivity feature of the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 is its automatic two-sided (duplex) printing. This capability allows the printer to automatically flip pages and print on both sides, dramatically saving paper and reducing environmental impact for multi-page documents. It’s a standard feature I now can’t live without, streamlining report generation and creating more professional-looking handouts.
The 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) further boosts efficiency, particularly for scanning, copying, or faxing large batches of documents. Instead of manually placing each sheet, you simply load the stack, and the printer handles the rest, making quick work of administrative tasks. The maximum sheet capacity of 250 sheets for the main tray is also generous, reducing the frequency of paper refills.
However, the paper handling isn’t without its flaws. I, along with other users, have occasionally encountered frustrating paper feeding issues. These include the printer pulling multiple sheets at once or jamming halfway through a page, especially after some period of use. While not constant, these occurrences lead to wasted paper, ink, and time spent clearing jams. This inconsistency is a minor yet persistent annoyance that detracts from an otherwise robust paper management system.
Overall Usability and Ink System Management
From the perspective of overall usability, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 presents a mixed experience. The initial setup is generally straightforward, with a clear, easy-to-use touchscreen guiding you through the process. The HP Smart dashboard is also a commendable feature, offering a centralized hub for managing printer functions and supplies, which simplifies day-to-day operations.
However, some physical design choices feel less robust. The ink cartridge sockets, for example, have been noted by users, including myself, as feeling rickety, sometimes failing to secure cartridges properly and preventing printing. This flimsy construction can be a source of frustration. Furthermore, customer service has been a significant point of contention for some users, with reports of long hold times, multiple transfers, and less-than-emphetic agents, making troubleshooting a protracted ordeal.
On the positive side, the printer’s compatibility with HP Instant Ink is a major convenience. This subscription service ensures ink is automatically delivered when needed, and my experience confirms that the billing only starts upon cartridge installation, which is a transparent and fair approach. This system takes the stress out of monitoring ink levels and can be very cost-effective for regular users. Despite some of the design and support drawbacks, the combination of user-friendly on-screen navigation and a smart ink replenishment system aims to enhance the long-term ownership experience.
Community Perspectives: Voices of Other Users
Beyond my own extensive usage, I’ve delved into online communities and found that many others share nuanced experiences with the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710. Users frequently commend its wireless printing and the ease of setting up core functions like auto-duplex. Many appreciate improved iPhone photo printing compared to earlier models. However, consistent feedback highlights frustrations with its bulk and noise, along with intermittent issues like double printing or unexpected shutdowns. Customer service is a recurring pain point, with long waits and unhelpful interactions often cited, leading some to significant buyer’s remorse.
Final Assessment: Is the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 Right for You?
In summary, if you’re battling an unreliable printer, facing lost productivity and frustrating output, a robust all-in-one solution is essential. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8710, with its comprehensive features, respectable speed, and standout performance for specialized printing tasks like durable labels, offers a compelling solution. Despite minor frustrations, its versatility and the convenience of automatic duplexing and Instant Ink make it a strong contender for any busy home or small office. To learn more, click here to check it out.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API