HP Smart-Tank 7301 Wireless Printer: In-Depth Review

The HP Smart Tank 7301 Wireless All-in-One Printer is designed for families and small businesses looking for an affordable, high-volume printing solution with exceptional print quality. This printer offers a range of features aimed at enhancing user convenience, reducing overall printing costs, and ensuring reliable wireless connectivity. In this review, we will cover the key features, performance, setup process, and overall value for money, providing a comprehensive look at what HP Smart Tank 7301 printer has to offer.

Specifications Overview

Feature	Description
Brand	HP
Model Name	ST 7301 AIO
Connectivity	Wireless, Mobile Print
Printing Technology	Inkjet
Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome)	15 ppm
Maximum Print Speed (Color)	9 ppm
Item Weight	17 pounds
Display Screen	Yes
Ink Type	Refillable Ink Tank
ADF Capacity	35 pages
Duplex Printing	Automatic Two-Sided Printing
Print Quality	High-quality text and color prints
Included Ink	2 years of ink included (up to 8,000 color pages)
Mobile Printing	AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, HP Smart App

Key Features of HP Smart Tank 7301

1. Wireless and Mobile Printing

The HP Smart Tank 7301 offers seamless wireless connectivity, allowing users to print from virtually anywhere using Wi-Fi. In addition to traditional computer printing, this printer supports mobile printing solutions like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and HP’s own Smart App. This functionality is a huge advantage for people who prefer printing from smartphones or tablets. The wireless connectivity is designed to ensure that even devices on different networks can easily communicate with the printer.

2. High-Volume Printing at Low Cost

One of the standout features of the HP Smart Tank 7301 is its cartridge-free ink system, which significantly reduces the cost of printing. The printer comes with refillable ink tanks that provide a much lower cost per page than traditional inkjet printers. HP claims that the printer includes up to two years of ink out of the box, which translates to approximately 8,000 color pages and 6,000 black-and-white pages. This makes the Smart Tank 7301 an excellent option for high-volume users who need to print frequently without worrying about constantly replacing ink cartridges.

3. Versatile All-in-One Functionality

The Smart Tank 7301 is not just a printer – it’s an all-in-one device that can print, copy, scan, and even fax (if connected to a phone line). Its versatility makes it suitable for both home offices and small businesses that need a reliable multifunction printer. The inclusion of an automatic document feeder (ADF) with a 35-page capacity further adds to its utility, allowing users to scan or copy multiple pages without having to manually feed them into the scanner.

4. Automatic Two-Sided Printing

A significant feature of the HP Smart Tank 7301 is its ability to print on both sides of a page automatically. This function, also known as duplex printing, helps save paper, which is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. For users who need to produce professional documents with a double-sided print, this feature is a time-saver.

5. Superior Print Quality

HP claims that the Smart Tank 7301 delivers high-quality prints, with crisp text and vivid color graphics. Whether you’re printing documents, photos, or creative projects, this printer is designed to handle a variety of media types and deliver consistently sharp results. The color prints, in particular, are lauded for their vibrancy, making this printer an excellent choice for photo printing.

6. Borderless Printing

The ability to print borderless photos or documents adds a professional touch to printed materials. Whether you’re printing photos for personal use or marketing materials for a small business, the borderless printing feature ensures that your projects have a clean, polished look with no white edges.

7. Easy Setup and Use

Setting up the HP Smart Tank 7301 is straightforward, thanks to the HP Smart App. The app allows users to quickly connect the printer to their Wi-Fi network and start printing with minimal effort. Additionally, the printer features an easy-to-use display screen, making it convenient to navigate through different functions and settings.

Performance and Speed

Print Speed

When it comes to speed, the HP Smart Tank 7301 is efficient, particularly for an inkjet printer. The printer can print up to 15 pages per minute (ppm) in black-and-white and 9 ppm in color. While these speeds are not the fastest on the market, they are sufficient for home office or small business environments where moderate print volumes are typical. For users who require extremely fast printing, this printer might not be ideal, but for most everyday tasks, its speed is more than adequate.

