For years, my home office was a constant struggle of disorganization, particularly when it came to document management. I often found myself needing to print, scan, or copy documents for both personal and professional use, but my old, clunky printer just couldn’t keep up. The frustration of slow print speeds, frequent paper jams, and the inability to handle double-sided documents efficiently was a genuine productivity killer. This daily grind made me realize I desperately needed a comprehensive solution, a robust HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer that could streamline these tasks and prevent the mounting paperwork chaos. Without such a device, deadlines would be missed, and my digital files would remain trapped in a physical limbo.
- Main functions of this HP color inkjet photo printer: copy, scan, wireless printing, AirPrint, two-sided duplex printing, touchscreen, Instant Ink ready so you'll never run out of ink
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Key Considerations Before Investing in an All-in-One Printer
Many of us face the perennial challenge of managing documents in a busy household or small office. An all-in-one printer, which combines printing, scanning, copying, and often faxing capabilities, is designed to solve precisely these problems. It consolidates multiple devices into one, saving space, reducing clutter, and offering unmatched convenience. People seek these devices to boost efficiency, handle diverse document tasks, and maintain a professional output.
The ideal customer for a device like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is someone running a small business, managing a bustling home office, or a busy student with high-volume printing needs. They value professional-quality prints, fast operation, and the flexibility of wireless connectivity. This person often works with various document types, from reports and presentations to photos and invoices, and needs a printer that can seamlessly switch between these tasks.
Conversely, this product might not be for someone who only prints a few pages a month and requires minimal features; a basic, single-function printer would suffice and be more budget-friendly. Similarly, if your primary need is extremely high-resolution photo printing for professional photography, a dedicated photo printer might offer superior image quality, though at a higher cost and with fewer multi-function capabilities. Before buying, consider your monthly print volume (the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer is designed for up to 2,000 pages per month for small workgroups), the importance of color printing, the need for features like duplex printing and an automatic document feeder, and your budget for both the printer and ongoing ink costs. Connectivity options (Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet) are also crucial, especially in a modern wireless environment.
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Unveiling the Star: The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer is a versatile machine designed to be the central hub for all your document needs. It promises professional-quality color printing at a lower cost per page than many laser printers, combined with robust all-in-one functionalities. When you purchase this model (M9L75A), you get the printer itself, setup ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow), a power cord, phone cord, and a setup poster.
This specific product is ideal for small workgroups of up to five users or a busy home office that demands high-volume, professional-quality output, and comprehensive features like single-pass duplex scanning and various mobile printing options. It’s not for those who need a compact, minimalist printer for occasional use, nor for those who demand extremely high-end photographic output above all else.
Here’s a quick rundown of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Fast Print Speeds: Offers up to 24 ppm for black and 20 ppm for color.
* Advanced Duplex Capabilities: Single-pass duplex copying and scanning, plus auto two-sided printing.
* Versatile Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet options, with mobile printing support (HP ePrint, AirPrint, Wireless Direct).
* Intuitive Touchscreen: Large 4.3-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation and customization.
* Cost-Effective Color Printing: Advertised to save up to 50% on cost per page compared to lasers.
Cons:
* Bulky Design: Its footprint (19.7″D x 20.9″W x 13.4″H) can be quite large for smaller desks.
* Ink Cartridge Costs: While page cost is lower, initial ink cartridge replacement can be expensive if not on an Instant Ink plan.
* No Dedicated Photo Tray: Requires manual paper tray adjustment for 4×6 photos.
* Potential Software Quirks: Some users report occasional connectivity or driver issues, especially with specific third-party software.
Deep Dive into Capabilities: Exploring the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720’s Features and Advantages
Seamless Connectivity and Mobile Printing Freedom
One of the most transformative features of the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is its comprehensive connectivity suite. It offers Ethernet for a stable wired connection, USB for direct connection, and, most importantly for modern users, Wi-Fi. This wireless capability is a game-changer. I can print from virtually anywhere in my home or office using my laptop, desktop, smartphone, or tablet. The free HP ePrint app makes it incredibly easy to send documents and photos directly from my mobile device, eliminating the need to transfer files to a computer first. For Apple users, AirPrint integration means effortless printing from iPhones and iPads. Even without a network, Wireless Direct printing allows for a direct connection to the printer. This flexibility has been a lifesaver, especially when I’m on the go and need to print a document waiting for me back home, or when guests want to print something quickly without needing to access my main network. It truly untethers printing from a fixed workstation, promoting a more dynamic and responsive workflow.
Blazing Fast Print Speeds and Professional-Quality Output
Speed and quality are paramount, and the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 delivers impressively on both fronts. With a maximum print speed of 24 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome documents and 20 ppm for color, this printer is designed for productivity. For small workgroups or busy individuals, this means less waiting and more doing. Whether I’m printing a lengthy report or a vibrant presentation, the output is consistently fast and crisp. The inkjet technology, combined with a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi (color), ensures that text is sharp and clear, and images are vivid and true-to-life. The claim of spending up to 50% less per page compared to lasers for color printing is also a significant benefit, making professional-quality color accessible without breaking the bank on consumables. This combination of speed and quality means that my documents always look professional, whether they’re internal drafts or client-facing materials.
