For years, like many of you, I wrestled with the perpetual headache of home and small business printing. The frustration of running out of expensive ink cartridges at the worst possible moment, coupled with the need for two separate printers—a speedy laser for documents and an inkjet for color—was a constant drain on my time and wallet. I desperately needed a singular, reliable device that could handle diverse tasks without breaking the bank on consumables. This pressing need drove my search for a truly efficient printing solution, and the HP Smart Tank 7602 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer ultimately caught my attention.
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The Smart Tank 7602 is perfect for families and small businesses printing a variety of color documents in high volumes. Print up to 15 pages per minute...
- FULLY LOADED WITH SAVINGS – Best for low-cost, high-volume printing—2 years of HP Ink included; get up to 8,000 color pages or 6,000 black pages right out of the box
- KEY FEATURES – Print, copy, scan and fax, plus automatic 2-sided printing, 35-page automatic document feeder, borderless prints, mobile and wireless printing
Key Considerations Before Investing in an Ink Tank Printer
If you find yourself constantly battling high ink costs or juggling multiple devices for different printing needs, an ink tank printer might be your salvation. These innovative machines are designed to solve the common frustrations associated with traditional cartridge-based printers, primarily by offering significantly lower costs per page and extended periods between refills. They are ideal for families, students, and small businesses that print in moderate to high volumes, producing everything from school reports and vibrant presentations to detailed invoices and colorful flyers.
However, an ink tank printer isn’t for everyone. If your printing needs are very minimal—perhaps just a few pages of black and white text per month—the initial investment might outweigh the long-term ink savings. In such cases, a basic laser printer for monochrome or an entry-level inkjet with occasional cartridge replacement could be more economical. Before making a purchase, consider several factors: your typical print volume, whether color printing is a priority, the required features (like scanning, copying, faxing, or automatic duplexing), connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet), the physical size of the printer, and crucially, the overall cost of ownership, including the bundled ink yield. Evaluating these points will help you determine if an ink tank system, like the HP Smart Tank 7602, is the right fit for your specific demands.
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Introducing the HP Smart Tank 7602: A Comprehensive Overview
The HP Smart Tank 7602 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer (model 28B98A) is HP’s answer to high-volume, low-cost, and high-quality printing for home and small office users. It’s a versatile all-in-one device designed to print, copy, scan, and fax, promising up to two years of ink right out of the box. Unlike its cartridge-based predecessors or even some entry-level ink tanks, the HP Smart Tank 7602 stands out with its robust feature set, including a 35-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), automatic 2-sided printing, borderless printing capabilities, and dual-band wireless connectivity with Ethernet for enhanced reliability.
This specific model is tailored for users who demand consistent quality and high output without the constant worry of ink replacement costs. It’s perfect for the busy homeschool parent, the home-based entrepreneur, or anyone who prints frequently in both color and black and white. It might not be the ideal choice for someone who needs lightning-fast print speeds comparable to high-end laser printers, or for those whose only printing needs are a handful of monochrome pages annually. The package includes the printer itself, the HP 32XL Black Original Ink Bottle, and individual HP 31 Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow Original Ink Bottles, along with both black and tri-color printheads, a power cord, and essential setup guides, ensuring you’re ready to print almost immediately.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Massive Ink Savings: Comes with up to 2 years (8,000 color/6,000 black pages) of ink, significantly reducing per-page costs.
* Versatile Functionality: Print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities in one compact unit.
* Time-Saving Features: Includes Auto Document Feeder (ADF) for multi-page tasks and automatic duplex (2-sided) printing.
* Excellent Print Quality: Delivers crisp text and vibrant, true-to-life color photos.
* Easy Setup & Refill: Spill-free ink tank design and guided setup via the HP Smart app make initial installation and refills remarkably simple.
* Flexible Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing options.
Cons:
* Initial Purchase Price: Generally higher upfront cost compared to cartridge-based printers.
* Print Speed: While adequate, it’s not as fast as dedicated laser printers for high-volume monochrome jobs.
* Audible Operation: Can be somewhat noisy during startup and printing.
* Advanced Feature Setup: Configuring “Scan to Email” or “Scan to Network Folder” can be complex and requires some technical know-how.
* Software Quirks: Occasional connectivity issues with mobile devices or older operating systems; firmware updates can sometimes be tricky.
In-Depth Look: Features and Practical Advantages
Having used the HP Smart Tank 7602 for an extended period, I can attest to how its core features truly transform the printing experience. Each component works together to address common pain points and deliver tangible benefits.