Print Quality

In terms of print quality, the HP Smart Tank 7301 delivers exceptional results, particularly for color printing. The ink tank system ensures that prints are vibrant and detailed. Text documents are sharp and clear, while photos and color graphics have vivid colors and smooth transitions. This printer is particularly praised for its photo printing capabilities, with many users commenting on the high-quality results they get with photo paper.

Copying and Scanning

The copy and scan functions of the Smart Tank 7301 are reliable, with a 35-page ADF providing the convenience of scanning or copying multiple pages at once. Both functions work well for standard office documents, but users looking for extremely high-resolution scans might want to consider a dedicated scanner. However, for typical scanning and copying needs, this printer does an excellent job.

Setup and User-Friendliness

Quick Setup

One of the main selling points of the HP Smart Tank 7301 is its easy setup process. Thanks to the HP Smart App, users can connect the printer to their Wi-Fi network in just a few minutes. The app provides step-by-step guidance, making the setup process accessible even for those who are not particularly tech-savvy.

Display Screen and Navigation

The printer comes equipped with a simple display screen that allows users to access and adjust settings with ease. The interface is intuitive, and users can quickly navigate through the printer’s various functions. Whether you’re adjusting the print quality, selecting the paper type, or scanning a document, the Smart Tank 7301’s display screen makes it easy to operate.

Mobile and Wireless Printing

The inclusion of mobile printing capabilities makes the Smart Tank 7301 a great choice for modern households and businesses. Users can print documents, photos, and other files directly from their smartphones or tablets, without needing to connect to a computer. This wireless convenience is a major time-saver, especially when you need to print something quickly while on the go.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

While the HP Smart Tank 7301 is generally well-received, there are some recurring themes in customer feedback, both positive and negative.

Positive Feedback

• Print Quality: Many customers praise the printer for its superior print quality, especially for color documents and photos. The vibrancy of printed colors and the sharpness of text make it a popular choice for users who need high-quality prints.
• Ease of Use: The setup process and user interface are frequently mentioned as standout features. The HP Smart App simplifies the setup, while the intuitive display screen makes navigating the printer’s settings a breeze.
• Value for Money: For users who print a high volume of documents, the inclusion of up to two years of ink makes this printer a cost-effective solution. The low cost per page due to the refillable ink tank system is another major advantage.

Negative Feedback

• Connectivity Issues: Some users report problems with the printer’s wireless connectivity, particularly when trying to connect it to home Wi-Fi networks. While this issue is not universal, it has been mentioned frequently in reviews.
• Functionality Problems: A few users have experienced technical issues, such as the printer not responding or failing to print altogether. These issues seem to be intermittent, with some users resolving them through troubleshooting, while others report persistent problems.
• Print Speed: While the print speed is adequate for most users, a few reviewers have mentioned that it is slower than expected. For those who need to print large volumes of documents quickly, this may be a limiting factor.

Value for Money

The HP Smart Tank 7301 offers excellent value for money, especially for those who print frequently. With the inclusion of up to two years’ worth of ink, users save significantly on ink costs, which is often one of the biggest expenses when owning an inkjet printer. The printer’s functionality, including mobile printing, automatic duplex printing, and borderless printing, further enhances its appeal.

However, the mixed reviews regarding connectivity and functionality mean that potential buyers should consider their specific needs. If wireless connectivity and reliability are top priorities, some users might find that the Smart Tank 7301 falls short. That said, for families and small businesses seeking a versatile and cost-effective printing solution, this printer remains a solid investment.

Final Thoughts

The HP Smart Tank 7301 Wireless Printer is an excellent choice for users who need an affordable, high-volume printing solution with the convenience of wireless and mobile printing. Its low cost per page, high-quality print results, and multifunction capabilities make it ideal for home offices and small businesses.

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