Advanced Duplexing and Smart Paper Handling
The “Pro” in OfficeJet Pro truly shines with its advanced paper handling capabilities. The automatic two-sided (duplex) printing, scanning, and copying is a feature I can no longer live without. Not only does it save on paper costs, but it also dramatically speeds up tasks like digitizing contracts or creating double-sided handouts. The single-pass duplex copy/scan feature is particularly impressive, allowing both sides of a document to be scanned in one go, which is a massive time-saver for large documents. The HP Print Forward Design means advanced paper handling for business, with no flimsy trays or extensions sticking out, offering private and hassle-free output. The main paper tray holds a substantial 250 sheets, reducing the frequency of refills, and the output tray can hold 150 sheets. While it lacks a dedicated photo tray, the ability to print borderless up to 8.5 x 11 inches (US letter) and various other paper sizes (Letter, Legal, Executive, 4×6, 5×7, etc.) makes it versatile enough for most needs, even if adjusting the main tray for photos can be a minor inconvenience. This thoughtful design and robust paper handling ensure a smooth and continuous workflow, preventing bottlenecks often associated with lesser printers.
Intuitive 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen
Navigating the printer’s various functions is made incredibly easy by the large, 4.3-inch color touchscreen interface. This isn’t just a basic display; it’s highly responsive and customizable. I can quickly select print, scan, copy, or fax functions, access settings, and even set up scan-to-PC or scan-to-email jobs directly from the panel. The ability to drag and drop frequently used functions to the home screen reduces menu paging and streamlines common tasks. It feels like interacting with a smartphone, making the user experience much more pleasant and efficient compared to printers with smaller, button-heavy interfaces. This feature significantly lowers the learning curve and empowers users to control the device without needing to be physically connected to a computer.
Comprehensive Scanning and Copying Capabilities
Beyond printing, the OfficeJet Pro 8720 excels as a scanner and copier. The auto document feeder (ADF) can handle up to 50 sheets and supports two-sided scanning, which, as mentioned, is a huge time-saver for digitizing multi-page documents. The ability to scan directly to email or to a PC desktop simplifies archiving and sharing. I’ve found the scan quality to be excellent, capturing fine details and colors accurately. For copying, it matches the print speeds and quality, making it a reliable tool for duplicating documents quickly. The maximum copy speed of 24 ppm for black and white documents further underscores its efficiency for high-volume tasks. These features make it a truly versatile all-in-one workhorse, capable of handling virtually any document task I throw at it.
Smart Ink Management: Instant Ink Ready
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is HP Instant Ink ready and Amazon Dash replenishment ready. While some users have mixed feelings about auto-replenishment programs, for others, it’s a huge benefit. The Instant Ink service monitors your ink levels and automatically orders and delivers new cartridges to your door before you run out. This can be a cost-effective solution for those with predictable printing volumes, often saving money compared to buying individual cartridges. However, it’s worth noting that managing the subscription plan to match erratic printing can be tricky, and some users have reported issues with cancellation or printer lockout if not subscribed. For those who prefer direct control, standard HP 952 ink cartridges (or high-yield XL versions) are readily available. The system is designed to remove the hassle of running out of ink at critical moments, ensuring uninterrupted productivity.
Durability and Design Considerations
Weighing 33 pounds and with its dimensions, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is certainly substantial. It’s built for a productive, high-volume office environment, designed to be robust enough for daily use. While some might find its “predominant bright white exterior” to be a departure from traditional office equipment, I personally find it clean and modern, fitting well into various office aesthetics. The one-year limited hardware warranty and 24/7 web support from HP provide peace of mind, knowing that assistance is available if needed. The internal components, like the printhead, are designed for longevity, though like any printer, occasional maintenance or replacement might be required after extended use.
Voices from the Community: Real-World Experiences with the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer
Having browsed countless user reviews, it’s clear that the wireless color printer generally earns high praise for its robust feature set and performance. Many users commend its fast printing speeds and the convenience of its single-pass duplex scanning. The large, customizable touchscreen is frequently highlighted as a user-friendly innovation. Mobile printing features like HP ePrint and AirPrint are consistently lauded for their ease of use, allowing printing from anywhere. However, some common frustrations include its significant bulk, the occasional high cost of replacement ink cartridges if not on a subscription plan, and some reported software glitches or connectivity issues, especially when interacting with specific third-party applications. The Instant Ink program receives mixed feedback; while some find it incredibly convenient and cost-saving, others have experienced billing discrepancies or difficulties cancelling the service, sometimes leading to printer lockouts. Despite these points, the consensus leans towards a powerful and versatile machine for small office environments.
Final Thoughts: Why the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer Might Be Your Next Printer
The daily struggle of managing a barrage of documents, from critical reports to family photos, demands a solution that is both efficient and reliable. Without a capable all-in-one device, the complications of slow processes, wasted paper, and missed deadlines can quickly compound, turning productivity into a frustrating chore. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer emerges as a formidable contender to conquer these challenges.
Its rapid print speeds, coupled with professional-grade color output, ensure that all your documents look their best, quickly. The advanced duplex printing, scanning, and copying capabilities streamline even the most demanding tasks, saving you precious time and resources. Furthermore, its versatile wireless connectivity and intuitive touchscreen interface make it incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to print, scan, and copy from virtually any device with ease. If you’re looking to upgrade your office’s capabilities and end the document management headache, this feature-rich all-in-one is a superb choice. To learn more and see if it’s your ideal solution, Click here to check the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 out.
Last update on 2025-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API