Revolutionary Ink Tank System & Incredible Ink Yield
This is, without a doubt, the flagship feature and the primary reason to consider the HP Smart Tank 7602. The refillable ink tank system eliminates the need for expensive, wasteful cartridges. Right out of the box, HP includes enough ink to last for up to two years of typical use, equating to an astounding 8,000 color pages or 6,000 black pages. This is a game-changer for anyone tired of the endless cycle of buying new cartridges.
How it performs: Refilling the tanks is incredibly straightforward and, most importantly, mess-free. The specially designed bottles have a unique key-and-lock system that only fits the corresponding tank, preventing spills and ensuring you can’t accidentally pour the wrong color into a tank. You simply invert the bottle onto the tank, and it fills automatically without squeezing, stopping when full. It’s so foolproof; I’d trust a ten-year-old to do it without supervision.
Why it’s important: The benefits here are immense. Firstly, the cost savings are phenomenal. The per-page cost is drastically lower than with traditional cartridges. Secondly, it’s a huge convenience factor – no more frantic trips to the store for ink. Thirdly, it’s far more environmentally friendly, significantly reducing plastic waste from discarded cartridges. This system genuinely delivers on its promise of low-cost, high-volume printing.
Seamless Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, and Mobile Printing
In today’s connected world, a printer needs to be accessible from multiple devices without fuss. The HP Smart Tank 7602 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer excels in this area, offering a variety of robust connectivity options.
How it performs: Featuring dual-band Wi-Fi, the printer maintains a stable connection, reducing frustrating dropouts. For those who prefer a wired connection or need maximum reliability in a small office, an Ethernet port is also included – a feature I found incredibly useful and often overlooked in modern printers. Mobile printing is a breeze thanks to the HP Smart app (available for Android and iOS) and built-in Bluetooth connectivity. I’ve printed documents from my phone, tablet, and PC with remarkable ease. Setting up wireless printing was surprisingly simple; the app guides you through the process, connecting the printer to your Wi-Fi and installing necessary drivers.
Why it’s important: This multi-faceted connectivity ensures that you can print from virtually any device in your home or office, whether it’s a laptop, smartphone, or Chromebook, without needing to be tethered by cables. The dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet provide reliable performance, minimizing interruptions and making the printer a true network-ready device.
Multi-functional Powerhouse: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
The “All-in-One” in its name isn’t just for show. The HP Smart Tank 7602 is a comprehensive solution, combining four essential office functions into a single, sleek unit.
How it performs: Beyond high-quality printing, it offers efficient copying, detailed scanning, and even fax capabilities. The flatbed scanner is great for single pages or delicate items, while the ADF handles stacks of documents. Copying multiple pages is quick and easy, and the fax function is there for when you need it.
Why it’s important: Consolidating these functions into one device saves considerable space and reduces the clutter of multiple machines. It’s perfect for small offices or homes where space is at a premium but versatility is essential. No need to buy a separate scanner or fax machine when this unit does it all competently.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) & Auto-Duplex Printing
These two features are productivity boosters that I now can’t imagine living without, especially for handling larger tasks.
How it performs: The 35-page Automatic Document Feeder allows you to stack multiple pages for scanning or copying, rather than placing each sheet individually. This is a massive time-saver for digitizing old documents or creating multi-page copies. Equally impressive is the automatic 2-sided (duplex) printing. The printer handles the page flipping itself, printing on both sides without any manual intervention. During duplex printing, the printer intelligently pauses to allow the ink to dry before flipping the page, though sometimes this can trigger a “continue” message on mobile apps which can be a minor annoyance if you interact with it prematurely.
Why it’s important: The ADF dramatically speeds up tasks involving multiple pages, such as scanning tax documents or copying a report. Auto-duplex printing not only saves paper (and thus money and environmental resources) but also produces more professional-looking documents. It’s a subtle feature that adds significant value to daily operations.
Exceptional Print Quality: Crisp Text and Vibrant Colors
Despite its focus on cost-efficiency, the HP Smart Tank 7602 doesn’t compromise on output quality. Utilizing HP Thermal Inkjet technology, it consistently produces impressive results.
How it performs: Black text is remarkably crisp and sharp, even at smaller font sizes, making it ideal for professional documents, reports, and schoolwork. Color prints are vivid and true-to-life, with a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi for color and 1200 x 1200 dpi for black. Photos, even on plain paper, are surprisingly good, and on appropriate photo paper, they can be frame-worthy.
