HP Smart-Tank 6001 Printer: In-Depth Review

The HP Smart-Tank 6001 is a wireless, all-in-one ink tank printer designed to deliver cost-effective, high-volume printing for home and office environments. As part of HP’s Smart Tank series, this printer offers a unique set of features aimed at making printing more efficient and affordable. In this detailed review, we will explore the key features, performance, customer feedback, pros and cons, and provide a final verdict on whether the HP Smart-Tank 6001 is the right choice for you.

Key Features and Specifications

The HP Smart-Tank 6001 is packed with several key features that make it stand out among similar printers in the market. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Feature	Details
Brand	HP
Connectivity Technology	Wired, Wireless
Printing Technology	HP Thermal Inkjet
Special Features	Auto-Duplex, Network-Ready, Refillable Ink Tank, Borderless Printing
Color	Grey, White
Model Name	ST 6001 AIO
Printer Output	Color
Maximum Print Speed (Color)	7 ppm
Maximum Print Speed (Monochrome)	12 ppm
Item Weight	14.07 Pounds
Included Ink	2 years of HP ink
Print Resolution	Up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS
Mobile Print	Yes, mobile print functionality with HP Smart app
Duplex Printing	Automatic 2-sided printing
Borderless Printing	Yes, for photos and documents

The most standout feature is the inclusion of two years’ worth of ink right in the box, making it especially appealing for those who need to print in bulk over an extended period. Additionally, the wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, make it convenient for various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to print without the need for cables.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the HP Smart-Tank 6001 impresses in several key areas. Its print speed is competitive, with the printer capable of printing up to 12 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 7 ppm in color, which is adequate for both home and office environments. While it may not be the fastest printer available, it strikes a balance between speed and print quality.

The print quality of the Smart-Tank 6001 is another highlight. HP has equipped this model with a thermal inkjet technology, which produces high-quality, crisp text and vibrant color documents. Whether you’re printing black-and-white office memos or full-color photos, the results are often praised for their vivid and true-to-life colors. The printer also supports borderless printing, which is ideal for printing photographs or professional documents that need to be edge-to-edge.

One feature that stands out for users with large printing volumes is the refillable ink tank system. The printer comes with two years of HP ink, which can print up to 8,000 color pages or 6,000 black-and-white pages. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective choice for households or businesses that do a lot of printing.

Connectivity and Wireless Functionality

HP has ensured that the Smart-Tank 6001 is not only easy to set up but also simple to connect to various devices. The wireless printing feature allows for printing directly from smartphones, tablets, or laptops using HP’s Smart app. The app allows users to monitor ink levels, set up printing tasks, and even print remotely.

However, while the printer does feature both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, some users have reported that the Wi-Fi connection can be a bit tricky to set up, especially in homes or offices with complex network configurations. Some users have experienced connectivity drops or difficulties in establishing a stable connection between the printer and their devices.

Customer Feedback

The customer feedback for the HP Smart-Tank 6001 is a mix of positive and negative reviews. While the high volume of ink provided with the printer and the low cost of printing are widely appreciated, the overall satisfaction seems to hinge on specific use cases.

Positive Reviews:

• Cost-Effective Printing: Many users have highlighted the printer’s ability to print at a very low cost per page, which is especially beneficial for families and small businesses that require high-volume printing. The two years of ink provided with the printer make it a great value for those who print regularly.
• Ease of Setup: Customers generally report that the setup process is straightforward and easy, thanks to the HP Smart app and intuitive installation process.
• Good Print Quality: Users are generally happy with the print quality, noting that both text and color documents are sharp, clear, and vivid, which makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of printing tasks.

Negative Reviews:

• Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues: One of the most common complaints is related to the printer’s Wi-Fi connectivity. Some users report difficulties connecting the printer to their network, while others mention occasional disconnections after initial setup. This issue can be frustrating, especially for those who rely heavily on wireless printing.
• Inconsistent Print Speeds: While the printer is advertised to print at 12 ppm for monochrome and 7 ppm for color, some users have found that the actual print speeds fall short of expectations. This can be particularly noticeable when printing larger documents or using both sides of the paper.
• Mixed Results with Borderless Printing: Some customers have also expressed dissatisfaction with the borderless printing feature, stating that it sometimes results in uneven edges or color inconsistencies on the paper.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Advantages
Two years’ worth of ink included (up to 8,000 color pages)
Low cost per page for high-volume printing
Fast and easy setup with the HP Smart app
High-quality prints with vivid colors and sharp text
Supports mobile printing and wireless connectivity
Auto-duplex printing saves paper and is eco-friendly
Borderless printing for photos and documents

Cons:

Disadvantages
Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported by some users
Print speed may not meet expectations for heavy users
Borderless printing can sometimes result in uneven edges or color issues

Final Verdict

The HP Smart-Tank 6001 is a strong contender in the all-in-one printer market, especially for those looking for a low-cost, high-volume printer with a focus on print quality. The included two years of ink and refillable ink tank system provide exceptional value for users who need to print frequently. Its mobile printing capabilities and automatic duplex printing make it a versatile choice for home offices and families.

However, the Wi-Fi connectivity issues and potential inconsistent print speeds may detract from the overall experience for some users. If you print a large volume of documents regularly and need reliable wireless connectivity, these issues could prove to be a dealbreaker.

For families or small businesses with moderate printing needs, this printer offers significant savings over time with low cost-per-page printing. While it’s not perfect, especially if you’re highly dependent on wireless connections, the HP Smart-Tank 6001 remains a solid choice for those looking to cut down on ink costs without sacrificing print quality. If you can tolerate some minor connectivity issues, this printer delivers on its promises and offers excellent long-term value.

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