Why it’s important: High print quality ensures that all your documents, whether they are text-heavy contracts or vibrant presentations, look professional and polished. This reliability means you don’t have to compromise on presentation, regardless of the print volume.
Intuitive User Experience: Touchscreen Display and HP Smart App
Ease of use from setup to daily operation is crucial for any printer, and the HP Smart Tank 7602 largely delivers.
How it performs: The printer features a matte-surface touchscreen display that is bright, responsive, and intuitive to navigate. This makes adjusting settings, checking ink levels, or initiating tasks directly from the printer a simple affair. Furthermore, the HP Smart app on your smartphone or PC provides an excellent guided setup experience. It walks you through everything from unboxing and filling the ink tanks to connecting to Wi-Fi and installing drivers, complete with clear pictures and simple instructions.
Why it’s important: A user-friendly interface significantly reduces setup headaches and makes daily operation a breeze. This is particularly beneficial for those who might be less tech-savvy, ensuring that everyone in the household or office can utilize the printer’s full range of capabilities without constant troubleshooting.
Advanced Scanning and Networking Capabilities
For those who need to integrate their printer into a more sophisticated digital workflow, the HP Smart Tank 7602 offers advanced scanning features, though with a minor caveat.
How it performs: The printer supports “Scan to Email” and “Scan to Network Folder” (e.g., a NAS drive). When set up correctly, these features allow for seamless digital archiving and sharing of documents directly from the printer’s interface. However, setting these up can be a bit challenging. For Scan to Email, you might need to create a dedicated email account with “App Passwords” and 2FA enabled, as standard secure email services like Gmail often block less secure channels. Similarly, Scan to Network Folder requires correct network permissions. The printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) is key for these configurations.
Why it’s important: These advanced features are invaluable for digitizing physical documents, improving workflow efficiency, and ensuring important papers are backed up and accessible. While the initial setup might require some patience and technical digging, the long-term benefits for document management are significant.
Design & Build Quality
The physical design of the HP Smart Tank 7602 is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
How it performs: The printer features a simple, sleek design with a pleasant blue accent. Its mid-size footprint (16.83″D x 9.46″W x 14.33″H) makes it suitable for various spaces. The paper tray allows paper to lie flat, and a clever plastic bag with handles during unboxing made lifting it out of the box surprisingly easy. While the main access door’s hinge and slow-close mechanism feel a tad delicate, it has held up well in long-term use.
Why it’s important: A well-designed printer fits neatly into its environment, and thoughtful unboxing/setup features enhance the initial user experience. The sturdy build, combined with easy access for maintenance, indicates a device designed for longevity. The internal light, though always on unless the printer is powered off, is a minor design oversight but not a deal-breaker.
Voices from the Field: What Users Are Saying
After scouring various online platforms, it’s clear that many users share my positive experience with the HP Smart Tank 7602, often highlighting its exceptional value and features. People consistently praise the stress-free ink refilling process, noting the spill-proof design and the generous ink supply that lasts for ages. Many have been pleasantly surprised by the impressive color and text print quality, finding it more than adequate for both everyday documents and vibrant photos. The ease of wireless setup, even for less tech-savvy individuals, is frequently commended. While some mention the printer’s noise or the slightly slower speed compared to a laser, these are generally considered minor trade-offs for the significant ink savings and comprehensive functionality. The ADF and automatic double-sided printing are also lauded as major time and paper savers, making this printer a solid recommendation for home and small office needs.
Final Thoughts: Why the HP Smart Tank 7602 is the Right Choice
In summary, the perennial problem of expensive, cartridge-hungry printers and the need for multiple devices to cover all printing needs has long plagued homes and small businesses. If left unaddressed, this leads to ongoing frustration, significant recurring costs, and unnecessary waste. The HP Smart Tank 7602 emerges as an excellent solution, directly tackling these complications. Its revolutionary ink tank system provides unparalleled ink savings, drastically lowering your cost per page. The comprehensive all-in-one functionality, including its ADF and auto-duplex capabilities, means you have a single, versatile machine for all your printing, scanning, copying, and faxing requirements. Furthermore, its user-friendly setup and robust connectivity options ensure a seamless experience for a wide range of users. For anyone seeking a high-volume, cost-effective, and reliable printing solution that won’t let you down, the HP Smart Tank 7602 is a fantastic investment. To explore more and check out this impressive printer, Click here to visit the product page.
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API